Geelong City Deals Update - December 2024
Published on 19 December 2024
As 2024 draws to a close, we extend our heartfelt thanks to all community members, visitors, key stakeholders, and project teams whose collaboration and commitment have been instrumental in shaping these three key initiatives along the Great Ocean Road.
Your commitment, passion, and ideas have helped shape projects that reflect the values and aspirations of all who treasure these special parts of Victoria.
This year has seen significant progress, and with the groundwork laid and early milestones achieved, we’re well-positioned to take these projects into their next exciting phases in 2025.
APOLLO BAY HARBOUR PRECINCT MOVES AHEAD
Momentum is building for the Apollo Bay Harbour Redevelopment, with tangible progress driven by the collaborative efforts of the Community Reference Group (CRG), harbour stakeholders, Antarctica Architects, and the Project Team.
Onsite discussions and a tour of the fishing co-op with representatives from the Apollo Bay Fishermen’s Cooperative have provide valuable insights into local challenges and priorities, enriching our understanding of their unique needs.
Focused meetings have enabled CRG members to assess existing facilities, explore site needs and values, and map out opportunities and constraints within the project area. This evidence-gathering process will culminate in an Opportunities and Constraints Report to guide the project’s next steps.
Site-specific considerations, including the condition of the seawall, the steep dunes, and the role of vegetation in stabilising the active dune system at Mother’s Beach, will inform the development of a Coastal Adaptation Plan. Recent erosion in the area has highlighted its vulnerability to coastal hazards, reinforcing the need for a strategic and informed approach.
With the finishing touches to the Coastal Adaption Plan now underway, we are gearing up to share this important work with the broader community, with engagement opportunities planned for early 2025.
PROGRESS ON KENNETT RIVER INFRASTRUCTURE IMPROVEMENTS
Plans for Infrastructure improvements in Kennett River are moving forward, with a draft Precinct Plan being finalised for community consultation. Developed by Head Consultant SMEC and the Project Team with input from the project’s Community Reference Group, the plan aims to balance the area’s natural beauty, environmental sensitivities with practical enhancements for both visitors and residents.
Since May, five focused meetings and workshops have explored key issues, including upgrades to public infrastructure, new toilet block, traffic management, pedestrian safety, increasing green space, protection of the estuary and native vegetation, parking, and respect for wildlife.
These discussions contribute to the process to a create a vision for the future of this much-loved coastal spot. The draft Precinct Plan, alongside the Opportunities and Constraints Report, marks a significant step forward and will guide the next phase of the project.
Retaining and enhancing open space areas, preserving views, and maintaining access to the river is central to protecting Kennett River’s charm and appeal. Community engagement will begin early next year, giving everyone the chance to review the draft plan and have a say.
STRATEGIC PLANNING PROGRESSES FOR POINT GREY
Planning is in full swing at Point Grey, with coastal adaptation planning efforts well underway. Through this process we have mapped the important social, environmental, cultural and economic values at the site and looked at how they will be impacted by erosion and inundation over time.
This work is a critical step to support the siting of buildings, laying the groundwork for the project’s next phase.
The Community Reference Group (CRG) has played a central role in shaping the project, offering valuable insights and feedback.
Through a series of collaborative workshops, members have worked closely with the project team to deepen their understanding of the site, the complex legislative requirements shaping the design response, and review and refine a draft concept plan that envisions how the precinct could evolve to meet future needs.
In response to this input, the project team is now reviewing the plans to make sure they reflect a best-practice approach, that properly considers community values.
The updated plan will be presented as part of a draft Urban Design Framework and will return to the CRG for review in early 2025 before being released for broader public consultation.
These projects are being delivered as part of the $676.15 million Geelong City Deal, which is a collaborative partnership to transform Geelong and the Great Ocean Road involving the Australian Government, Victorian Government, local councils, the Authority and key partners.