By Luke Voogt
Work on nine “key” Geelong road and infrastructure upgrades worth $2.18 million in total will soon begin following a funding agreement between federal government and council.
Council received the funds as part of federal government’s $500 million Local Roads and Community Infrastructure program, aimed at fast-tracking Australia’s economic recovery from COVID-19.
“The list contains a good spread of projects across the region and each will significantly benefit the local community once finished,” Geelong mayor Stephanie Asher said.
“In addition they’ll all create local jobs during construction and generate work for local suppliers.”
The money will fund “priority” upgrades, including a widening of Reserve Road, Charlemont, which Independent readers have described as being “in terrible condition”.
Council will put $500,000 towards pavement reconstruction, stabilisation and widening between Barwarre and Barwon Heads roads, to improve safety and cater to increased traffic.
Another $500,000 will fund a new 1.4km shared bike-pedestrian path between Barrabool and Orana roads using Barwon Water reserve.
Landy Field will receive $200,000 for upgrades to facilities including changerooms, hot water systems and its first aid room.
A crackdown on hoons at Limeburners Point car park, including security cameras and improved lighting, will cost $88,504.
Pavement rehabilitation and road projects, using some recycled materials, will commence at Christies Road, Leopold, and Walkers Road, Lara, costing $350,000 and $150,000 respectively.
Council will spend another $180,000 completing a missing 560-metre footpath link on Fellmongers Road between Boundary Road and Cosgrove Street.
Council also plans to spend $15,000 on its Lara Traffic Management Plan identifying ten short-term priority actions including truck route revisions, intersection amendments and speed changes.
Robbs Road, Moorabool, will also receive a $200,000 revamp.
Geelong-based senator Sarah Henderson said the projects would create jobs and improve liveability in Geelong while boosting the city’s post-COVID recovery.
She welcomed the “key road upgrades” and “a very substantial $200,000” to improve Landy Field.
“As someone who competed at Landy Field as a child, I know firsthand what a wonderful asset this is for the health and wellbeing of our community,” she said.
