The Victorian government has started its big sell of the state budget, however business leaders are worried jobs will go.
They say there will be jump in the payroll tax paid by big businesses in the budget.
However small businesses have had a win with the threshold raised by $200,000.
There is some funding for Geelong, including $11 million for the You Yangs and Serendip Sanctuary, and funding for Torquay Bowls Club and an ambulance station at Armstrong Creek.
Money will also be put into local schools for upgrades.
However Liberal member for Polwarth Richard Riordan said nothing had been budgeted for the 2026 Commonwealth Games.
“The Surf Coast and Geelong are looking down the barrel of an unfunded Commonwealth Games bid,” he said.
“We’ve already heard the pool’s being packed up and going away after the games.”
He said regional roads would also suffer as Labor spruiks its level crossing removal program.
“Country and regional Victoria, the Bellarine Peninsula and down the Surf Coast, our roads are in desperate need of maintenance and repair.
“The government just keeps winding back our share of country infrastructure.”
Picture: Richard Riordan [via Facebook]