By JOHN VAN KLAVEREN
FEDERAL MP Sarah Henderson has welcomed Mayor Darryn Lyons’s response to her deadline for action on revitalising central Geelong.
The Liberal Member for Corangamite told a business breakfast last week council had six to 12 months to revitalise the city centre or else “we need to find another way to continue the transformation”.
But this week she was “delighted” Cr Lyons was moving fast on seeking funding to build a Yarra St Pier as part of the revitalisation.
She said Federal Government’s $30 million Regional Infrastructure Program fund presented the region “with a wonderful opportunity” for funding the pier, which would act as a cruise ship terminal.
The terminal would provide “an enormous boost to our local economy”, she said.
Ms Henderson also welcomed other council action on the city centre.
“With free parking delivered and a new independent planning committee about to be launched, it’s clear that much-needed action by the bay has begun.
“Delivering the further transformation our city needs will require a collective effort from all levels of government. I’m delighted our government has delivered much-needed funding support to help drive this transformation.”
Cr Lyons said revitalising central Geelong was “right up there” on his priority list.
“A vibrant, bustling city that’s full of life and atmosphere will deliver flow-on effects for the entire region – I’m talking more jobs and more investment region-wide.
“I want to double the number of people living in central Geelong and I want to see the number of students studying in the CBD doubled as well.”
Cr Lyons said council had earmarked “considerable funding” for its central Geelong action plan.
Council would also seek federal funding for the pier, he said.
“As soon as the Prime Minister announced the fund had been increased I was straight onto Sarah to make sure Yarra St Pier is at the forefront of her mind.
“The new pier is a vital piece of the puzzle. It will play a major role in revitalising Geelong’s city centre.
“Cruise ship tourism is big business … it’s the fastest growing travel sector in the world.”
LETTERS, PAGE 14
