Deputy Liberal Party Leader Louise Asher gave a presentation to City of Greater Bendigo staff and councillors, business leaders and politicians on Friday.

Ms Asher said the presentation had not been political, but was instead a factual look at how the Budget would impact Bendigo.

“It was a very factual briefing on what dollars are coming to Bendigo as a consequence of the Budget and the context of the money for regional Victoria,” she said.

“It was about education, it was not a piece of political spin.”

Highlights of the Budget include funding for the notorious Ravenswood Interchange, money for stage two works at Castlemaine Secondary College and $15 million for the Kangaroo Flat Aquatic Centre.

City of Greater Bendigo chief executive Craig Niemann said the aquatic centre announcement had been the “big win for Bendigo”

He said staff and councillors were speaking to all candidates about the council’s priorities ahead of the election.

“We’ve been very open and clear with all candidates about what Bendigo’s priorities are and we’d like to see them supported by all candidates throughout the election,” he said.

“We’ll work with all candidates about our priorities.

“There are lots of projects out there - lots of sport and recreation projects that we need to try to find funding for.”

But Member for Bendigo East Jacinta Allan said the Budget was “panicked”.

“It’s a Budget that’s more about shoring up Liberal votes in the suburbs of Melbourne,” she said.

“Important projects, like the Napier Street duplication, have missed out on funding.

“This is a top road priority for the region.”

Ms Allan said the ALP would release further policies as the election drew closer.