Council signs off on long-term vision for Geelong Waterfront

A NEW master plan outlining the future of the Geelong Waterfront has been adopted by the City of Greater Geelong, setting out a long-term framework for development, management and investment across the precinct.

The plan will guide upgrades from Rippleside through to Limeburners Point, with an implementation strategy now being prepared to roll out projects in stages.

Delivery is expected to draw on a mix of funding sources, including new leases, partnerships and external grants, with a focus on achieving early, visible improvements while progressing longer-term priorities.

The plan divides the waterfront into five precincts, each with a distinct focus.

At the western end, the Western Beach Restoration Precinct, stretching from Rippleside Park to the Western Beach Boat Club, places a strong emphasis on environmental protection.

Proposed works include artificial reef pods to address coastal erosion and support marine life such as oysters and mussels, along with upgrades to the Bob McGovan Path, new plantings, improved connections and a bike repair station. Seagrass management at Griffins Gully Jetty has also been identified in the plan.

Between the Western Beach Boat Club and east of Cunningham Pier, the Convention and Creativity Precinct is earmarked for improved public spaces and food and beverage offerings. Plans include upgrades to the Poppy Kettle Playground, an expanded youth activities area to cater for both basketball and netball, and a reimagining of Cunningham Pier through a private partnership aimed at creating a mixed-use destination.

The Central Celebration Precinct, from Steampacket Pier to the Royal Geelong Yacht Club, is proposed as a focal area for events. Ideas include a Yarra Street plaza to support outdoor dining and community events, as well as a new pavilion-style building between Cunningham Pier and Steampacket Quay to support marine and tourism-based activities.

Further east, the Heritage Leisure Precinct covering Eastern Beach and the Eastern Beach Reserve includes plans to improve accessibility and shade in the central swimming zone, upgrade toilet facilities, increase tree canopy at the playground and reconfigure the Ritchie Boulevard car park to create additional parking.

At Limeburners Point, the Limeburners Nature Precinct proposes new seating, plantings and interpretive signage around the historic mineral springs, potential path connections to the Bellarine Rail Trail, and a modest community facility to support marine-based activities by local groups.

The master plan was shaped through community consultation conducted in 2023 and 2025, involving residents, Wadawurrung Traditional Owners, visitors and other stakeholders. The most recent consultation returned an average support score of 88 out of 100, with respondents nominating Convention and Creativity, Western Beach and Limeburners Point as priority areas.

Mayor Stretch Kontelj said the waterfront was central to the region’s identity, attracting thousands of visitors annually.

“We have a duty to improve, protect and enhance this vibrant destination through the Geelong Waterfront master plan, which will guide development, management and investment in the long-term,” he said.

“Thanks to the community’s feedback, our renewed waterfront will be a legacy for generations to come.”

He said the master plan builds on an earlier plan for the precinct, adopted in 2011, “by honouring the past and looking boldly to the future” and will ensure the waterfront better integrates with its surrounds.

“It will help us get a staged refresh right, by ensuring it remains vibrant, accessible and resilient, while balancing environmental, social and economic priorities,” Cr Kontelj said.