The Bellarine is growing – here’s what’s needed

GREATER Geelong is growing faster than any other regional city in Australia and the Bellarine is experiencing its share of that growth.

Our population is expected to pass 400,000 by 2041 and the Victorian government has set Greater Geelong the highest housing target in the state.

That growth brings enormous opportunity, but it also means we need investment in the infrastructure and services our communities will rely on in the years ahead.

Council has released its 2026 Priority Projects, setting out the major projects we are advocating for to both the Victorian and Australian governments to enable sustainable growth across our region.

As the state election approaches, the City of Greater Geelong is seeking funding commitments from election candidates to deliver these key projects if their respective party wins government.

The 2026 Priority Projects list is comprehensive and includes some major ambitions for our region, from Avalon Airport and a reimagining of Market Square to key road, rail and transport upgrades, the Geelong Gallery redevelopment and a proposed $1 billion regional fund.

For the Bellarine specifically, we are pushing for investment in the roads, sporting facilities and community infrastructure that will support our growing communities.

Transport around Drysdale’s rapidly growing education, arts, sporting and recreation precinct is one of the major priorities.

With the North Bellarine Aquatic Centre expansion and Drysdale Sporting Precinct development adding to an already busy area, we are advocating for the Peninsula Drive extension to Belchers Road and important road links and intersection upgrades.

Anyone who regularly travels through this precinct, particularly around school drop-off and pick-up times, will understand why planning for better access and safer traffic movements is so important.

The City of Greater Geelong is also advocating for significant funding for the Bellarine Arts Centre, formerly known as The Potato Shed, to redevelop this beloved community asset into a contemporary, inclusive and high-impact regional arts facility.

Another priority is the proposed expansion of the Bellarine Sports Centre at Bellarine Secondary College in Drysdale.

Basketball participation on the Bellarine has doubled in just three years and there is a critical shortage of indoor court space across the Bellarine Peninsula.

The Bellarine Peninsula Basketball Association is now operating across 10 different venues and has reached capacity, so we are advocating for $46.8 million to deliver a three-court expansion, creating a contemporary six-court stadium with a 1,500-seat show court.

It would give more local children and adults the chance to play, strengthen pathways from grassroots basketball through to elite competition and open the door to major events, including national championships and potentially NBL and WNBL games.

We are also seeking $500,000 to upgrade lighting at Drysdale Recreation Reserve, home to more than 1,000 football, netball and cricket players.

New 150 lux LED lighting would allow night competition, improve safety and give clubs much greater flexibility to schedule training and matches.

And if you’re a dog owner like me, you’ll be pleased to see a fenced dog park for the Bellarine included among our priorities.

We know there is strong community support for a secure space where dogs can exercise and socialise off-leash, particularly as our population grows and housing blocks become smaller.

These are exciting projects with the potential to make a genuine difference to life on the Bellarine and Council cannot deliver Cr Trent Sullivan Leopold ward, City of Greater Geelong every major project alone.

We need strong partnerships and investment from all levels of government, and I’ll be making the case for the Bellarine and Greater Geelong at every opportunity.

For more information on the advocacy work currently underway see geelongcity.vic.gov.au/council/advocacy