Big promises for Ballarat region Opposition Leader Daniel Andrews visits Ballarat's Eureka Stadium and has a chat with Western Bulldogs star Robert Murphy. VICTORIA'S political leaders have stepped up their campaign for seats in the state's Goldfields region, posing with sick kids and kicking a footy with AFL players. Polling suggests there will be a fierce battle for the seats surrounding Ballarat that include Wendouree, Buninyong and Ripon. LET LEADERS KNOW YOUR VIEWS: Take our online poll on the issues that matter TUMMY EGGS: Does your local member support abortion law reform? Premier Denis Napthine has a word with Jack Bramley on a tour of the Ballarat Base Hospital. Premier Denis Napthine and Opposition Leader Daniel Andrews were both in Ballarat yesterday, making announcements less than an hour and 3km apart. Dr Napthine and Health Minister David Davis unveiled a Coalition pledge of an $83 million upgrade of Ballarat Hospital to include 96 new beds and a new cardiac lab. Part of the plan also includes an innovative shared fund between Ballarat and the Royal Children's Hospital that may allow some sick kids to be treated locally by specialists. The program is modelled on a successful trial between Barwon Health and the RCH. "Ballarat's children and their families are the big winners from this announcement," Dr Napthine said. Touring the hospital, the premier talked footy and health advice with Jack, 13, who was recently diagnosed with diabetes. Across town, Mr Andrews was also talking footy, promising that money for a $31.5 million upgrade to the Eureka Stadium will start to flow from Labor's first Budget if it wins. The promised upgrade includes a new grandstand and AFL-standard lights. Western Bulldogs chief executive Peter Gordon said if Labor delivered the upgrade, "we, the Western Bulldogs, will come ... we will make a long-term commitment to relocate two to three games per year to Eureka Stadium." Mr Andrews" wife Cath donned a team jumper and joked and laughed with Bulldogs players including Robert Murphy as they kicked a footy. Originally published as Ballarat region wins big on election promises