Rye eye on our wheel

Andrew Mathieson
A RIVAL council has re-named Geelong’s former skywheel the “Rye Eye” in a bid to stop the tourist attraction returning to Eastern Beach.
Mornington Peninsula Shire Mayor Anne Shaw told the Independent yesterday that she wanted the wheel to become a permanent fixture at Rye after a successful relocation to her municipality over summer.
Geelong was home to the 45-metre Ferris wheel two years ago, with a City Hall survey finding overwhelming public support for the attraction.
The City wants to lock in the attraction for the next three years but nearby residents are fighting a proposal to put the wheel on Ritchie Boulevard.
Cr Shaw said her council would have discussions with the wheel’s operator about keeping it at Rye.
“It certainly has been a great attraction and it offers terrific views of the peninsula – it’s been a big hit this summer,” she said.
“When something is so popular you want to keep it.
“It’s now been re-named the Rye Eye.”
Cr Shaw said the ferris wheel could remain at Rye year-round to attract more visitors outside summer months.
The skywheel was operating opposite the town’s shopping centre “hundreds” of metres from residential homes, she said.
“From what I have gathered so far, everyone is quite happy with the wheel – nobody’s been affected by it.”
Geelong foreshore residents have lodged nearly 50 objections against the skywheel proposal based on concerns about noise, traffic and visual impact.
Council is reviewing the feedback and awaiting the operator’s response to the submissions.
Committee for Geelong chief executive Peter Dorling said the City could consider shifting the proposed location.
“I think what’s important is where it’s positioned and trying to deal with the people who have objections,” he said.
“It’s got to be a fair process.
“Residents have some legitimate concerns that need to be addressed and I’m sure council will do that.”
Mr Dorling feared Geelong could face a council stoush over the wheel.
“There’s always competition for these sorts of attractions,” he said.
“I wouldn’t blame them for having a go but hopefully we will win in the end.”
Geelong Mayor John Mitchell had not returned the Independent’s call for comment when the paper went to press yesterday afternoon.