From schools to sport: How Surf Coast 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.

Across the Surf Coast and fast-growing South Barwon corridor, state government commitments span schools, emergency services, community sport, open space and transport infrastructure, with many projects still in planning or early delivery stages.

Here is how key Surf Coast–area commitments are tracking.

Education

Upgrades to Mount Duneed Regional Primary School, backed by $3.6 million in the 2023–24 state budget, have been completed, while construction is under way on a new primary school in Charlemont.

Now named Yirrama Primary School, the project is funded through the state’s major school construction program and is scheduled to open on day one of Term 1, 2026, with capacity for up to 525 students.

A second new primary school in Armstrong Creek, formerly Warralily Park Primary School and now named Biyala Primary School, is also funded and under development. The school will open at the start of Term 1, 2026, with places for up to 650 students.

Funding of $1 million was allocated in the 2023–24 budget to begin planning for a new secondary school in Mount Duneed or Armstrong Creek. The funding supported a feasibility study, which found existing schools could meet projected enrolments. As a result, there are currently no state government plans to deliver a new secondary school in the area.

 

Emergency services and health

Planning is continuing on a $30.4 million ambulance station in Armstrong Creek, intended to support emergency response across the rapidly growing corridor. Construction timelines have yet to be confirmed.

Community and sporting infrastructure

At Torquay Bowls Club, $40,000 was committed toward planning for a third green. The club settled on a preferred design earlier this year and is working through planning approvals with Surf Coast Shire and the Great Ocean Road Coast and Parks Authority. Additional government funding, estimated at around $4 million, will be required for construction to proceed.

Planning is also underway for $470,000 in upgrades to Moriac’s Greenfields Reserve, being progressed in partnership with Surf Coast Shire, while a $4.15 million commitment for a new clubhouse and patrol tower at Bancoora Beach in Breamlea remains in the design and planning phase, with the project requiring further funding to move into construction.

 

Open space and pets

Planning is underway for a new dog park in Armstrong Creek, funded through the state’s open space program. Site identification is being undertaken in partnership with the City of Greater Geelong, with delivery now pushed back to 2026.

Major road projects

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