Promises, promises

A week of election pledges from Libs and Labor in south of shire

MORE election pledges from the two major parties have arisen this week in Golden Plains.

Federal Member for Corangamite, Sarah Henderson announced that if a Liberal government is formed after 18 May, $3.2 million will be injected into the Bannockburn Entrance Project.

This will fund the construction of a roundabout at the problematic, accident-prone intersection of Geelong Road, Shelford-Bannockburn Road, Clyde Road and Kelly Road, next to the Bannockburn level crossing. A drive way to the Bannockburn Station Café also currently worsens congestion.

Ms Henderson said the project is of high importance. She witnessed a near-miss at the site while visiting last week.

“This is one of the most dangerous intersections in the Corangamite electorate and I’m really proud to have secured this funding,” she said.

“It’s Golden Plains’ number one priority project. This is a very big win for the Bannockburn community. Safer roads is a very high priority for me and fighting for the people I represent.”

Labor candidate for Corangamite, Libby Coker has not made a funding commitment to the intersection, but if her party forms government later this month, she’s giving sports projects some attention.

A $100,000 investment from Labor will go to lighting at Lethbridge Recreation Reserve where the Junior Football Club trains, matching a commitment of $100,000 made by the Golden Plains Shire.

Ms Henderson has also committed $100,000 to this project if the Morrison government is re-elected.

A Shorten Labor government will inject $832,000 into construction of female changerooms at Golden Plains Soccer Club, Bannockburn. This will include full players’ and umpires’ amenities, showers and toilets accessible to the public.

The opposition also plans to put $500,000 into Inverleigh Football and Netball Club to extend their club rooms, make the space more inviting for families and audiences, and improve storage and energy usage.

Ms Coker said providing good opportunities and amenities for athletes of all experiences and abilities, and encouraging physical activity is important.

“Our investments in local community sporting clubs and facilities like these help them build capacity to meet the welcome growth in local sporting participation and support more Australians to live active, healthy lifestyles,” she said.

Inverleigh FNC received $500,000 for improved clubrooms last month from the Federal government’s Community Development Program.

Golden Plains Shire Mayor, Cr Owen Sharkey welcomes the project commitments by both parties.

“Golden Plains is in the enviable position of having significant voting influence in the most marginal seat in the Federal election, which is valuable for all residents of the Shire,” he said.

“These Federal election commitments to deliver key infrastructure in Corangamite towns means that council can redirect its funds for other projects in the Shire’s smaller and northern towns.

“That’s how we get the best for everyone in Golden Plains.”