By JOHN VAN KLAVEREN
Geelong has waited long enough for Deakin University to make a decision about the use of its waterfront car park for a convention centre, according to South Barwon MP Andrew Katos.
“Deakin needs to make a decision,” Mr Katos said.
“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 called for the decision following Deakin revealing plans to build accommodation for 300 students on part of its waterfront landholdings.
“It’s time for Deakin to give clarity to the situation. We’ve waited long enough,” Mr Katos said.
If they’re interested in talking to government about it that’s fine but let’s do it. If not let’s look at other sites.
“If another site is to be considered, however, it has to be on the waterfront.”
At the launch of Deakin’s new student accommodation in Geelong’s iconic T and G building, vice-chancellor Prof Jane den Hollander confirmed the waterfront accommodation plans.
But the university, which has extensive landholdings in the area, would not confirm the site of the planned accommodation.
Prof den Hollander said Deakin hoped to begin building by the end of the year.
A Deakin spokesperson refused to be drawn on the university’s plan for its watefront Smythe Street car park.
“It still has to go through Deakin, council and planning processes, so any further discussion about it is premature.”
Geelong’s convention centre saga has dragged on for years, with several alternative sites suggested.
The former Coalition State Government committed $5 million for a convention centre business plan before the last election, with Deakin’s car park the preferred site. The funding was lost when the Coalition failed to win re-election.
After the election, Labor Member for Bellarine and state minister Lisa Neville said Geelong’s council could be involved in a swap of its busport facility for Deakin’s car park.
Ms Neville told the Geelong Indy the convention centre could only become a reality on the Deakin car park site.
“That’s the site and (the convention centre) can’t be successful unless it is,” she said.
This week’s state budget included funding for Labor’s Geelong authority, a planning advisory group set up to accelerate the redevelopment of the city centre.
