The Abbott Government brought their re-announcement tour to Ballarat today seeking to claim Labor’s $9.1 million investment for Stage 1 of the Ballarat Freight Hub.
Federal Member for Ballarat, Catherine King said she was surprised to see Senator Michael Ronaldson in town claiming credit for Labor’s investment.
“In last year’s budget Labor allocated $9.1 million for the Ballarat Freight Hub to drive major economic activity in the Ballarat West Employment Zone,” Ms King said.
“At the time the Senator claimed this funding did not exist.
“This project is critical for employment in Ballarat as the city continues to grow in the years ahead and will deliver a projected 9000 new jobs and $5 billion in economic output each year.
“While I’m pleased Labor’s funding for the Ballarat Freight Hub will now be honoured, our region received no benefit from 8 months of delays until the government finally confirmed Labor had the right priorities all along.
“When Labor took office Australia was 20th on a list of 25 OECD nations in terms of infrastructure spending as a proportion of GDP.
“Due to Labor’s record of investment we now sit at the top the list.
“Instead of re-announcing Labor projects the Abbott Government needs to come up with their own plans for infrastructure investment that will support our community into the future.”
To access Labor’s announcement from 2013, click here: https://www.catherineking.com.au/media/budget-provides-$9-1-million-for-ballarat-freight-/
The project is also included on the Department of Infrastructure’s May 2013 – Program of Works Infrastructure Investment for Victoria:
http://investment.infrastructure.gov.au/publications/administration/pdf/Program_of_Works_Vic_May_2013.pdf