From schools to sport: How Geelong’s election promises are tracking

WITH Victoria’s next state election less than a year away, attention is shifting to what has – and has not – been delivered since the last poll.

In the Geelong electorate, state government commitments span education, emergency services, health, sport, social services and major infrastructure, with funding totalling tens of millions of dollars.

Several projects have now been delivered, others are underway, while some remain in planning or design phases ahead of the election, scheduled for November 28.

Here is how key Geelong commitments are tracking.

Community and sporting infrastructure

A $1 million upgrade to netball facilities at Winter Reserve in Belmont has been completed, with works finished in mid-2025. The project focused on improving amenities for women and girls’ sport.

 

 

Construction is underway on a $7.55 million competition-grade gymnasium at Western Heights College, funded through the 2023–24 state budget. The new facility is expected to be completed in the second quarter of 2026.

The North Shore Football and Netball Club upgrade includes up to $2 million in state government funding to improve female change rooms. An additional $4 million was pledged to the project during this year’s federal election, with the broader upgrade still in the planning phase.

Planning is also underway for $500,000 in upgrades to the Sikh Community of Greater Geelong’s community space, aimed at improving facilities for cultural, social and community activities.

Education

The $3.39 million redevelopment of East Geelong Primary School, funded in the 2023–24 state budget, is progressing, with works due for completion early next year. The project will deliver new general purpose classrooms, staff workspaces and student toilets.

 

 

At Belmont High School, $11.2 million has been allocated in the 2025–26 state budget to demolish the ageing S-wing and construct 10 new classrooms, including science laboratories and specialist health and physical education spaces. The project is currently in the design phase, with completion scheduled for the third quarter of 2027.

Emergency services

Planning is continuing on new a $7.3 million SES facility in Bannockburn, which will include dedicated training spaces, wellbeing areas and improved vehicle and equipment storage. The facility will also incorporate environmentally sustainable design features such as solar panels and water recycling.

Health and social services

The expansion of the Geelong women’s health clinic, backed by a $71 million statewide investment, has been completed. The clinic now operates five days a week, providing multidisciplinary care through a team of doctors, nurses and allied health professionals, working in collaboration with local GPs.

 

 

A $36 million disability services hub and redevelopment of the student hub at The Gordon TAFE remains in the planning phase, with the centre expected to open in 2027. The facility is intended to improve access, inclusion and employment outcomes for students with disability across Geelong and the wider state.

Funding of $50,000 to support homelessness charity The Outpost has also been delivered. While the funding has assisted the organisation, the search for a long-term alternative premises is ongoing.

Environment and open space

Upgrades to the tune of $11 million at Serendip Sanctuary and the surrounding You Yangs precinct are progressing, with the new sensory garden now open to the public. Tenders are currently open for broader works across the precinct, with completion expected by mid-2026.

Major road projects

Stage 2 of the Barwon Heads Road upgrade, supported by $125 million in state funding, is underway. Works include additional lanes along the 3.5-kilometre stretch between Reserve Road in Charlemont and Lake Road in Armstrong Creek, with completion estimated in 2028.