By JOHN VAN KLAVEREN
Geelong’s long-awaited convention centre is mired in bureaucracy, with key stakeholders confused about who should be the proposal’s lead agency.
They agree only that Deakin University’s waterfront car park site is the obvious, logical choice for the centre.
Some pointed to the State Government-appointed Geelong Authority as responsible for leading the development of the centre but as a planning agency it can only respond to applications.
The authority is also hamstrung after losing its chair Peter Dorling when the Government seconded him to the team of three City Hall administrators after sacking Geelong’s council.
The convention centre situation was “extraordinary” said Liberal South Barwon MP Andrew Katos.
“I can’t believe that after a year and a half no one from government has spoken to Deakin about this.”
Two weeks ago Western Victorian MP Simon Ramsay called on the Government to consider compulsorily acquiring the site.
Deakin Vice-Chancellor Jane den Hollander said in response that she would consider any “sensible” plan to use the car park for a Geelong convention centre.
But the university had yet to receive any “offer” for the prime site or see any proposal for the long-proposed convention centre, she told the Indy.
Premier Daniel Andrews established the Geelong Authority almost a year ago saying it would “break the deadlock that has delayed and hindered the major projects that Geelong needs”.
Geelong Chamber of Commerce chief executive Bernadette Uzelac said it was time for the Government to take action on the project.
“Geelong is being held back and missing out on key opportunities to benefit from the massive national convention and conference market,” Ms Uzelac said.
“The convention centre is a game-changer for our city and it needs urgent prioritisation to get on with the business case.
“Until that happens we’re really in a stalemate situation with this project and unable to move forward.
“I call upon Geelong’s leaders and State Government representatives to advocate strongly for the release of funding required to complete the business case and turn this project into a reality.”
Acting head of regional alliance lobby G21 Janice Lane said Deakin would probably be “formally approached” as part of a Geelong Authority feasibility study and business case.
The Indy sought clarification from the Government on Mr Dorling’s replacement but did not receive a reply before going to press.
