$15.68 million awarded to Shipwreck Coast infrastructure projects

Five infrastructure projects are being supported with new grants designed to enable private sector investment along Victoria’s iconic Shipwreck Coast, thanks to the Geelong City Deal’s Private Sector Business Enablement Fund (PSBEF). 

The Australian Government funding will support the region to capitalise on its natural beauty and create up to 360 new jobs in the Shipwreck Coast region through the new projects.

The $15.68 million in grants will be invested in infrastructure that has the potential to stimulate over $150 million in private capital investment to support the growth of the visitor economy, principally through new and improved accommodation offerings.

The five projects that have been awarded grants are:

• Princetown Enabling Public Works Project – funding for upgrades to Old Coach Road, a contribution towards the construction of a replacement bridge and new shared-use trail infrastructure. This project will facilitate private sector investment in a proposed eco-lodge facility and support improved public access to the Princetown Recreation Reserve.
• Sow and Piglets Brewery – funding for electric vehicle and electric bike charging stations at the Sow and Piglets Brewery in Port Campbell to support sustainable tourism and grow visitation to the Timboon-Port Campbell Rail Trail and the 12 Apostles Food Artisans Gourmet Trail.
• Kangaroobie Camp – upgrade of wastewater treatment facilities to support the expansion of camp accommodation facilities at Princetown. This investment will help the business to position itself to expand.
• Great Ocean Road Retreat – power supply upgrade, telecommunications and road infrastructure for the Great Ocean Road Retreat at Peterborough, which is a proposed 36-room motel and restaurant development.
• 12 Apostles Hot Springs Resort – funding to support enabling infrastructure including wastewater, storm water, potable water and road infrastructure. This will facilitate the development of a resort that includes construction of geothermal hot springs infrastructure, accommodation pods and hotel facilities.

These projects complement the future development of the new Visitor Experience Centre at the Twelve Apostles Precinct, providing an improved experience for domestic and international tourists into the future. The enabling infrastructure funded by the PSBEF will stimulate investment in accommodation and visitor experiences that will attract tourists and stimulate the local economy.

The $23.4 million PSBEF is a key component of the $108.15 million - Shipwreck Coast priority projects initiative identified in the Shipwreck Coast Masterplan under the Geelong City Deal, with $88.15 million funded by the Australian Government and $20 million funded by the Victorian Government.

Deal partners will consider options for the remaining $7.72 million in the PSBEF as part of the three-year review of the Geelong City Deal, due to commence in mid-2022.

The Geelong City Deal is a $500 million commitment between the Australian and Victorian governments and the City of Greater Geelong to revitalise the city and regional economy, encouraging visitors to spend more time in the region by capitalising on its natural assets.

For more information on the Geelong City Deal, visit www.citydeals.infrastructure.gov.au/geelong.

Quotes attributable to Federal Minister for Communications, Urban Infrastructure, Cities and the Arts, the Hon Paul Fletcher MP:

“Delivery of the priority projects along the Shipwreck Coast under the Geelong City Deal will enhance opportunities for visitors to enjoy the natural coastline while strengthening the local economy and supporting local employment opportunities.

“The PSBEF will deliver essential infrastructure to enable and accelerate private sector investment, bringing significant benefits to the region.”

Quotes attributable to Victorian Minister for Regional Development, the Hon Mary-Anne Thomas MP:

“These five important projects will set the stage for Victoria’s iconic 12 Apostles to become an even brighter beacon for Australian and international visitors.”

“Supporting these projects will help to improve accessibility, boost local businesses expansion and create more jobs for regional Victorians.”

Quotes attributable to Federal Minister for Trade, Tourism and Investment, the Hon Dan Tehan MP:

“The Australian Government continues to make a substantial investment along the Shipwreck Coast supporting jobs and the visitor economy.”

Quotes attributable to Member for Western Victoria Gayle Tierney, the Hon Gayle Tierney MP

“The 12 Apostles precinct is the jewel in the crown of the Shipwreck Coast and we are so pleased these new projects will be supported.”

“This region is already a magnet for visitors and we know there is even more potential to grow local businesses and support more jobs for this important part of our coast.”