Marina ‘interest’: RGYCeyeing project

JOHN VAN KLAVEREN
ROYAL Geelong Yacht Club is interested in managing a marina proposed as part of a new convention centre facility, according to the club’s manager.
Phil Clohesy said the club had the experience and resources to manage a marina.
“We’re very interested in talking to the council about that. Marinas are our core business and we’re strong players in the aquatic industry.
“There’s scope for a visitor’s marina as part of the convention centre and the more visits via the water the better for Geelong.”
Mr Clohesy said increased marina capacity could lead to further development of Geelong’s Festival of Sail.
“We have a vision of a power boat spectator flotilla on the bay to accompany the key events. An expanded marine industry would sustain the growth of the festival.”
Mr Clohesy said the announcement was exciting for Geelong and promised significant benefits.
“Any development along the waterfront will benefit Geelong and there’s a great need for a convention centre. It would become a huge attraction, along with the cruise ship destination project.
“My experience in Western Australia was that maximising the potential of the waterfront will enhance our international standing.”
Victorian Employers Chamber of Commerce and Industry (VECCI) chief Mark Stone said the project would help drive the local economy.
“Regional economies benefit from conference and exhibition delegates enjoying the hospitality of local cafes, restaurants and pubs as well as visiting attractions and shopping locally.
“The location will showcase fantastic bay views and ensure the convention centre will become a landmark in the region.”
Geelong’s council has unveiled plans for a new precinct including the convention centre, a resort-style hotel, a spa centre and potentially the marina on foreshore land below Eastern Park.
Mayor John Mitchell said the project would be funded through a public-private arrangement.
He expected some opposition to the project.
“The development will respect the park and open it up for more people to enjoy.”
Cr Mitchell said the site was on State Government Crown land under City Hall management.
Discussions with the Government had been positive.
“They haven’t told us it’s not a goer, so we’ll continue to talk to them,” he said.
The City estimated the project would create 650 jobs during construction and 750 ongoing.
The development would return about $56 million a year to Geelong, the City said.
Bryan Dennis, the general manager of Geelong’s existing waterfront Sheraton hotel, said the city was short on rooms to cater for conferences and conventions.
“The more we can attract the better off we will all be, right down to the Surf Coast.”