Liberals proud to put the community first in Corangamite 

Today I was delighted to join the Portarlington community for the official opening of the $2 million Bellarine Community Health (BCH) redevelopment, made possible by the former Coalition government.

As a result of a 2019 Liberal election commitment not matched by our opponents, I am so proud that this Commonwealth investment in the health and well-being of the Portarlington community has delivered such positive dividends. 

The redevelopment includes new community and allied health spaces and a new op shop run by the Portarlington Ladies Auxiliary.  I congratulate BCH for delivering this wonderful asset under difficult circumstances during the pandemic. I also congratulate the op shop’s hardworking volunteers who have raised an incredible $1 million for BCH since they began operations. 

Backed by $4 million from the former Coalition government, I am also delighted that BCH will soon start construction on a new child and youth services centre in north Ocean Grove.  Stage 2 of the project requires a $3.5 million state government grant and I call on Bellarine MP, Alison Marchant, to ensure this funding is delivered.

Today’s event follows yesterday’s official opening of the new Queenscliff ferry terminal, an iconic tourism asset, made possible by the former Coalition government’s Geelong City Deal. 

Supported by $10 million of federal funding from the Coalition after the Andrews Labor government tried to stop any City Deal funding going to Corangamite, I am so proud of what Searoad Ferries has delivered in partnership with the Commonwealth.  

With Searoad carrying more than 1 million passengers across Port Phillip Bay each year, this state-of-the-art terminal is a vital gateway to regional Victoria including our magnificent beaches, wineries and national parks in the Geelong region, Bellarine Peninsula and Great Ocean Road.