By Luke Voogt
The State Government has completed architectural plans for the Geelong Convention Centre but has refused to release them, according to local MP Simon Ramsay.
“My sources have told me the government has completed the business case and the architectural plans,” the Member for Western Victoria said yesterday.
In parliament last Tuesday, Mr Ramsay called on Regional Development Minister Jaala Pulford to announce plans and funding for the centre.
Ms Pulford failed to respond in parliament, but Mr Ramsay said she “informally” told him the business case was complete.
“She did indicate that the business plan had been put to the Department of Treasury and Finance for costing in next year’s budget.
“There must be an architectural drawing, including things like the size and capacity of the centre, in that business case.”
Mr Ramsay accused the State Government of keeping Geelong “in the dark” by delaying announcements about the centre until closer to the 2018 Victorian election.
“They’ve been very secretive about the whole thing – they’ll no doubt see the convention centre as part of their election campaign,” he said.
“This is just political opportunism.”
Mr Ramsay said Geelong had the right to “look at what is being offered and whether it’s going to meet the needs of the city”.
“It’s a bit odd we haven’t been briefed on what will likely be one of the biggest infrastructure projects in Geelong.”
Geelong Mayor Bruce Harwood also said the business case had “been completed”.
“We’ve not been able to have a look at that yet but I’ll certainly be trying to get as much detail and information as I can.”
Mr Harwood said the working out the “next step” for the convention centre was a top priority for Geelong’s council, in his first interview as mayor with the Indy last week.
“That is an absolute critical piece of infrastructure that could be a game-changer for us in Geelong.”
The Indy asked Ms Pulford why the government was withholding the release of the plans but she failed to respond.
“Work is currently underway to ensure every avenue is explored to deliver a facility that is viable and sustainable and that best meets the economic interests of the region,” she said.
Geelong MP Christine Couzens echoed the minister’s comments and confirmed Deakin University’s water front carpark would be the location for the convention centre.
“It was never going to be anywhere else,” she said.
“The Liberals are in no place to be complaining given they’ve done nothing for four years (they were in government).”
Mr Ramsay said Deakin was talks with the City of Greater Geelong about alternative parking sites, a principle of the university’s support for State Government led development of the site.
Deakin University and the State Government declined to comment on whether they had come to an arrangement.
