Surf Coast Times
Tuesday 11 May 2010
VOL 8. No 19
www.surfcoasttimes.com.au
FREE WEEKL WEEKLY
$110M WIN New hospital and stage 4C of the ring road highlight 2010 State Budget projects for the Surf Coast
BY NATHAN HALE RESIDENTS throughout the Surf Coast will benefit from multi-million dollar health and infrastructre projects announced in last week’s State Budget. More than $110million will be ploughed into two major projects which will have huge impacts on the community throughout the Surf Coast Shire. Headlining the cash splash from this year’s budget is $33.6million for a new hospital. The hospital has been earmarked for the impending Armstrong Creek development, which means – once completed – vital health services will be available within a 15-minute drive from Torquay and around 30 minutes from Anglesea. The new hospital will mean those needing emergency services will no longer need to battle central Geelong traffic. State Member for South Barwon, Michael Crutchfield – who was last week announced as chair of the committee which will oversee the establishment of the new hospital – said it is a huge boost for the region. “This announcement is great news for families living in this great part of our state,� he said. “The new hospital will ensure families in our region have access to the very best healthcare for generations to come. “I look forward to working with the community to progressing this project.� The other major budget announcement came in the shape of $76.9million to construct stage 4C of the Geelong Ring Road. The link will see 4C leave Anglesea Road and follow the existing railway line through the new Armstrong Creek development before joining the Surf Coast Highway. The new section will join the Surf Coast Highway just south of the railway line at Grovedale, while those looking to travel the
Great Ocean Road will be able to continue on Anglesea Road. Other budget highlights for the Surf Coast include: • An additional $2,000 for first-time, new home buyers in the region – bringing the total assistant to $26,500 • More police throughout the region as part of a statewide initiative • A boost to fire preparation and emergency responses • A $600,000 boost to Lifesaving Victoria to help and support local clubs As part of the $136.6million fire preparation injection, $500,000 will be used to support local councils further develop Neighbourhood Safer Places. While welcoming the support, Surf Coast Shire Mayor, Libby Coker, said the government needed to make council support a priority in this instance. “We are pleased the government has announced more support for councils to establish Neighbourhood Safer Places,â€? she said. “However, council committed more than $230,000 of its own funds on a range of fire preparation activities on public and privately owned land with only $8,000 contributed by the government. “A greater government contribution to vegetation management is required to ensure residents remain safe during the fire season. “Given the importance of tourism to the Victorian economy and the obvious community safety imperative, increased support for fire preparation on the Surf Coast is in the whole state’s interest. “We are continuing to seek more support from the Victorian government to ensure we can be better prepared to protect residents and visitors.â€? See Page 16 for a full local look at the 2010 State Budget.
Surf Forecast
Plans are under way for an Anglesea Music Festival, which has been pencilled in for October this year. Following the success of Anglesea Live over the past decade, organiser Karren Stoneham, pictured with Paul Weight (back), Stu Mackenzie (middle) and Jack Robbins, has planned a three-day extravaganza from October 8-10. See full story Page 3. Photo: MICHAEL CHAMBERS
WED 4-6ft inconsistent, SW 13° THU 3-4ft easing, SW 14° FRI 1-3ft WNW clean 17° SAT 1-3ft clean N 17°
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