Report flags infrastructure for central Geelong

THE City of Greater Geelong council has endorsed the Central Geelong Community Infrastructure Final Report, and noted that any council-funded items will be considered as part of the Social Infrastructure Plan.

The city, and the state government, would like to see at least 10,000 people living in central Geelong by 2028, as part of commitments to revitalise Geelong’s CBD.

To support such a population increase, appropriate infrastructure needs to be planned for now.

The report identifies the need for a primary school, early years facility, youth facilities and spaces, community health centre, supported accommodation, large multipurpose community space, community office space, community meeting space and creative spaces.

The importance of planning for infrastructure that caters to families who want to live centrally for convenience and central amenities was also noted.

Other strategic priorities when delivering community infrastructure for central Geelong are to facilitate innovative and diverse arts and cultural development, support smart cities infrastructure, develop creative spaces, facilitate social inclusion and supported accommodation and re-use existing spaces where possible.

The state government will be the lead agency for a primary school and community health centre, advocated for by the Revitalising Central Geelong Partnership Team and the Geelong Authority.

The council and other non-profit organisations will lead all other infrastructure identified in the report.

The Central Geelong Community Infrastructure Final Report will inform the review of the Social Infrastructure Plan, which, once adopted, will set the strategic direction and guide the council’s decision making, prioritising and investing in future social infrastructure.

“It’s important that we start planning for the required infrastructure in central Geelong as we move towards more people living and working in the CBD,” social and infrastructure planning portfolio co-chair Cr Peter Murrihy said.

“Having a range of quality community infrastructure will attract and retain a diverse population and suit different ages, cultures and socio-economic backgrounds.”