IT IS ALWAYS nice to be able to provide positive updates on local projects.<\/p>\n
There is a lot going on in the Bellarine ward \u2013 as there is across the municipality generally \u2013 and I thought this would be a good opportunity to let you know where some of these are at.<\/p>\n
Firstly, the Clifton Springs Boat Harbour car park is progressing well, and is expected to be completed by the end of the year.<\/p>\n
This facility has become increasingly popular in recent times but has struggled to meet demand.<\/p>\n
The parking upgrade will undoubtedly make a major difference to the harbour, which has been identified as a growth area, and Council is grateful to the state and federal governments for their contributions to the project.<\/p>\n
The City received approval from the Federal Government to allocate $200,000 from Phase 3 of the Local Roads and Community Infrastructure Grants program towards the Clifton Springs Boat Harbour car park, which was boosted by Better Boating Victoria’s (BBV) grant for $600,000.<\/p>\n
The extension and formalising of the boat harbour car park to improve access for the recreational boating and fishing community will be an invaluable addition for many years to come.<\/p>\n
Not too far from here is the Beacon Point Trail, which is undergoing works that are set to be completed in the coming months.<\/p>\n
These works are progressing well with east and west sections complete and the north link underway.<\/p>\n
This has been made possible as a result of $360,000 funding from the Victorian government, and $180,000 of funding from Council.<\/p>\n
Starting at a beach access point opposite Cantata Way, the 800-metre shared trail will run along the cliff’s edge to Beacon Point Reserve, and then south along the eastern boundary of the reserve to finish on High Ridge Drive.<\/p>\n
The reserve is the largest flat open space area east of the boat harbour and provides magnificent 180-degree views across Port Phillip Bay.<\/p>\n
Signage, trail information and seating will also be built along the path with native and indigenous plants species planted to revegetate the area.<\/p>\n
Further around the peninsula works on stage two of the St Leonards Skate Park will begin later this month.<\/p>\n
The first stage of this project has been completed, with underground services installed, multi-sports courts resurfaced and lined, and two new basketball rings, as well as two new netball rings and futsal goals, installed on site.<\/p>\n
Council has contributed $310,000 to this project, which has been aided by $360,000 from the state government, and we expect construction to be completed by November.<\/p>\n
This will be an ideal time as the summer holidays draw closer and tourists flock to the region.<\/p>\n
Finally, works on the new pavilion at the Barwon Heads Bowling Club are tracking well.<\/p>\n
This is a $1.2 million facility jointly funded by Council ($500,000), the Federal government ($500,000) and the state government ($200,000).<\/p>\n
Construction on the new social area, an undercover veranda for spectators and storage spaces \u2013 including a kitchen, bar, amenities and office \u2013 began in December.<\/p>\n
The external cladding and electrical rough has been finished and now insulation and internal cladding is underway.<\/p>\n
The estimated construction completion for the pavilion works is August, which will mean it will be in use for the upcoming season.<\/p>\n
As you can see there is lots going on, and I look forward to visiting these sites when these projects are all finished.<\/p>\n
Cr Jim Mason<\/p>\n
Bellarine Ward, City of Greater Geelong<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
IT IS ALWAYS nice to be able to provide positive updates on local projects. There is a lot going on in the Bellarine ward \u2013 as there is across the municipality generally \u2013 and I thought this would be a good opportunity to let you know where some of these are at. Firstly, the Clifton […]<\/p>\n