REACH FOR THE SKY

Two major projects that will alter the face of the city Geelong Convention Centre project leaps new hurdle:

THE Geelong convention centre is one step closer to becoming a reality, with government sources confirming the project will be considered as part of the 2017-18 State Budget.

A State Government spokesman told the Geelong Advertiser work on the business case for the project was “well advanced” and could be expected to be completed very soon.

“This project will be considered as part of the 2017/18 budget process,” the spokesman said.

For more than 20 years, local advocates and stakeholder groups have been fighting to bring the convention centre to fruition.

In July last year, Premier Daniel Andrews announced the Deakin University waterfront campus car park had been locked in as the site of the project.

Committee for Geelong chief executive Rebecca Casson said stakeholders were eagerly awaiting confirmation from the State Government.

“All of the local stakeholders are unified,” Ms Casson said.

“We wouldn’t want the process to be unduly rushed, (but) we’re optimistic — hopeful — that the business case will be released soon.”

Ms Casson said she was aware of interested parties that have had to be turned away from the city because of the lack of a dedicated conference centre.

“Geelong has been left behind in many respects because we haven’t had that sort of facility,” she said.

The proposed centre would include a conference venue with the capacity for 1000 people, 3000sq m of exhibition space, banquet facilities, meeting rooms, a business centre and retail outlets.

Pressure continues to mount on the State Government to unveil its business case and masterplan for the facility, with Liberal members at both a state and federal level claiming the report has already been completed.

State Opposition Leader Matthew Guy said the Premier “is not being honest with Geelong”.

“Daniel Andrews and Labor promised to be a more transparent and open government, but failing to release the business case for the convention centre shows the Government is still hiding behind bureaucracy and won’t be open with the residents of Geelong,” Mr Guy said.

Mr Guy reaffirmed the Opposition’s commitment to the project and said the convention centre would “provide a vital boost for Geelong’s economy”.

“A convention centre in Geelong would provide vital jobs for Geelong, not only for construction but well into the future,” he said.

It remains to be seen whether the finalised report will be made available to the public, with suggestions it may be withheld on the grounds of commercial sensitivity, to put the Government in a better bargaining position during the tender process.

“Geelong has been left behind in many respects because we haven’t had that sort of facility.” COMMITTEE FOR GEELONG CEO REBECCA CASSON