We need unity

A NEW unwelcome curve may have just been added to the long and winding road to a Geelong convention centre.

Yesterday we reported that Liberal figures wanted to move away from Deakin Waterfront’s mega carpark, which has in recent times become the most settled upon location.

They want a spectacular edifice built closer to the water, across the road, right on the coast.

As we reveal today, Geelong state Labor MP Christine Couzens has rubbished suggestions by the Liberal MPs that the convention centre be built on the water’s edge — rather than on the university carpark.

There is merit in all these proposals: a tall iconic building on the Deakin site could theoretically contain hotel space, and the necessarily large (not a measly 1000 seats) convention space, and retain excellent views of the bay from upper levels.

Similarly, we have some amazing coastline for a striking development right on the water.

What would be a tragedy is if the rival parties were to become so entrenched in their positions that the timely delivery of the convention centre was sacrificed on the altar of political pointscoring or nitpicking.

As this project takes shape the most likely form for the nine-figure development is one in which the cost is shared by Victoria, the Commonwealth, and a private hotel company.

Under a City Deal the state and federal contributions could be very similar.

Obviously, if one party was to contribute a lot more then they should have a steering role and greater say in the chosen coastal location.

But now that we officially seem to have a disarming federal-state divide on the preferred location, the need for an independent arbiter that can safely progress this project absent any politicking becomes much more important.

Such a body would also ideally be able to determine neutrally and decisively if there are fundamental problems or advantages of one site over others.