Roadworks to open up Geelong Future Economy Precinct almost complete

THE third and final stage of roadworks to open up the Geelong Future Economy Precinct has begun.

The roadworks will extend Epworth Place (which starts next to the Epworth Geelong hospital) to join up with the existing road network in Deakin University’s Waurn Ponds campus near Carbon Revolution, and are expected to be completed by September.

The roadworks will provide alternative entrance points to the precinct, which also houses the Institute for Intelligent Systems Research and Innovation (IISRI) and advanced manufacturing companies such as Quickstep and the tenants of ManuFutures.

Stage one of the Geelong Future Economy Precinct Project, completed in May 2020, saw two sets of traffic signals installed outside Deakin University on Pigdons Road to increase traffic safety and site access.

In stage two, which finished in July 2020, Nicol Drive North and South were extended by a combined 900 metres to increase internal access to the precinct.

The road upgrades are funded through the $382 million Geelong City Deal – a 10-year partnership between the federal and Victorian governments and the City of Greater Geelong.

Last week, South Barwon MP Darren Cheeseman and City of Greater Geelong deputy mayor Trent Sullivan visited the precinct, including an inspection of the roadworks and a tour conducted by Professor Saied Nahavandi of the haptic technologies being developed at IISRI.

Mr Cheeseman said the project would help create the jobs of the future.

“The precinct will attract investment from companies around the world to expand existing facilities or establish a new presence in Geelong,” he said.

“The additional infrastructure made possible through the Geelong Future Economy Precinct Road Upgrades Project will create new opportunities for employers and support jobs growth in Geelong.”

Cr Sullivan said it was fantastic to see much-needed projects from the Geelong City Deal coming to life.

“The Geelong City Deal will deliver positive and long-lasting economic and social benefits for our region, as it recovers from the pandemic.

“We welcome safety and accessibility improvements to Deakin University’s Waurn Ponds campus, where innovation and collaboration are harnessed as part of the region’s journey towards a clever and creative future.”

Victorian Senator Sarah Henderson said the Geelong City Deal was delivering on its promise to transform Geelong, supporting jobs, wellbeing and economic growth.

“Increasing numbers of people are being attracted to Geelong thanks to growing employment opportunities, affordable housing and lifestyle opportunities,” Senator Henderson said.

“The City Deal supports Geelong’s continued economic and social diversification and through projects like these road upgrades will make Geelong an even better place to live, work, study and invest.”

Deakin vice-chancellor and Barwon Regional Partnership chair Professor Iain Martin said the growth of the Geelong region was no less than a national success story, and the project would provide the critical future infrastructure required.

“The precinct on Deakin’s Waurn Ponds Campus is driving Geelong’s future knowledge economy by becoming a global destination for the best and brightest industry minds to collaborate – and perhaps make important breakthroughs that will change the world as we know it,” Prof. Martin said.

For more information on the Geelong City Deal, head to the Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Communications website.