Geelong City Deals - December 2023 Update
Published on 15 December 2023
The Great Ocean Road projects are being delivered as part of the $500 million Geelong City Deal, a collaborative partnership to transform Geelong and the Great Ocean Road by the Australian Government and Victorian Government, and local council with the Authority and key partners.
New reference group established for Point Grey Redevelopment
We’re thrilled to announce the formation of the new Point Grey Redevelopment Community Reference Group (CRG), building upon the successes of the previous Community Co-design Group (CCDG). The CRG, with an expanded objective for a precinct-wide view, includes ten community members appointed based on their local knowledge and expertise in landscape design and open space thinking.
The CRG will play a vital role in the redevelopment’s success by providing input into the revised Precinct Masterplan and offering feedback on draft documents at key stages. The group’s focus will be on balancing community aspirations with best practices in coastal infrastructure, guided by the latest climate science and relevant legislation, including the Marine and Coastal Act (2018) and the Great Ocean Road and Environs Protection Act (2020).
The group will kick off in December 2023, with a series of workshops planned in early 2024, focusing on refining building concept designs and revisiting the Precinct Masterplan. The outcomes will inform wider community engagement activities starting from mid-2024.
We acknowledge the significance of Point Grey to the local community and are committed to ensuring that this redevelopment aligns with community aspirations for the area.
To find out more about the project or to sign up for project updates regarding the Point Grey Redevelopment visit: www.haveyoursay.greatoceanroadauthority.vic.gov.au/point-grey-redevelopment
Kennett River project gathers momentum with survey and engagement sessions
Against the stunning backdrop of a sunlit Sunday, over fifty locals gathered for the annual Kennett River community BBQ Day, where we reintroduced the Improvements to Tourism Infrastructure at Kennett River project.
The annual community BBQ Day, which started a few years ago following the Wye River fires, provided a wonderful opportunity for community members to connect and catch up. Here, we openly discussed the previous project plans and locals had the opportunity to hear more about the changes that have occurred since we took over the project earlier this year.
The discussion covered funded aspects of the project and proposed changes, such as the strategic placement of the public toilet and wastewater treatment plant within the Kennett River Caravan Park.
Looking ahead, we’re moving into the next phase with community questionnaires and engagement sessions. Local community feedback on the project’s previous plans and preferences for the project’s future are crucial.
We’ll be back in Kennett River for in-depth conversations and workshops in January 2024. Join us in person or online at one of the following sessions:
Saturday, January 20, 10am – 12pm: In-person workshop at the Kennett River Surf Life Saving Clubhouse.
Monday, January 22, 5pm - 6.30pm: Online workshop for those who prefer a virtual platform.
To take part in our community questionnaire or to register to attend our engagement sessions in Kennett River please visit: www.haveyoursay.greatoceanroadauthority.vic.gov.au/kennettriver
Apollo Bay Harbour redevelopment review progress
We’re pleased to confirm the receipt of the draft independent report for the Apollo Bay Harbour Development Plan (the Plan) review.
We engaged the services of Apollo Bay consultant, Coastal Planning, to conduct a comprehensive assessment of the feasibility of achieving the desired objectives of the Plan within the existing legislative and policy landscape. The review is a crucial step to ensure the elements to be delivered from the Plan comply with the Marine and Coastal Act 2018, including ensuring consistency with the Marine and Coastal Policy (2020).
Currently, we’re actively engaging with the Apollo Bay Fishermen’s Cooperative, Colac Otway Shire Council and project partners through key stakeholder briefings across December. These discussions are pivotal to informing the next steps for the project.
We’ll be back in the New Year with more information about next steps as we move forward with this highly anticipated project.
To find out more about the project or to sign up for project updates regarding the Apollo Bay Harbour Redevelopment please visit:
www.haveyoursay.greatoceanroadauthority.vic.gov.au/AB-harbour
