Dragon funding
Fundraising for a wind-powered tourism attraction proposed for Geelong’s waterfront will begin at a sustainability event in Eastern Park this weekend.
Renew Geelong, from 10am to 1pm Sunday, will launch public fundraising activities for the Sea Dragon, which won a competition to design an icon for the city.
Mayor driving
Geelong Mayor Darryn Lyons is back on the road after regaining his Australian driving licence during a court appearance this week.
Cr Lyons was busted drink driving in Geelong almost 30 years ago before leaving for a long career in England where he obtained an international licence.
Sands sale
The Sands Torquay is up for sale, according to its owners.
Handbury Group said it was seeking buyers for the golf course, clubhouse facilities, hotel accommodation and undeveloped land on the estate but would honour commitments to existing residents and members.
Defence tour
“Major” defence contractors have visited Geelong to hear about its pitch for a $10 billion contract to build armoured combat vehicles.
Mayor Darryn Lyons said the contractors heard about the city’s infrastructure advantages, spoke to local businesses with relevant skills and went on an “aerial tour” of the city as it vied to host the military’s Land 400 project.
Norlane works
Work has started on a $5.3 million Norlane Children’s and Family Centre, Geelong’s council has announced.
Ward councillor Kylie Fisher said the Windsor Park facility would make a “huge difference” for families in the area.
Locals surfing
Two competitors will take on the world’s best suffers at Bells Beach over Easter.
Cahill Bell-Warren, who lives at Bells Beach, and Jan Juc 17-year-old Zoe Clarke won men’s and women’s trials competitions this week, earning wildcard entries to the main event.
Pipe dream
A WATER pipeline will prepare the ground for almost 800 farming jobs north of Geelong, according to Corangamite MP Sarah Henderson.
She said $4.2 million in federal funding for the eight-kilometre pipeline would kick-start the 3000-hecatare Golden Plains Food Production and Employment Precinct, expected to pump out $516 million in produce annually in 10 years.
Creek links
Developers of Torquay’s Spring Creek will benefit from $1.3 million in council and state funding for community infrastructure.
South Barwon MP Andrew Katos said the “Spring Creek Critical Links” funding would deliver a bridge and pathways linking the area to existing parts of Torquay and Jan Juc.
