Geelong City Deal Newsletter

Welcome to the third edition of the Geelong City Deal Newsletter, updating our community and key stakeholders, including the Implementation Committee, Advisory Group and Delivery Organisations

In this edition, we provide updates across Geelong City Deal projects since July 2022.

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Read on for more updates.

Great Ocean Road Projects Update

Since the signing of the Geelong City Deal Implementation Plan between the Australian and Victorian Governments in October 2019, all three levels of government and key stakeholders have been working collaboratively on implementation, including addressing impacts from COVID-19, regulatory controls, economic factors, and ongoing community feedback.

Several challenges and opportunities across all projects have emerged, prompting a review process in 2022.

The review has resulted in a recommendation that involves adjustments to scope, budgets and timeframes across the four Great Ocean Road projects. This includes the conclusion of the Apollo Bay (Wild Dog Creek) to Skenes Creek Coastal Trail, as agreed by the Australian and Victorian governments.

The remaining $4 million allocated towards that project will remain within the Geelong City Deal program and support the Apollo Bay Harbour Redevelopment, infrastructure upgrades to Kennett River, and the Point Grey Lorne Redevelopment.

While this has been a difficult decision, it is important that projects consider the fragile coastal environment on which they are located to ensure visitors can continue to enjoy the Great Ocean Road region for years to come.

The Great Ocean Road Coast and Parks Authority is set to deliver these projects and will work with key stakeholders to ensure a smooth transition of the City Deal projects, including formalising the funding agreement.

Find out more at Regional Development Victoria's webpage.

Geelong Convention and Exhibition Centre

Late last year, the first phase of hoarding was installed, wrapping the 1.6 hectare site on Geelong's waterfront.

The first stage of hoarding seeks to build excitement about the project and what is to come - with a focus on the project scope. Future stages will be look to share stories of cultural significance, our region and/or the site itself.

For further project level information, please visit the new project FAQ webpage.

Kangaroobie Campground 

In 2021, Kangaroobie received funding under Round 1 of the Private Sector Business Enablement Fund (PSBEF). Funds helped to upgrade the waste-water treatment system and expand the camp accommodation capacity.

Kangaroobie is a family run school camp, including accommodation, activities and a function centre on the Great Ocean Road in Princetown. Activities include aboriginal interpretation, beach hiking, bush cooking, camping, canoeing, farm and fishing experiences and hut building.

The previous waste-water system was only suitable for up to 170 guests. Without a bespoke waste-water upgrade solution the business was unable to increase the number of beds for schools and groups.

Waste-water is a product of camp site operations. Connection to a mains sewer was not an option, so waste needed to be managed onsite. 

The PSBEF funding helped Kangaroobie to install a new waste-water treatment system. This specialist approach enables treatment and irrigation of waste-water for up to 250 guests to a Class C level, which means it can irrigate pasture for cattle onsite.

This project, completed in October 2022, has increased the camp accommodation capacity by approximately 80 beds, created 8 new full-time equivalent (FTE) jobs, and will enable future investment to expand the camp facilities. The business has said they have been able to secure larger group bookings for both 2023 and 2024.

This innovative waste-water treatment solution is also is being considered for other projects along the Great Ocean Road.

Introducing Sarah Price, Wadawurrung Traditional Owners Aboriginal Corporation

Sarah has recently joined the Ngarrwa (Knowledge and Learning) Team at Wadawurrung Traditional Owners Aboriginal Corporation (WTOAC), as the Senior Project Advisor for the Geelong City Deal projects.

Prior to this she worked at the City of Greater Geelong and at State government as a project manager and engagement specialist.

While at the City of Greater Geelong she worked with WTOAC to share Wadawurrung art and culture at Wurriki Nyal civic precinct.

Sarah is excited about working with a wide range of stakeholders to ensure that Revitalising Central Geelong projects are informed by Traditional Owner knowledge.

Current priorities include:

• Wadawurrung Urban Design Guidelines (Stage 1: Listening and Stage 2: Roadmap)
• Moolap Environmental Management Plan, and
• Supporting the tender process for Geelong Convention and Exhibition Centre.

You can reach Sarah by email at sarahp@wadawurrung.org.au.

Over the coming months, the following Geelong City Deal project milestones are expected to be achieved: 

• Recommencement of Apollo Bay Harbour Redevelopment, infrastructure upgrades to Kennett River, and the Point Grey Lorne Redevelopment.
• Official opening of the Queenscliff Ferry Terminal.
• Opening of the Dennys Place Laneway Breakthrough Project.
• Community engagement anticipated as part of the Twelve Apostles Precinct Redevelopment Project.
• Finalisation of assessment for Round 2, Private Sector Business Enablement Fund.
• Official opening of new roads and infrastructure for the Geelong Future Economy Precinct Road Upgrade project at Deakin University. 

The Geelong City Deal team will continue to coordinate opportunities and approvals with all levels of government, as required.