Geelong
Friday, 21 August, 2015
Connecting people and communities
Phone: 5249 6700 Trades and Classifieds: 1300 666 808
Breathing easier now MORIAC’S Kezia Calvert almost lost son Jensen, 5, to a common Australian killer. Now she’s sharing her story to help prepare other families in case of emergency. FULL STORY, PAGE 11 Picture: GREG WANE
BOTTLOS, POLICE IN WAR ON BOOZE THEFT P5
■ Council advised to reject $6m demand
■ State ‘wants $1.5m a year for new trust’
Claws out for cash strings is the revelation that a State Government-appointed trust taking over management of the stadium comes with a $1.5 million annual price tag attached. Councillors are divided over the Cats’ demand for $6 million, with many ratepayers believing the money could be better-spent
By PAUL MILLAR WARY councillors will defy inhouse recommendations if they agree to splurge $6 million on further upgrades to Simonds Stadium . Another major sticking point in any loosening of council purse
elsewhere with others arguing the city needs a world-class stadium to attract visitors. Sources told the Independent that City Hall officers had prepared a report advising councillors against providing the money. Councillor Eddy Kontelj, who holds council’s finance
portfoliol, admitted to “nervousness“ about committing such a large sum. The ongoing surcharge of $1.5 million a year for the trust also troubled him. “The State Government is installing a trust to take over the ownership and running of the
stadium and I don’t believe that the residents of Geelong should be contributing to the ongoing operating costs. I just don’t think they should be paying $1.5 million annually,“ Cr Kontelj said. Continued page 4
FLANNERY WARM-UP ACT FOR LITERARY FEST P19
1195878-LB34-15
1180703-LB22-15
our 5 sta r bus dep arts
BOOK NOW FOR AN EARLY BIRD DISCOUNT
EVERY SUNDAY IN 2015
•Skis •Snowboards •Clothing •Hire&Sales
Phone: 5244 0111 Mobile: 0424 660 207 Shop 4, 160 Marshalltown Road, Grovedale
CHECK OUT OZEXTREME WEBSITE FOR SNOW REPORTS www.ozextreme.com.au
E FREvery i Dendlitions Apply
AND PACK AGING
Co
WE NOW DO PACKAGING TALK TO US, WE’LL SAVE YOU Want to save money? Call us for a FREE no-obligation onsite evaluation
1300 650 277 32AGordonAve,GeelongWest•www.affordablecleaningsupplies.com.au
Licensed VicRoads Roadworthy Tester
for all your automotive requirements 1185842-FA22-15
6995
$
our re y shop a We stop one