Stadium, library share $20m

JOHN VAN KLAVEREN
GEELONG’S two priority projects will receive $10 million each, Regional Australia Minister Simon Crean has announced.
The city’s library and heritage centre upgrade and Skilled Stadium stage four redevelopment had both requested $15 million each from the Government’s Regional Development Australia fund.
Mayor John Mitchell said both projects could be delivered despite the funding shortfall.
“Geelong getting $20 million out of $150 million available nationally is a great result,” he said.
Cr Mitchell was unconcerned about the funding shortfall of $5 million for both projects.
“We’ll get the library project up and running. We’ve already pushed the go button on looking for architects and surveyors.
“It’s a win-win for everyone. As the managers of Skilled Stadium, we’re happy that was funded as well.
Cats chief Brian Cook welcomed the “sensible” outcome.
“The federal funding will get us lights and the big screen, both of which are required to get more events to the stadium.”
Mr Cook said the shortfall meant the upgrade would have to go ahead without a planned sports museum, an extended public concourse and lounge area.
Demolition of the stadium’s Wade Stand would begin in late October or early November to make way for stage four.
Mr Cook said the project was still awaiting funding commitments of $3 million from the AFL and $2.5 million from City Hall.
A spokesman for Mr Crean said the final amount had been part of on-going discussions with applicants.
Geelong Regional Library Corporation head Patti Manolis said the project already had city funding of $20 million and a State Government pledge of $15 million.
“The project will see a new multi-storey state of the art 7000-square-metre library and heritage facility built.
“Facilities will include community reading areas, children’s exploration and discovery zone, youth space and multimedia zones, community IT areas, library collections, community meeting rooms and an auditorium.
“It will also strengthen access to information and learning for a rapidly growing population in the Geelong region.”
Mr Crean said the library project would create 299 jobs during construction and 17 jobs upon completion in December 2014.
The Skilled Stadium redevelopment would create 106 jobs during construction, he said.