City set for 25 cruises a year, says new study

By John Van Klaveren
GEELONG could accommodate 25 cruise ship visits a year by 2025, according to preliminary results of a new study.
The study said developing Geelong as a cruise ship destination would add $25 million a year to the economy and create more than 100 full-time jobs.
South Barwon MP Andrew Katos said he welcomed State Government’s decision to develop Geelong as a cruise ship destination.
Mr Katos said the push would encourage more tourists to visit regional Victoria, with a cruise ship also visiting Portland this season.
The Independent reported in August that two cruise ships were scheduled to visit Geelong this summer.
Spirit of Adventure’s 348 passengers would arrive on December 20, while the 684 capacity Regatta was set to visit on February 17 and 18.
Mr Katos said the stopovers would offer passengers a number of shore excursions, including to the 12 Apostles, Warrnambool and the Grampians.
Mayor John Mitchell said the preliminary reports “sound good” but demanded an investment in waterfront infrastructure.
“If that was the case, if we had Yarra St pier built and in place the ability to cater for 25 cruise ships would be there,” Cr Mitchell said.
“But we’re a long way from that happening, so the key word here appears to be preliminary.
“I haven’t been told the result of this report but there’s no doubt that if we had the infrastructure in place there’d be nothing to stop this type of activity happening.
“The economic impact would depend on how long they stay. Our goal is to have a cruise ship stationed here.”
Cr Mitchell confirmed the two cruise ships visits this summer would operate from a swing mooring rather than dock at Cunningham Pier.
Council has plans for a $22.4 million project to rebuild Yarra St for uses including cruise ship berthing.