Lyons refloats cruise ship plans

GEELONG’s cruise ship dream is not dead, according to former mayor and independent candidate for the state seat of Geelong Darryn Lyons, who has refloated the idea.

He said the Waterfront Safe Harbour Precinct Redevelopment had the green light and funding to proceed, “but why stop there?”.

“Why not create the complete package with a new public pier and a long-awaited conference centre as part of the redevelopment?

“By killing three birds with the one stone, Geelong has the chance to undertake a spectacular transformation of one of its greatest assets.”

If elected, Mr Lyons – who, while mayor, was the leading advocate for Geelong to cater for more cruise ships – said he would vigorously lobby for the conference centre and pier to attract the burgeoning cruise ship industry.

“This is not some pipe dream. Geelong must reinvent itself as a smart, innovative city and lifestyle destination, particularly as we transition from a traditional manufacturing base.

“Yes, we are seeing new business start-ups, further expansion of the education sector and the emergence of the high-tech industry. But we need to think outside the box, to think differently, if we are to secure the future for our families.”

He said there was general consensus of the need for a conference centre but split opinion about location.

“I sit firmly in the camp the Deakin site is totally unsuitable; it is restrictive in terms of what can be built. The most appropriate site is on the foreshore between a new pier at the end of Yarra Street and Eastern Park, with easy access and magnificent views across the bay.”

Mr Lyons said he had not wavered from his view that Geelong could attract millions of dollars annually from the influx of tourists.

“The cruise industry continues to be the success story of Australian tourism, with a 12-year run of double-digit passenger growth contributing significant economic benefits at both the national and regional levels.

“From a Geelong perspective, an independently commissioned business case estimated a new pier built through a public private partnership would generate 522 new jobs in Victoria and $80 million in the first 10 years of operation.

“Why shouldn’t we pursue this boom industry? Certainly, Geelong’s decision-makers previously considered both a new cruise ship terminal and convention centre vitally important to the local economy.”