Centre of attention: Liberals Alastair Thomson and Matthew Guy talk up central Geelong. Picture: Tommy Ritchie 57127
Erin Pearson
CENTRAL Geelong could be abuzz with students, large corporations and new residents under a coalition state government, according to shadow planning minister Matthew Guy.
Mr Guy visited central Geelong on Wednesday to announce a $150,000 commitment to start work on an urban growth plan for the area.
Mr Guy was committed to “reinvigorating” Geelong’s city centre.
“I’d love to see Geelong become a destination people want to move to,” he said.
“This funding will map out an urban renewal plan for central Geelong. Once it is complete we’d put a timeframe of 12 months to implement it fully.”
Mr Guy said “Band-Aid fixes” such as footpath renewal, reintroduction of buses to Moorabool Street and planting palm trees had failed to “inject life” back into the city centre.
Liberal candidate for Geelong Alastair Thomson said he was “saddened” to see the city suffering with empty shops.
