MAYOR TOUTS APPEAL OF AVALON DEAL
The Andrews Government has budgeted $50 million to identify a preferred option and to evaluate the required upgrades and costs.
It has previously said that it will examine the potential of electrifying the existing rail corridor, and has also mooted running trains capable of travelling up to 300kmh.
The rail inquiry is being held as Avalon Airport chief executive Justin Giddings seeks a light rail connection to the airport.
His concept would see a new station built between Lara and Little River that connected to the airport terminal via a bus or light rail service.
“Instead of bringing the rail into the airport, we’re almost taking the airport into the rail line,” Mr Giddings said.
“It’s one we’re very keen to pursue.”
The Geelong Advertiser travelled to Kuala Lumpur courtesy of AirAsia. ‘DREAM the impossible’ has long been AirAsia’s mantra.
When Avalon Airport was in limbo just three years ago, with its only operator Jetstar considering pulling out, this moment seemed an impossibility.
But a State Government rescue deal was struck, owners Linfox held firm and CEO Justin Giddings never wavered in his bid to connect Avalon to the world.
The assault of lights from photographers and television crews underlined the significance of the realisation of that long-held dream.
Media from five different Asian countries descended on Kuala Lumpur on Tuesday night to hear about AirAsia’s new service to Avalon.
Reporters from mainstream outlets in Thailand and China joined Korean social media ‘influencers’ to learn more about Geelong and the Great Ocean Road.
The event, held at AirAsia’s Tune Hotel, drew on a surfing and coastal theme.
Mayor Bruce Harwood presented a 60-second video of the region’s attractions, and tourism boss Roger Grant espoused the quality of Geelong’s wineries.
But there was no better sample of Geelong and the Great Ocean Road’s strengths than the one served up by La Bimba owner Steve Earl.
AirAsia flew the Apollo Bay chef over to present a stunning sixcourse showcase of the region.
Among the local produce was Jade Tiger abalone, Portarlington mussels and Geelong lamb.
A highlight was the showstopping Bass Strait rock lobster from Apollo Bay — cooked on the dining room floor in a massive pot — which had guests clamouring for photos.
The four-hour event cost Geelong ratepayers about $1900, courtesy of the relatively late invitation to Cr Harwood.
But it’s unlikely he has been presented a more diverse media call than the one he faced about 9.30pm. In their wake, the gap between Geelong and Asia has quickly shrunk.