Alliance group makes noise to break government deadlock

A CONCERNED alliance group in Apollo Bay is calling on the cooperation of the state and federal governments to finalise a funding commitment that will see infrastructure growth on the Great Ocean Road.

In October last year, the Liberal and Nationals Government announced a contribution of over $153 million to the Geelong City Deal for Geelong and its coastal surrounds.

Nearly five months on, the Action for Apollo Bay alliance is worried an “impasse” is delaying the progression of important projects.

The group has identified four priority areas including the rehabilitation and development of the harbour, the extension of the coastal trail to Skenes Creek, and a sustainable solution to coastal erosion.

“State and federal governments announced the components of their $153 million allocations separately in May and October respectively,” Action for Apollo Bay Alliance convenor John Gorman said.

“It seems that since then, they are now not communicating.

“We are very concerned that our projects are being delayed. In the case of our coastal trail, there are safety issues for pedestrians and cyclists that remain while we sit out this impasse.

“We call upon our federal and Victorian leaders to get these projects going.”

In October last year, Corangamite federal member Sarah Henderson said the government would commit $8 million towards the redevelopment of public spaces at Point Grey in Lorne, up to $12 million to upgrade Apollo Bay Harbour and up to $10 million to help fund a new ferry terminal at Queenscliff.

An additional $5 million to a coastal walk connecting Apollo Bay with Skenes Creek, as well as funding for a feasibility study to link Skenes Creek via Lorne to the Surf Coast Walk, was also committed.