Work on nine local road, footpath and facilities upgrades totalling more than $2 million in value will begin soon under a funding agreement between the Australian Government and the City of Greater Geelong.
In announcing its new $500 million Local Roads and Community Infrastructure program in May 2020, the government allocated $2.18 million to the City for projects that could be completed this financial year.
The program aims to stimulate the economy and fast-track the recovery from the financial impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic.
The following projects have now been selected by the City and accepted by the federal government, paving the way for construction to begin:
Scenic Road, Highton ($500,000)
New 1.4km shared path between Barrabool Road and Orana Road using the existing Barwon Water reserve. Aims to improve safety for cyclists and pedestrians.
Reserve Road, Charlemont ($500,000)
Pavement reconstruction, stabilisation and widening between Barwarre Road and Barwon Heads Road, to improve safety and cater to increased traffic.
Christies Road, Leopold ($350,000)
Pavement rehabilitation and asphalt overlay on a 731-metre stretch between Portarlington Road and the Bellarine Rail Trail. Will include trial of a new recycled glass material in the base layer.
Landy Field, South Geelong ($200,000)
Upgrade of facilities for athletics participants, including changerooms, toilets, showers, hot water systems and first aid room.
Robbs Road, Moorabool ($200,000)
Gravel shoulder renewal works between Ballan Road and 300 metres west of Sutherlands Creek Road.
Fellmongers Road, Breakwater ($180,000)
Completion of a missing 560-metre footpath link between Boundary Road and Cosgrove Street.
Walkers Road, Lara ($150,000)
Pavement rehabilitation and asphalt overlay on a 275-metre stretch between Mill Road and Waverley Road. Will include trial of a new recycled glass material in the base layer.
Limeburners Point car park ($88,504)
Community safety measures including traffic management, improved street lighting and CCTV – aimed at deterring anti-social behaviour.
Lara Traffic Management Plan ($15,000)
Ten short-term priority actions from the plan, including truck route revisions, intersection amendments and speed zone changes.
Mayor Stephanie Asher said all of the upgrades had been identified as a priority through the Council's forward planning processes.
"The list contains a good spread of projects across the region and each will significantly benefit the local community once finished," Mayor Asher said.
"In addition they'll all create local jobs during construction and generate work for local suppliers.
"We're very thankful to the Australian Government for this important stimulus funding."
Senator for Victoria The Hon. Sarah Henderson said she was delighted that the Morrison Government is delivering more than $2 million for vital upgrades to the City of Greater Geelong under round one of the Local Roads and Community Infrastructure program, with a further $8,262,225 being delivered under round two of the program.
"These projects will create local jobs and improve liveability in our growing regional city while providing a real boost to our post-Covid economy recovery," Senator Henderson said.
"Apart from delivering key road upgrades, I am delighted that Landy Field is receiving a very substantial $200,000 to fund new changerooms and a first aid facility.
"As someone who competed at Landy Field as a child, I know firsthand what a wonderful asset this is for the health and wellbeing of our community."
