Premier Denis Napthine yesterday announced his government would set up a $100 million fund for infrastructure works in the state’s 10 regional cities if re-elected on November 29.

But Warrnambool’s much-maligned rail service is not included in a $2.7 billion spend-up on new trains that was also announced at the Liberal Party’s campaign launch in Ballarat.

Dr Napthine, who is also South West Coast MP, was given a rapturous reception from the party faithful which included his predecessors Jeff Kennett and Ted Baillieu.

He outlined several election commitments, including:

Dr Napthine told The Standard yesterday his government’s pledges would have a noticeable flow-on effect in south-west Victoria if re-elected.

“(The regional cities pledge) will have an enormous impact on Warrnambool,” the Premier said. 

“The government has already invested in the Horne Road industrial estate and now there’s the ambitious revitalisation of the Warrnambool CBD.

“Young families on tight budgets will gain from the $100 rebate on kindergarten fees. Making sure more young people get a strong start to school is a high priority.”

The Premier detailed plans for a $75 million youth employment program involving $2000 vouchers to cover the cost of hiring those unemployed for at least six months.

“Unfortunately, some young people in our region battle chronic unemployment. 

“But this is a program to tackle that issue and give young people the opportunity to be employed and for employers to drive recruitment.”

Hundreds of Liberal Party members gathered at Ballarat Lodge, south of the city centre, for the lunchtime function with speeches from Planning Minister Matthew Guy and Deputy Premier Peter Ryan.

Protestors from various trade unions assembled outside on Main Road, jeering at several ministers entering the function.

The Premier’s son Tom Napthine gave a rousing speech to the assembled crowd, introducing his father. 

The 24-year-old is due to start as a teacher at Warrnambool College next year.

“I was very proud of Tom to introduce me. It was very emotional and he did an excellent job,” Dr Napthine said. 

South West Coast Labor candidate Roy Reekie said vocational education had been ignored in the Premier’s speech and the youth unemployment rebate was a “$2000 giveaway”.

“The Coalition’s train plan is focused on VLocity trains but it’s been confirmed that those trains are not able to travel along the Warrnambool line,” Mr Reekie said.

“There needs to be significant investment in the Warrnambool line and a specific plan, but what we’re being offered here is just general train funding that will not be seen in this region.”