Redevelopment of Queenscliff Ferry Terminal in Victoria propelling forward

The $15.9 million redevelopment of the Queenscliff Ferry Terminal is a step closer with the tender awarded to Kane Constructions Pty Ltd to construct the new building.

Part of the Geelong City Deal, the project will upgrade the Queenscliff Ferry Terminal to address visitor’s needs , complete with modern facilities and bathrooms, safer access, improved car parking areas and opportunities for retail such as cafés and tourism ventures.

The Queenscliff Ferry Terminal is a project funded within the Geelong City Deal –a $382.48 million commitment between the Morrison Government, Victorian Government and the City of Greater Geelong to revitalise the city and regional economy by helping the region to capitalise on its natural assets and encouraging visitors to spend more time in the region.

This final stage of the project will construct an upper level of the terminal building and deliver works on the terminal roof, lift, boardwalk and gantry, as well as other outdoor elements.

The redevelopment and associated public area improvements aim to improve ferry services to this major tourism gateway to Geelong and the Great Ocean Road.

Searoad Ferries is the iconic car and passenger ferry service sailing Melbourne’s Port Phillip Bay between Sorrento and Queenscliff.

Operating since 1987, the service carries more than 900,000 people and 250,000 vehicles every year making it the busiest car and passenger ferry service in Australia.

The project is also on track to deliver a new public boardwalk when the ferry terminal is completed in September next year.

The redevelopment of the terminal is jointly funded with the Morrison Government contributing $10 million and Searoad Ferries contributing $5.9 million.

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:

“The upgrade of the Queenscliff Ferry Terminal will create 85 jobs during the construction and operation phases, and provide significant improvements to the ferry services which will help to drive growth in the local visitor economy by strengthening this region as a leading tourism destination.

“The Geelong City Deal is delivering $382.48 million in investment as part of a transformational 10-year partnership between the Morrison Government, Victorian Government and the City of Greater Geelong to revitalise the city and unlock the potential of the Great Ocean Road visitor economy.”

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

“This is an exciting development for the region and will improve visitor experiences at the Searoad Ferry site.”

“The redevelopment will help drive economic diversification and jobs growth, building on emerging strengths for Geelong and the Great Ocean Road region.”

Quotes attributable to Senator for Victoria, Sarah Henderson:

“The Geelong City Deal is delivering major projects to unlock the potential of our region, vital to our economic recovery.

“I congratulate the successful tenderer, Kane Constructions, which is responsible for a number of significant developments in Geelong including the Geelong Arts Centre, the Geelong Library, the NDIA headquarters and the transformation of the Kardinia Park stadium.”

“This terminal upgrade will provide a welcome economic boost to tourists and locals alike, creating 63 new jobs during construction and 22 ongoing jobs.”

Quote attributable to Acting Member for Bellarine, Gayle Tierney

“The Geelong City Deal continues to provide both social and economic benefits for the community.”

“The redevelopment will also generate new jobs in the hospitality industry, providing much-needed additional opportunities for young people.”

Quotes attributable to Matt McDonald, CEO at Searoad Ferries:

“The development of a new ferry terminal at Queenscliff offers significant benefits to visitors, including safer access for pedestrians, high quality experiences and improved disability access. The terminal will deliver new jobs in the construction phase, and a major economic boost for the region.”

“It will give ferry passengers a world class experience.”