Sarah Henderson (Corangamite, Liberal Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I rise to celebrate the fact that almost $5 million has been awarded to three fabulous new projects in Corangamite under our National Stronger Regions Fund: the Destination Queenscliff Precinct Revitalisation project, the Bannockburn Civic Heart project and the Winchelsea Town Centre Beautification project. These projects are so important for their local communities. They are very much focused on creating local jobs and improving community infrastructure. It was regrettable that the member for Corio in talking about Stronger Regions did not, in fact, acknowledge the very significant funding that has been provided to his electorate in previous rounds. There was $7.25 million to help fund Baptcares Norlane community hub and another $1 million for Diversitat's Healthy Living Centre for Ageing in Norlane. So this is our government, very proudly standing up and investing in regional communities. And there are more opportunities under our Building Better Regions Fund. Unlike its predecessor the Stronger Regions Fund, the Building Better Regions Fund will consider small, medium and large projects separately, so that small community projects do not compete directly with large infrastructure projects, and there are some fabulous projects up for consideration. I will continue to fight very hard for the Geelong Waterfront Safe Harbour Precinct project and the City of Geelong's bowls project and encompasses an agribusiness centre of excellence. The Building Better Regions Fund is all about our government's commitment to building better regions right across Australia.