Geelong Safe Harbour gets $4M State funding
Vic government pledges $4 million towards Stage One of the Geelong Waterfront Safe Harbour PrecinctThe Andrews Labor Government has announced it is pledging $4 million towards Stage One of the Geelong Waterfront Safe Harbour Precinct.
The revitalised Geelong waterfront will be a significant asset to the region, boosting recreational and tourism activities for both the local community and visitors alike. Boaters are among those who stand to gain most from the creation of a much-needed Safe Harbour at this southern end of the bay.
"This
is an important project for the region which has the capacity to see
more people visiting, spending money and enjoying time in Geelong," said Minister for Regional Development, Jaala Pulford
"We
want to help invest to see the marina become a high quality sporting
facility and tourism attraction which also creates local jobs."
The Safe Harbour initiative will bring economic and tourism benefits to Geelong, including creating jobs in the region in the short and longer term.
Having been successful at State level, the Royal Geelong Yacht Club (RGYC) is now seeking Federal funding to contribute towards the Stage One project, which includes the construction of a 288m curved wave attenuator to create the safe harbour.
With a total of $10 million in funding now confirmed — $3 million of its own money, $3 million from the City of Greater Geelong, and now $4 million from the State — the yacht club has applied for a further $9 million from the Federal Government to fund the total $19 million cost of Stage One.
"We now call on the Federal Government to provide funding to see this vital project become a reality," said Minister for Environment and Member for Bellarine Lisa Neville, backing the RGYC's call.
Regional Development Victoria and Department of Environment, Land, Water
and Planning say they have recognised the importance of this project to
both regional development and promoting the use of public space and
will both contribute towards the commitment.
"This will be a transformational project for the waterfront area of Geelong," Ms Neville added.
"The Geelong Waterfront is already a popular destination with visitors. This upgrade will create renewed opportunities for local businesses and grow Geelong’s reputation as a world-class destination," Minister for Tourism & Major Events and Member for Lara, John Eren, chimmed in.
The remaining funding requirement for Stage One and success or otherwise of the grant application now rests with the Federal Government which is expected to make the announcement in July.
A $12 million second stage would be bankrolled solely by the Royal Geelong Yacht Club. Bring it on...
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