The second annual progress report for the $382.48 million Geelong City Deal has been released today, detailing the significant impact the 10-year plan is already having across the city.
A key milestone includes the opening of the new $10.1 million, 440-metre Wave Attenuator late last year. A major new feature for Geelong's Waterfront Safe Harbour Precinct, 'Wangim Walk' stretches out over Corio Bay to form one of Australia's longest on-water walkways, providing a safe harbour for the Royal Geelong Yacht Club while allowing the public to walk out over the water.
Significant progress has also been made on the new Queenscliff Ferry Terminal with a new boardwalk and rock groyne already built and construction of the new terminal building underway. The new terminal will improve ferry services to this major gateway, create new opportunities for tourism and help drive economic diversification and jobs growth.
The Twelve Apostles Precinct Redevelopment Project Plan was also endorsed, which includes a $23.4 million Private Sector Business Enablement Fund. The fund aims to progress public infrastructure projects that support businesses and activate private investment opportunities along the Shipwreck Coast, with applications under the first stage of the fund already coming through.
The $5 million Green Spine Block 1 project is progressing, with drainage, kerb and channel works between Gheringhap and Clare streets complete and final works underway.
The $3 million Geelong Train Station Upgrade is in its early stages, with brighter and more energy efficient LED lighting being installed throughout the station car parks and bus canopy to improve community safety.
There have been a number of major contracts awarded along the Great Ocean Road, including for the detailed design of the $12 million Redevelopment of Apollo Bay Harbour, planning and design works for the $5 million Apollo Bay to Skenes Creek Coastal Trail and $1.9 million for Tourism Infrastructure at Kennett River.
