Fri, 27 Aug 2021 - 09:20
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Geelong City Deal delivering for the Victorian port city

Geelong City Deal delivering for the port city

The second annual progress report for the $382.48 million Geelong City Deal has been released today, detailing the significant impact the 10-year plan is already having across the city.

A key milestone includes the opening of the new $10.1 million, 440-metre Wave Attenuator late last year. A major new feature for Geelong’s Waterfront Safe Harbour Precinct, ‘Wangim Walk’ stretches out over Corio Bay to form one of Australia’s longest on-water walkways, providing a safe harbour for the Royal Geelong Yacht Club while allowing the public to walk out over the water.

Significant progress has also been made on the new Queenscliff Ferry Terminal with a new boardwalk and rock groyne already built and construction of the new terminal building underway. The new terminal will improve ferry services to this major gateway, create new opportunities for tourism and help drive economic diversification and jobs growth.

The Twelve Apostles Precinct Redevelopment Project Plan was also endorsed, which includes a $23.4 million Private Sector Business Enablement Fund. The fund aims to progress public infrastructure projects that support businesses and activate private investment opportunities along the Shipwreck Coast, with applications under the first stage of the fund already coming through.

The $5 million Green Spine Block 1 project is progressing, with drainage, kerb and channel works between Gheringhap and Clare streets complete and final works underway.

The $3 million Geelong Train Station Upgrade is in its early stages, with brighter and more energy efficient LED lighting being installed throughout the station car parks and bus canopy to improve community safety.

There have been a number of major contracts awarded along the Great Ocean Road, including for the detailed design of the $12 million Redevelopment of Apollo Bay Harbour, planning and design works for the $5 million Apollo Bay to Skenes Creek Coastal Trail and $1.9 million for Tourism Infrastructure at Kennett River.

For more information on the Geelong City Deal, including the second annual progress report, visit www.infrastructure.gov.au/cities/city-deals/geelong/

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

“The Geelong City Deal, which includes $183.8 million in funding from the Commonwealth, is a commitment from all three levels of government to deliver lasting infrastructure that helps to generate jobs, inject money into the local economy and increase the livability of the city.

“Significant progress has been made under the Deal to date and I look forward to continuing to work closely with our delivery partners to realise our collective vision for Geelong.”

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

“This Deal is helping to revitalise Geelong and the greater region from the Bellarine Peninsula to the Great Ocean Road and Shipwreck Coast.”

“It is delivering attractions and infrastructure that will cement the region’s standing as a leading tourism destination and a fantastic place to live, work and invest.”

“Milestones have been achieved for key projects at Queenscliff, Geelong’s waterfront and CBD and Apollo Bay, among other locations – all supporting jobs growth and a strong economy.”

Quotes attributable to the Mayor of the City of Greater Geelong, Councillor Stephanie Asher:

Mayor of the City of Greater Geelong, Councillor Stephanie Asher, said she was glad to see the shared objectives of the Geelong City Deal come to life thanks to the joint investment and collaboration of all three levels of government with industry, community, and the university sector. 

“Our shared vision for this Deal is to revitalise Geelong, cement our place as a leading tourism destination, and deliver the infrastructure this city needs and deserves to be an even better place to live, work and invest – and that’s what we’ve been doing in these first two years,” Councillor Asher said.

Quotes attributable to Senator for Victoria the Hon Sarah Henderson:

“The Geelong City Deal is continuing to drive major economic support across the Geelong region which will be even more vital as we recover from the pandemic, especially for the visitor economy.

“From Wangim Walk to the Queenscliff Ferry Terminal to major investments down the Great Ocean Road, the Geelong City Deal is creating wonderful new opportunities for tourism and jobs growth.  I am anxious to see much needed progress on the Geelong convention centre also.”

Quotes attributable to Member for Bellarine Lisa Neville:

“The City Deal is delivering for the Bellarine, with priority projects like the Sorrento and Queenscliff  Ferry terminals being redeveloped, helping bring back visitors to the region, boosting businesses and growing the local economy.

“While the Green Spine project is a vital part of the Revitalising Central Geelong Action Plan and a fundamental part of securing the economic success of our city.”