CONVENTION CASH
$153m for centre, city and coast
GEELONG’S convention centre will be one step closer this afternoon, with the State Government’s Budget set to include more than $150 million for a handful of major projects for the region.
Victoria’s Labor Government is expected to invest $153.2 million for the Geelong City Deal, with funds going towards building the convention centre, delivering on the Shipwreck Coast Masterplan and revitalising the city centre.
The Federal Government will now be expected to match funding to deliver the projects through the City Deal, an agreement between local, state and federal Governments to fund a raft of major projects.
The State Government’s early funding announcement included long-awaited details on the plans for the convention centre — marketed to breathe new life into the waterfront, create jobs and attract new visitors.
The centre will include 3700 sqm of multipurpose space with an exhibition hall and banquet room, a plenary hall with at least 1000 seats, breakout rooms and circulation spaces with views of Geelong’s waterfront and natural light throughout, the State Government revealed.
It will also be designed to allow for future expansion, but details on the location of the convention centre are not yet known, with Deakin University’s waterfront car park site expected to be the frontrunner.
Tourism and Major Events Minister John Eren said the City Deal funding would deliver a major economic boost to the region.
“The region draws 2.6 million visitors a year, but the average visitor stays less than 40 minutes and spends only 18 cents,” Mr Eren said.
“We want to turn that tide and reach our full potential.”
Bellarine MP Lisa Neville also welcomed her party’s funding.
“The new convention centre will be a place where people will want to do business — it will strengthen tourism and create good jobs for our region,” Ms Neville said.
The City Deal cash splash will also fund the next stage of the Shipwreck Coast Masterplan, including a Visitor Experience Centre, a shuttle service between Glenample and Loch Ard and infrastructure improvements to the Twelve Apostles National Park. The project is also expected to attract significant private sector investment in nearby towns.
Funding will also be used to continue works on the Revitalising Central Geelong Action Plan — Malop St Green Spine Project. The funds will go towards creating new parkland connecting a redeveloped Geelong station precinct, Johnstone Park and the arts precinct to Geelong’s retail core, and ultimately to Eastern Park.
Geelong MP Christine Couzens called on Corangamite federal Liberal MP Sarah Henderson to ensure her party matched the City Deal funding.
“Not only are we getting on with the convention centre, we’re also investing in Geelong’s CBD,” Ms Couzens said. “It’s critical that the Commonwealth Government and Sarah Henderson get onboard and back this project.”
The State Government expects the Geelong City Deal to inject an additional $1.1 billion into the Geelong economy and deliver nearly 1000 Victorian jobs each year.
The State Government has already committed $7.5 million to Stage 1 of the Geelong Waterfront Safe Harbour project and will continue advocating for the Commonwealth to contribute the final $3.5 million required to deliver this project.