Pick me: Henderson pledges more money for projects in lead up to election

WITH the federal election less than 10 days away, incumbent Corangamite federal member Sarah Henderson has made a series of financial commitments around the region over the past week as she looks to retain her seat at the May 18 poll.

Ms Henderson visited many locations in her elction pledge tour, stopping off in Torquay, Ocean Grove, Drysdale, Apollo Bay and Winchelsea to announce promises of up to $3.5 million.

She promised that a re-elected Morrison Government would invest up to $1.5 million to protect coastal dunes and tackle coastal erosion along the Bellarine Peninsula and the Great Ocean Road.

“Dunecare engages the local community, especially secondary school students in dune protection and coastal planting,” Ms Henderson said.

“This investment will help protect and remediate fragile coastal dune systems from erosion.”

The funding will be distributed through the $100 million Environment Restoration Fund announced in the 2019-20 Budget.

Other funding commitments made in the last week included
• $3.5 million for the Drysdale Sports Precinct to improve its sporting facilities
• a $1 million promise to fund a major redevelopment of the Apollo Bay Surf Life Saving Club (SLSC)
• A further $135,000 for the Ocean Grove SLSC major redevelopment to fit out racks and storage for boards and surf skis
• $127,000 for Winchelsea Cricket Club for its new training facilities, and
• $165,000 to fund the construction of new lights and solar panels at the Leopold Memorial Reserve.

These pledges came on top of other Morrison Liberal Government budget funding and pledges including
• $5 million to upgrade Grubb Road*
• $4 million for a Health and Wellbeing Hub in Ocean Grove
• $580,000 for clubrooms upgrade at Collendina Cobras Junior Football Club.
• $2 million for Jan Juc SLSC construction
• $406,000 for the Torquay Bowls Club*, and
• $140,000 for a Live Stage at Jan Juc*.

*Funding contingent on the re-election of the Morrison Liberal Government.