- Published:
- Tuesday 5 May 2015
The Andrews Labor Government is helping Geelong recover from the jobs crisis and four years of Coalition cuts to local schools, hospitals and services.
The 2015-16 Victorian Budget invests in the things that local families need to live a healthy, safe and comfortable life, and funds the projects that communities and businesses need to create jobs and drive growth.
In the jobs crisis that gripped our state over the last four years, Geelong fared the worst. Iconic businesses closed down, many more teetered on the edge, and young people couldn’t get a job.
The Budget invests $500 million in a Regional Jobs and Infrastructure Fund. Within it, the $200 million Regional Jobs Fund will support projects to give established industries a real future and emerging industries a real chance.
The $250 million Regional Infrastructure Development Fund will support the development of new centres and attractions to boost business and bring more visitors to regional Victoria.
The Budget allocates dedicated funds to get Geelong back on its feet with the $7.5 million Geelong Regional Innovation and Investment Fund and the $3 million Geelong Manufacturing Hub at Deakin University.
TAFE cuts hit regional Victoria the hardest. The Budget invests $300 million to complete the TAFE Rescue Fund, which will help regional campuses like The Gordon TAFE re-establish themselves and offer more courses.
Crucial regional Local Learning and Employment Networks such as Geelong Region LLEN and South-West LLEN have had their funding secured so they can work with kids who have or are in danger of disengaging go get the support they need for the job they want.
The previous Coalition Government cut funds for new school buildings by half. Across Geelong, kids were learning and teachers were working in unsafe, uncomfortable and crowded classrooms.
The Budget invests $324.6 million to rebuild, renovate or refurbish Victorian schools, including 21 in regional Victoria. Drysdale Primary, Moriac Primary, Geelong High School, Northern Bay P-12, Whittington Primary, Bellarine Secondary College, Highton Kinder and St Ignatius College will be getting much needed upgrades or rebuilds.
A new P-12 school will be built in Bannockburn, ensuring that this fast growing community has access to a local high school.
Secondary students deserve a head start on a hands-on vocation. The Budget provides $12 million to support and establish Tech Schools across the state including one in Geelong.
The Budget also prioritises funds to ensure that the Greater Geelong region retains its position as a premier visitor destination with $70 million for the Simonds Stadium upgrade to create regional Australia’s top stadium and $30 million to redevelop the Geelong Performing Arts Centre.
Victoria’s wine industry will also be supported with a $1 million package to assist with marketing and tourism opportunities to grow jobs across the Geelong and Bellarine wine regions.
Job creating projects across Geelong include:
- $70 million for Simonds Stadium
- $30 million for Geelong Performing Art Centre
- $3.15 million for Queenscliff Sports Precinct
- Over $30 million worth of upgrades and rebuilds at across multiple Geelong schools.
- $13.5 million for Portarlington Safe Harbour
- $3 million for stage 2 of Leopold Community Hub project.
- $115 million for Waurn Ponds stabling and maintenance yard for V/Line trains
The Budget invests $650 million, much of it in regional Victoria, to fix roads and public transport and upgrade freight corridors, so businesses can get their goods to market sooner and regional families can get to their destinations safer.
The Budget allocates funds towards a major investment in 21 new VLocity carriages to carry more passengers on the V/Line network. There is also $115 million for new train stabling and maintenance in Waurn Ponds, which will create 30 ongoing jobs once completed.
Under the Coalition, millions of dollars were cut from our health system and thousands of regional families were left behind. That’s why the Labor Government is investing $1.3 billion into Victoria’s hospital system.
The Budget provides almost $100 million to fix the ambulance crisis by reducing response times and upgrading ambulance stations, equipment and vehicles across the state.
Users of ice and their distraught families will get the help and support they need, under the Labor Government’s $45.5 million Ice Action Plan. This includes $15 million to provide Victoria Police with new drug and booze buses.
Policing resources will also be increased with $7.8 million to pay for dedicated police officers to keep Geelong and the Bellarine safe.
Quotes attributable to Premier of Victoria, Daniel Andrews
“Over the last four years, too many young people have packed up and left home in search of jobs. That’s why we’re investing in schools, skills and local industries, to get regional cities and towns back to work.”
“Dedicated regional funds will create the jobs of the future, whilst the TAFE Rescue Fund will ensure that kids can get the training they need for the job they want.”
Quotes attributable to Member for Geelong, Christine Couzens
“Labor promised to deliver on much needed school upgrades and we have delivered. This is great news for the community, as we all know that kids can’t get a first rate education in a second rate classroom.”
“Hard pressed families are also supported with funds for school uniforms, camps, and excursions, as every kid deserves the best chance in life.”
Quotes attributable to Member for Lara, John Eren
“With the great investment in Simonds Stadium and GPAC, Geelong will have the best sporting and major events infrastructure in regional Australia. This is great for jobs, great for tourism and great for our way of life.”
“Local sport is also supported across Greater Geelong with significant investment in sporting infrastructure.”
Quotes attributable to Member for Bellarine, Lisa Neville
“Too many local jobs were lost under the Liberals and this budget puts our area back on track. Whether it’s funds for the redevelopment of GPAC or upgrades to Queenscliff Sports Precinct, this budget is great news.”
“We’re also keeping our community safe with a $7.8 million package to bring new police officers to our area and upgrades to Bellarine SES headquarters and Ocean Grove Life Saving Club. This is about putting people first.”