City Deal becoming a reality

Prime Minister Scott Morrison last month announced his government would contribute $154 million to a City Deal funding package for Geelong and the G21 region, including the Great Ocean Road.

G21 welcomes the announcement, having been a long-time advocate of such a deal. G21 has led numerous City Deal delegations and meetings with federal and state politicians, advisers and department officials. The State Government in its 2018 Budget allocated $153 million to negotiate a City Deal.

The Federal Labor Opposition has also committed to provide $153 million to what it calls a ‘City Partnership’, if elected at the next national election.

The City of Greater Geelong has committed $15 million to a City Deal.

The relevant federal, state and local governments must now agree on the specific project elements and funding breakdowns. Under the Prime Minister’s announcement, Geelong would get funds towards a stateof- the-art convention centre, upgrades to the Geelong waterfront and infrastructure to revitalise and redevelop the city centre.

Funds would also be invested in the Shipwreck Coast, focusing on tourist infrastructure at the Twelve Apostles and near surrounds.

Other Morrison government commitments include to the redevelopment of Lorne’s Point Grey, Apollo Bay Harbour and a new ferry terminal at Queenscliff.

The full list of Federal Government commitments:

Geelong Convention & Exhibition Centre
($30m)
A state of the art Convention and Exhibition Centre on the site of the Deakin University Geelong Waterfront.

Revitalizing Central Geelong ($20.85m)
Continued revitalisation of central Geelong to transform the city centre for residents, visitors and investors.

Deakin University Future Economy Precinct ($3.8m)
Boosting emerging advanced industries, building on the University’s strengths in advanced manufacturing, biotech, renewable energy, robotics and high-value agriculture.

Geelong Waterfront Safe Harbour project ($3.5m)
Ensuring year-round public access and better support for major events like the Festival of Sails.

Queenscliff Ferry Terminal Upgrade ($10m)
New ferry terminal at Queenscliff to improve ferry services across Port Phillip Bay.

Glenample Visitor Experience Centre($20.2m)
Situated southeast of the existing visitor centre, it will be a centre point of the overall dispersion of visitors along the Shipwreck Coast.

Glenample Homestead Refurbishment ($3.4m)
The historic Glenample Homestead will be refurbished as part of the adjacent Visitor Experience Centre.

Business enablement fund ($23.35m)
To help fix a lack of essential service infrastructure on the Shipwreck Coast region, including potable water and sewerage.

Twelve Apostles viewing infrastructure ($3.3m)
New infrastructure proposed at the existing Twelve Apostles viewing area.

Twelve Apostles visitor pod ($1.1m)
The existing Twelve Apostles visitor centre will be refurbished.

Gibson’s Steps visitor pod and beach access ($2.2m)
The project will provide a visitor gateway to the Gibson’s Steps, and including a new iconic tunnel through the cliff.

Car parks ($1.5m)
New car parks, including an interim car park at the Twelve Apostles during works on Shipwreck Coast Master Plan projects.

Interpretive visitor information ($100k)
Improved signage and interpretive information at key Shipwreck Coast destinations.

Land acquisition, revegetation and demolition ($2.3m)
For land acquisition, revegetation and demolition works necessary to deliver the suite of Shipwreck Coast projects.

Apollo Bay Harbour ($12m)
Redevelopment of the Apollo Bay harbour to include wider recreational and entertainment uses.

Point Grey Lorne Redevelopment ($8m)
Improved access and facilities at Point Grey reserve, facing Lorne Pier and incorporating the fishing co-op.

Great Ocean Walk, Stage 1 – Wild Dog Creek to Skenes Creek ($5m)
Linking the communities of Apollo Bay to Skenes Creek via a pedestrian/cycle trail.

Great Ocean Walk, Stage 2 – Skenes Creek to Cumberland River ($350k)
Funding a feasibility study to link Skenes Creek to the Surf Coast Walk.

Kennett River public realm improvements($1.9m)
A new public amenity block and water treatment facility and new parking and traffic management infrastructure.

Improving international driver safety ($250k)
A driver safety campaign to educate international tourists using the Great Ocean Road region.