City reveals state election wish list

THE City of Greater Geelong has outlined the projects it will advocate for as next year’s state election approaches, with Avalon Airport, better transport links and a 5,000-seat sporting stadium among its priorities.

The projects have been divided into two categories: ‘hallmark regional projects’ of regional significance that will lead to job creation, increased investment, and improved transport options and social outcomes; and ‘regional advocacy projects’, non-council infrastructure projects the city will advocate for investment for on behalf of project owners.

Topping the list of the city’s ‘hallmark’ projects is the Avalon Airport and its surrounding employment precinct.

The council hopes to secure major investment from the state to “instil confidence in the airport’s viability”, enable its expansion, and upgrade access to the site via Beach Road.

The city is also hoping to improve transport to the precinct. In the short-term this would involve the introduction of a regular, express bus service between Lara Train Station and the airport, with the establishment of the Avalon Airport Rail Link the desired medium to long-term outcome.

The City will also advocate for Geelong’s CBD to become a ‘special economic zone’, with the three levels of government to deliver “attractive taxation, levy and rate concessions, and reduced regulation” to incentivise development.

The redevelopment of the embattled Market Square shopping precinct remains a key concern for the council, with a Geelong Railway Station upgrade and the beautification of several central Geelong streets, including the Arts & Culture precinct in Little Malop Street, also identified.

The city will continue its push for a 5,000-seat regional indoor sports and events centre (RISEC) to replace the Geelong Arena, and has added a major upgrade to the Geelong Baseball Centre in Waurn Ponds and support to deliver a regional soccer facility in Armstrong Creek to its wish list.

Transport improvements will be a key focus for the council ahead of the election, with the city to continue its advocacy for the Bellarine Link extension between Baanip Boulevard and Barwon Heads Road, as well as the re-establishment of the Geelong-Werribee rail service, and 2km rail line extension from Marshall Station to a new station in Armstrong Creek’s town centre.

Among the ‘regional advocacy projects’ identified are Barwon Health’s Northern Suburbs Mental Health Hub, Geelong Port’s renewables terminal, the Mount Duneed Secondary School and regional level crossing upgrades.

“These ambitious yet achievable projects will allow us to capitalise on our success and reach our true potential as one of Australia’s fastest growing regions,” Geelong mayor Stretch Kontelj said.

“I look forward to advocating on behalf of our community and working closely with our local MPs to shape our region’s future.”

Cr Trent Sullivan said the priorities “clearly outline” the new needs of the evolving Geelong community.

“We are not a small regional town or a regional city, we are a city in our own right,” he said.

“Council is committed to advocating on behalf of everyone who calls our great region home.

“The 2025-26 priority projects solidify this commitment, uniting council with a single voice championing Greater Geelong.”