City Deal releases first annual progress report

THE 10-year Geelong City Deal has lodged its first annual report, which lists work towards an important upgrade of the Queenscliff ferry terminal as among its highlights so far.

The $382 million deal between the federal, Victorian and local governments includes more than a dozen commitments, with about 30 separate elements to be completed.

The annual report, announced last week, includes a list of key achievements throughout 2019 and 2020. These include the completion of essential berthing pile repairs and preventative maintenance activities on the pier in May, part of the nearly $16 million redevelopment of the Queenscliff ferry terminal.

Redevelopment of the Queenscliff Ferry Terminal building itself and associated outdoor improvements aim to improve ferry services (operated by Searoad Ferries) at a major tourism gateway to Geelong and the Great Ocean Road.

This project will lift the terminal to expected visitor standards, complete with modern facilities and bathrooms, safer access, improved car parking areas and opportunities for retail such as cafés and tourism ventures.

Other first-year highlights include:

• Smart parking initiative and trials conducted in central Geelong
• Installation of improved accessibility features in central Geelong, and
• Installation of the Geelong Waterfront Safe Harbour wave attenuator, to be completed by next month.

Victorian Senator Sarah Henderson said it was wonderful to see the progress which had been made on projects for Queenscliff, Geelong, Lorne, Kennett River and Apollo Bay.

“As COVID- 19 restrictions ease in regional Victoria, supporting the visitor economy in coastal communities along the iconic Great Ocean Road is even more important.

“Our investments in the Queenscliff ferry terminal, Apollo Bay Harbour and Lorne’s Point Grey will create first-class tourism assets for these communities.”

The City Deal will deliver projects from the Shipwreck Coast Master Plan and a range of other projects to improve public infrastructure at key tourist sites along the Great Ocean Road.

Federal Minister for Population, Cities and Urban Infrastructure, Alan Tudge said the Deal was driving investment in the local economy and helping create local jobs.

“Through our investment in the region we also want to encourage visitors to explore Geelong and the Great Ocean Road region as Victoria takes its first steps out of COVID.

“When Victoria opens up again we want to see people getting out in their own backyard and this region is the perfect place to start.”

Victorian Minister for Regional Development Jaclyn Symes said the continued investment of the Geelong City Deal would be an important part of generating new opportunities for the region’s economy.

“These projects are building on what’s already great about Geelong and the region, making it an even better place to live, work, invest and visit.

“We’ve achieved a lot in the first year and we’re going to carry that momentum through, especially at a time when Geelong and Victoria need the economic stimulus.”

Several project plans are in the process of being finalised between the federal and Victorian governments.

To read the annual progress report, head to infrastructure.gov.au/cities/city-deals/geelong.