The State Government should consider intervening to acquire Deakin University’s Waterfront campus car park for Geelong’s convention and exhibition centre, according to Western Victoria MP Simon Ramsay.
Speaking in parliament, Mr Ramsay asked Minister for Planning Richard Wynne whether the government would explore compulsory acquisition if mediating with Deakin University proved too difficult.
“The G21 Geelong Region Alliance has pointed out that a business case has yet to be finalised for the Geelong convention and exhibition centre, which has held back federal funding commitments,” he said.
“My last question to the Minister in March drew a response stating that Geelong’s planning authority was established to provide advice on major developments, including the merits of a Geelong convention and exhibition centre.
“With $5.5 million allocated in the budget to the Geelong Authority, it is now time to see some sign of progress for this vital project.
“The question I ask the Minister is: would he consider compulsory acquisition of the Deakin University Waterfront campus car park if an agreement cannot be reached with the City of Greater Geelong and Deakin University to move this project along on the preferred site?”
Geelong Indy reported last month South Barwon MP Andrew Katos told Deakin University to make a decision on its extensive waterfront holdings.
“It’s either, ‘Yes, we’re interested’, or, ‘No’, and if it’s no we can go away and look at other sites,” Mr Katos told Geelong Indy.
“It’s time for Deakin to give clarity to the situation. We’ve waited long enough.”
A Geelong Chamber of Commerce briefing two weeks ago told Shadow Federal Treasurer Chris Bowen the Deakin waterfront car park site was the only viable option for the convention centre.
Mr Bowen was told that Deakin was “digging its heels in” over negotiations for the site.
