$370m Geelong City Deal set to change the face of Victoria’s second largest city

The Geelong City Deal Implementation Plan is a 10 year plan dedicated to building a thriving city centre in Geelong and growing tourism in the broader Great Ocean Road region.

In order to increase tourism, the City Deal plans to upgrade the Apollo Bay Harbour, Point Grey Lorne and develop of new coastal walk.

In the city centre, the proposed projects include the $170 million Geelong Convention and Exhibition Centre and the implementation of stage two of the Shipwreck Coast Masterplan which is estimated at $108 million.

The convention centre project will include both the centre and the surrounding precinct, including a new hotel and restaurants, shops and commercial tenancies. The centre itself will incorporate a 1000-seat conference room and a multi-purpose hall.

“Revitalisation of central Geelong and the city’s waterfront under the City Deal will improve access, support tourism and enhance community activities and major events” stated Victorian Regional Development Minister Jaclyn Symes

The Geelong City Deal includes:

• $174.2 million for the Geelong Convention and Exhibition Centre
• $38.13 million for the Revitalising Central Geelong Action Plan
• $3.5 million for the Geelong Waterfront Safe Harbour project
• $108.15 for the Shipwreck Coast Master Plan
• $27.5 million for Great Ocean Road Infrastructure Projects
• $7.6 million for the Deakin University Future Economy Precinct
• $10 million for the Queenscliff Ferry Terminal
• $1.15 million for Smart Cities

The plan will primarily be funded by the Victorian government ($141.2 million) with the federal and local governments contributing $30 million and $3 million respectively. These three groups are aligned in unison and are committed to this shared vision

The first Annual Progress Report will be released in the first half of 2020.