A “pathetic” single cruise ship booking for Geelong in three years will deprive the city of a massive economic windfall, critics of local infrastructure say.
A single ship is scheduled to visit Geelong in November according to the state’s schedule, compared to nine in 2014.
“It’s pathetic isn’t it – it’s a bloody shame,” said Andy Pobjoy, who was aboard a ship that docked in Geelong in March.
The pianist, who performs on 16 to 20 cruises a year, said many disabled and elderly passengers stayed aboard the Viking Sun when it docked.
A lack of infrastructure meant the ship’s crew had to ferry passengers ashore on tender boats, Mr Pobjoy said.
The ship’s crew told him that this prevented many “cashed-up” passengers, some who spent $65,000 USD for their ticket, coming ashore, he said.
“Even if they can get on the little lifeboat, they’re scared they’re going to tumble out. If they don’t feel safe catching the tender they won’t.”
Most passengers who came ashore “absolutely loved Geelong” and enjoyed its waterfront cafes and restaurants, Mr Pobjoy said.
But he compared Geelong to Dunedin, New Zealand, where the economy was “transforming” due 150 cruise ships docking a year, he said.
Former Geelong mayor Darryn Lyons also cited New Zealand’s success while campaigning for Geelong to capitalise on the lucrative industry.
In 2014 he promoted a $36 million Yarra St pier proposal to attract 24 cruises a year, which critics said would require costly dredging.
Mr Pobjoy instead suggested minor upgrades at Corio key and a shuttlebus could allow larger ships to dock for passengers to get to central Geelong.
“We shouldn’t be obsessed with getting the ship into the heart of Geelong,” he said.
“Just work with what you’ve got.”
He described the existing Cunningham Pier as an old piece of infrastructure and “definitely not fit for purpose” for cruise shipping.
Mr Pobjoy believed the schedule was unlikely to change and that cruise ship operators planned years in advance.
But outgoing Tourism Greater Geelong and The Bellarine chief executive officer Roger Grant said the schedule could change “week to week”.
Geelong often picked up ships in “twos and threes” each year due to Melbourne ports being too full, he said.
But Mr Grant admitted the one booking for three financial years was unusually low.
“We believe we should be getting up to ten or twelve (a year),” he said.
A recent study recommended using dolphin buoys to extend Cunningham Pier without compromising its existing businesses or “putting structural pressure” on it, Mr Grant said.
Geelong will host Australian Cruise Association’s annual conference in September.
