Expert: benefits to end up bypassing peninsula towns

Jessica Benton
The benefits of Geelong’s new ring road are likely to bypass the Bellarine Peninsula, according to a State Government consultant.
SGS Economics and Plannings’ Andrew McDougall told a luncheon in Geelong last week that, without a bypass link to the peninsula, the economic benefits would instead flow to Geelong’s “south-west” corridor.
Mr McDougall was addressing Urban Development Institute of Australia members on his report into the economic and land use impacts of the bypass.
He said areas near but unconnected to the bypass, such as the peninsula, could miss out on the road’s growth opportunities.
“Greater Geelong, Surf Coast, Colac Otway and Golden Plains shires are all expected to have population increases and benefit from the ring road.
“There is lots of growth forecast in the region and now that the ring road is delivered that demand will potentially increase in some areas. Areas that are likely to feel the benefits of the demand will be the south-west corridor.”
The Independent reported in July that links to the Bellarine Peninsula and Surf Coast were “a long way off”.
Vicroads bypass project manager Tony Hedley told the Independent planning for both links would remain on the back burner until governments had signaled they would commit funding.
Andy Richards, who holds the transport and infrastructure portfolio on Geelong’s council, said a peninsula link should be a priority.
“As for the section of the ring road that would go over the Barwon River (Bellarine Peninsula link), I think its important to get it planned quickly so we can think about industrial uses of land in areas like eastern Geelong and Moolap,” he said