By Sarah Pettiford, October 8, 2019.
Federal Minister for Population, Cities and Urban Infrastructure, Alan Tudge, and the Victorian Minister for Regional Development, Jaclyn Symes, announced the Geelong City Deal Implementation Plan today at the Royal Geelong Yacht Club.
The Hon Alan Tudge said the City Deal Implementation Plan would inject $370 million into Geelong and the broader Great Ocean Road region.
“Earlier this year, we outlined our promises to rebuild the tourism infrastructure in this iconic part of the world; today, we commit to the Implementation Plan to make it happen,” Mr Tudge said. “This is government working at its best when the three levels come together to agree a long-term master plan.”
Mayor of Greater Geelong Bruce Harwood said with sound plans in place, a number of important infrastructure initiatives can become a reality.
“This is an exciting time for the Greater Geelong region with projects under the Deal set to create employment opportunities for our growing community and attract more tourists to our clever and creative region,” Cr Harwood said.
“With a finalised Implementation Plan in place, we can now move forward with key projects designed to further revitalise our CBD and waterfront, grow our visitor economy and ensure the diverse natural beauty of the region can be enjoyed by everyone well into the future.”
The three levels of government will work in collaboration with the Royal Geelong Yacht Club to support the delivery of the Geelong Waterfront Safe Harbour Precinct (GWSHP) Project.
Building on previous investment from all three levels of government and the Royal Geelong Yacht Club, the City Deal is investing a further $3.5 million to support the installation of the wave attenuator – a vital element to the delivery of the $19 million project.
The GWSHP Project includes a series of on and off water components. On the water, the project involves the installation of a new publicly accessible wave attenuator, marina arm and casual berthing. Off water, the project is developing Royal Geelong Yacht Club education facilities and public realm improvements including greater pedestrian and cyclist access throughout the precinct.
The redevelopment of the Geelong Waterfront will transform and activate the entire precinct, improving connectivity and public access to the waterfront, supporting tourism and community activities, ensuring year round visitation to the waterfront and providing support for major events that contribute to the local economy.
Read more about the GWSHP Project HERE.
Read more about the City Deal HERE.
