‘Ring’ of confidence

Extension of Geelong’s ring road to the Bellarine Peninsula is one of the region’s highest funding priorities, state cabinet heard this week.
Mayor John Mitchell and City of Greater Geelong chief executive officer Stephen Griffing included the extension among a “detailed list” of priorities presented to cabinet and Premier John Brumby this week.
Cr Mitchell said the ring road link to the peninsula and planning for growth at Armstrong Creek, south of Geelong, were critical to managing “the pressure of population growth”.
He was satisfied with his meeting during State Government “community cabinet” sessions at Torquay and Grovedale.
“We had an opportunity to speak one on one with Premier Brumby and key cabinet ministers including the Minister for Regional and Rural Development, Jacinta Allan, and the Minister for Local Government, Richard Wynne, and look forward to working with the State Government to build on the significant growth potential of the region.”
The cabinet visit provided ministers with an opportunity to announce and officially launch a range of projects in the lead up to November’s state election.
Mr Brumby and Ms Allan pledged $2 million to develop a Geelong Ring Road Employment Precinct north of the city to generate up to 2000 jobs.
Mr Brumby said the project would provide 125 hectares for industrial investment.
“The Geelong ring road project is vital to securing Geelong’s future and further opening up the region to Melbourne,” he said.
“The project will be another major boost to the economic activity generated by the Geelong ring road – it will drive new jobs and ensure the region continues to be a great plate to live, work, raise a family and invest.”
Mr Brumby visited the Bellarine Peninsula to officially open Queenscliff’s $38 million harbour redevelopment.
He said the project had created 90 full-time and 200 construction jobs in “perhaps the most beautiful part of Victoria”.