$370m Geelong City Deal to boost tourism and deliver jobs

The Australian and Victorian Governments, together with the City of Greater Geelong, are making a move to revitalise Geelong and the wider Great Ocean Road region to drive tourism growth and economic diversification.

The three levels of government has launched the Geelong City Deal Implementation Plan that highlights a $370 million investment which will support the delivery of a number of infrastructure projects.

“Earlier this year, we outlined our promises to rebuild the tourism infrastructure in this iconic part of the world; today, we commit to the Implementation Plan to make it happen. More tourists means more jobs.

“This is government working at its best when the three levels come together to agree a long-term master plan,” Federal Minister for Population, Cities and Urban Infrastructure Alan Tudge said.

According to Victorian Minister for Regional Development Jaclyn Symes, the three levels of government are committed to fulfilling a shared vision for Geelong through the 10-year City Deal.

The Geelong City Deal includes:

• $174.2 million for the Geelong Convention and Exhibition Centre
• $38.13 million for the Revitalising Central Geelong Action Plan
• $3.5 million for the Geelong Waterfront Safe Harbour project
• $108.15 for the Shipwreck Coast Master Plan
• $27.5 million for Great Ocean Road Infrastructure Projects
• $7.6 million for the Deakin University Future Economy Precinct
• $10 million for the Queenscliff Ferry Terminal
• $1.15 million for Smart Cities

“Planning can now begin on a new 1,000-seat waterfront convention and exhibition centre, set to enhance Geelong’s position as a premier city, with a revised business case and an agreed project plan due by mid-2020.

“Revitalisation of central Geelong and the city’s waterfront under the City Deal will improve access, support tourism and enhance community activities and major events,” Ms Symes said.

Source: City Deal

Senator for Victoria Sarah Henderson said that she is pleased to see priority infrastructure projects for the region getting underway.

“This is a beautiful part of Australia and projects under the City Deal recognise the need for world-class tourism infrastructure to ensure Geelong and its surrounds remain one of the nation’s most iconic tourist destinations well into the future,” the Senator said.

With the release of the Geelong City Deal Implementation Plan, works to make a number of vital infrastructure initiatives a reality are close to commencing.

In addition, the City Deal will also deliver Indigenous as well as local and social employment and procurement opportunities for the region.

“This is an exciting time for the Greater Geelong region with projects under the Deal set to create employment opportunities for our growing community and attract more tourists to our clever and creative region.

“With a finalised Implementation Plan in place, we can now move forward with key projects designed to further revitalise our CBD and waterfront, grow our visitor economy and ensure the diverse natural beauty of the region can be enjoyed by everyone well into the future,” Mayor of Greater Geelong Bruce Harwood said.

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Source: Premier of Victoria; Minister for Population, Cities and Urban Infrastructure; City Deals; Inside Construction