Wave attenuator on track for 2021 completion

A NEW publicly accessible $10.1 million wave attenuator at the Geelong waterfront precinct is nearing completion, with the last three remaining pieces en route to Australia from Ireland.
Transported by ship, the final pieces of the attenuator will arrive in December, so the 240m on-water walkway – one of the largest of this kind in Australia – can take shape and be finished in early 2021.
It also provides important safe harbour capacity to berth large vessels such as tall ships.
Funded under the $370 million Geelong City Deal, the project has boosted local jobs, providing work for 18 separate consultancies and ongoing construction activities engaging up to 30 contractors at any given time from six separate companies.
Federal Minister for Population, Cities and Urban Infrastructure Alan Tudge said the project would significantly expand the harbour precinct and attract new events, giving Geelong a major economic boost.
“This is a great example of a city deal project that is providing local jobs and helping with the economic boost that Geelong needs.
“The Morrison Government is committed to the COVID recovery in Geelong and across Victoria.”
Victorian Minister for Regional Development Jaclyn Symes said the project was part of the larger Geelong Waterfront Safe Harbour Precinct Project.
“The Geelong Waterfront redevelopment will transform the entire precinct, improving connectivity and public access to the waterfront, supporting tourism and community activities, and ensuring year-round visitation to the waterfront.
“By ensuring the precinct can accommodate and attract more major events, we will bring in more revenue and more local jobs for the community, boosting Geelong’s economy.”
Victorian Senator Sarah Henderson said the Australian Government was proud to be investing $3.5 million towards the wave attenuator, which would support Geelong’s tourism industry to bounce back from COVID-19.
“Continuing to deliver City Deal projects like this is absolutely critical to help Geelong, and particularly the hard-hit tourism sector, to bounce back stronger than ever when we look to once again welcome visitors after the COVID-19 pandemic.”
Royal Geelong Yacht Club Commodore Stuart Dickson said the main function and purpose of the wave attenuator was to ‘break’ the coastal waves so their force was reduced to an acceptable level before reaching the marina.
“Well-protected marinas are the most sought-after marina facilities by all boaters, so this is fantastic news for the waterfront.”
The $19 million Geelong Waterfront Safe Harbour Precinct Project is being jointly funded by the Victorian government ($7.5 million), federal government ($5.5 million), City of Greater Geelong ($3 million) and the Royal Geelong Yacht Club ($3 million) as well as a previous $2 million from the federal government.