NOW IT’S TIME TO DELIVER

REVEALED: Govt unveils timeline for City Deal projects, including Geelong convention centre

A PROJECT plan for a new 1000-seat Geelong waterfront convention and exhibition centre will be finalised by the middle of next year, according to Geelong City Deal timelines to be released today.

A 10-year timeline of the projects promised to revitalise Geelong and the Great Ocean Road, including the convention centre, will be laid out today with the launch of the Geelong City Deal implementation plan.

The plan specifies when work will begin on previously promised projects, including central Geelong revitalisation, Queenscliff ferry terminal and upgrades to Geelong’s waterfront.

Geelong Mayor Bruce Harwood said with sound plans in place, a number of important infrastructure initiatives could now become a reality.

A PROJECT plan for a new 1000-seat Geelong waterfront convention and exhibition centre will be finalised by the middle of next year after longawaited timelines were revealed for the Geelong City Deal funds.

Proponents claim that when finished, the $174 million convention centre will enhance Geelong’s position as a premier city and an events leader in Victoria by enabling more international events, exhibitors and attendees.

A 10-year-plan for Geelong and the Great Ocean Road will be laid out today with the launch of the Geelong City Deal implementation plan.

Initiatives under the City Deal include investment in the convention centre precinct, revitalisation of central Geelong and the city’s waterfront, delivery of priority tourism infrastructure projects along the Great Ocean Road and Shipwreck Coast, redevelopment of the Queenscliff Ferry Terminal, and expansion of Deakin University’s Geelong Future Economy Precinct.

The joint federal, state and council plan reveals a range of quarterly timelines for City Deal projects over the next five years, including:

CAMERAS that read number plates to support a 30-minute free parking trial in the city ready by end of this year;

INSTALLATION of a new $3.5 million protective shield against incoming waves at the Geelong Yacht Club completed by start of 2020;

PROJECT plan for Geelong convention and exhibition centre agreed by federal and state government by middle of 2020; START of construction on the

north side of Green Spine from Gheringhap St to Moorabool St by middle of next year; and

COMPLETION of Queenscliff Ferry Terminal by middle of 2022.

Federal Minister for Population, Cities and Urban Infrastructure Alan Tudge said the City Deal would inject $370 million into Geelong and the 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.

Victorian Minister for Regional Development Jaclyn Symes said all three levels of government were committed to achieving a shared vision for Geelong via the City Deal.

“Planning can now begin on a new 1000-seat waterfront convention and exhibition centre, set to enhance Geelong’s position as a premier city, with a revised business case and an agreed project plan due by mid-2020,” Ms Symes said.

City of Greater Geelong Mayor Bruce Harwood said with sound plans in place, a number of important infrastructure initiatives could now become a reality.

“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,” he said.

The City Deal will deliver $370 million of new government investment, consisting of $183.8 million from the Federal Government, $172 million from the Victorian Government and $14.4 million from the City of Greater Geelong.