CASH SPLASH: EXTRA $3.5M FOR HARBOUR REVAMP
OPPOSING politicians clashed for airtime in Geelong yesterday as they made competing announcements for the same project.
State Labor MPs — including Christine Couzens — had gathered at the Royal Geelong Yacht Club for the unveiling of the architects chosen to design the Waterfront Safe Harbour redevelopment.
But the announcement was overshadowed by federal Lib- eral MP Sarah Henderson, who used the occasion to reveal her government was committing an extra $3.5 million for the project.
The cash windfall comes on top of a $2.5 million commitment made by the Federal Government earlier this year.
Overall funding for the $30 million project has topped $19 million, with money also being poured in by the State Government, Geelong council and yacht club.
The redevelopment is aimed at protecting the har- bour with a wave attenuator and new berths, and also includes a major overhaul of the Victorian Sailing School.
As part of the project, much of the area will also be opened up for public use.
Royal Geelong Yacht Club Commodore John Kint said the latest cash splash was a “significant boost” and would pave the way for elements of the project to be delivered sooner.
The club had earlier revealed Tasmanian-based firm Terroir would lead a design services team to produce a masterplan for the redevelopment.
The company has won accolades for its Koondrook Wharf project on the Murray River, while it is also the principal consultant for the $58 million overhaul of the Penguin Parade Visitor Centre at Phillip Island.
Terroir director Scott Balmforth said he understood the importance of the Geelong Waterfront and the “exciting potential” of the project.
“The Geelong Waterfront is a very special place; and one we will approach with the utmost care and responsibility,” Mr Balmforth said.
“It is a place for many people. We understand the success of this project is in how it delivers and enhances the experience for each of those users.”
Works on stage one are scheduled to start in March.
In announcing the extra money, Ms Henderson said it was the “first of a number of announcements” the Government would make in its commitment to the City Deal.
Last week, the Federal Opposition pledged $153 million for the package, which is a bipartisan agreement to further projects such as the Geelong Convention Centre.
Yesterday, Ms Henderson’s seat rival Libby Coker hit back at suggestions Labor’s announcement failed to deliver for Corangamite.
Ms Coker said the Shipwreck Coast masterplan would boost annual spending by more than $250 million, and particularly benefit towns along the Great Ocean Road.