Bid for centre pushes on

SUPPORTERS of the Geelong Convention Centre say they are “not stepping back” from the project, despite insider claims the proposed Deakin waterfront carpark location is no longer tenable.

Corangamite MP Sarah Henderson has labelled the project a “debacle” after Regional Development Minister Jaala Pulford would not answer when asked if the State Government still preferred the waterfront option.

“The reason the convention centre business plan is in such a mess is because a convention centre is not viable without major private sector development,” Ms Henderson said.

“A successful Geelong convention centre requires extensive private sector investment — including one or more hotels and arguably substantial retail, commercial and restaurant developments.”

Ms Henderson used the opportunity to once again call for an independent development corporation to oversee the Geelong region.

Ms Pulford told the Geelong Advertiser late yesterday the centre was still “a high priority” for the State Government.

“Developing a convention centre for Geelong remains a high priority for our government but the proposal needs more work,” she said.

Key stakeholder groups, such as the G21 Geelong Region Alliance and Committee for Geelong, remain optimistic about the project.

G21 chief executive Elaine Carbines said she understood the business case was being reworked, and said she had “no further information” to suggest the waterfront site was off the table.

“We’re not stepping back — we’re still strongly supportive of the need for a Geelong convention centre,” Ms Carbines said.

“We’re giving the Government the benefit of the doubt, and we’re looking forward to more details later this year.”

Ms Carbines acknowledged one of the potential concerns that had been raised about the waterfront site — a dearth of nearby accommodation — would need to be addressed.

“There’s a really obvious need for more accommodation in Geelong and the wider region,” she said.

Committee for Geelong acting chief executive Rosemary White said the organisation would “continue to work collaboratively” with the State Government on the project.

“We believe that there is further work required on the business case,” Ms White said.

“Nevertheless, we are optimistic that a convention centre for Geelong will be a reality in the future.”