Premier backs Geelong icon competition

Andrew Mathieson
VICTORIAN Premier Ted Baillieu has gone back to his roots to throw support behind developing a city icon to lift Geelong’s profile.
The former architect has likened an upcoming Geelong design competition to the turning point in revitalising Melbourne’s once dour image.
“I welcome the Icon for Geelong competition and look forward to creative proposals,” Mr Baillieu told the Independent.
“I recall the landmark competition run by then Premier Rupert Hamer in the late 1970s, which 20 years later saw the development of Federation Square and led to the development of Melbourne’s Southbank.”
Mr Baillieu had participated in the Melbourne landmark competition for Geelong-based architects McGlashan Everist.
Geelong Professionals Alliance Network, which is facilitating the Icon for Geelong, plans to discuss the concept with Mr Baillieu to rally further government support.
More than 30 designers have already expressed an interest before organisers officially launch its competition in the next month.
“I strongly encourage designers entering the Icon for Geelong competition not to lose sight of Geelong’s core strengths – Corio Bay and the waterfront, the port, educational institutions and sport,” Mr Baillieu said.
Geelong Professionals Alliance Network chairman Andrew Senia hinted early applications have focused on Geelong’s entrance, the waterfront and the bay.
Mr Senia said a Geelong icon should “lift up our spirits”, but also provide a boost to the local economy.
“There is a need for an icon in Geelong because we simply haven’t got one – something that will symbolise our hopes and aspirations for the future, which says something about where we come from in the past that will unite us,” he said.
A “huge” cash prize will drive the search for an Icon for Geelong that is open to various concepts or design.
The competition will run for about six months and be judged by members of local community organisations.