City Deal releases first annual progress report

THE 10-year Geelong City Deal has lodged its first annual report and highlighted strong progress on several projects along the Great Ocean Road.

The $382 million deal between the federal, Victorian and local governments includes more than a dozen commitments, with about 30 separate elements to be completed.

The annual report ,announced last week, lists the work towards a proposed spend of just under $30 million on Great Ocean Road infrastructure among its key achievements. This includes:

• The appointment of a project director to drive planning and design work of three key commitments along the Great Ocean Road – redevelopment of the Apollo Bay Harbour, improvements to tourism infrastructure n Kennett River and construction of the Apollo Bay to Skenes Creek Coastal Trail
• The approval of a feasibility study for the Skenes Creek to Cumberland River Coastal Trail
• The Great Ocean Road Visiting Drivers Safety Education Campaign is planned and ready for implementation
• The planning permit for the redevelopment of Point Grey in Lorne was considered and approved by the Surf Coast Shire council in June, which enables the start of tender documents and construction drawings.

The Great Ocean Road projects aim to help increase the visitor spend in the region by shifting the perception of the Great Ocean Road as a day trip destination to an overnight and multi-day visitor experience.

Victorian Senator Sarah Henderson said it was wonderful to see the progress which had been made on projects for Geelong, Lorne, Queenscliff, Kennett River and Apollo Bay.

“As COVID- 19 restrictions ease in regional Victoria, supporting the visitor economy in coastal communities along the iconic Great Ocean Road is even more important.

“Our investments in the Queenscliff ferry terminal, Apollo Bay Harbour and Lorne’s Point Grey will create first-class tourism assets for these communities.”

The City Deal will deliver projects from the Shipwreck Coast Master Plan and a range of other projects to improve public infrastructure at key tourist sites along the Great Ocean Road.

To read the annual progress report, head to infrastructure.gov.au/cities/city-deals/geelong.