Ash Bolt
The Committee for Geelong has revealed what it feels needs to be done to ensure the Geelong leverages its role as a Commonwealth Games host hub to grow the city.
Committee for Geelong chief executive Jennifer Cromarty said the Commonwealth Games provided an opportunity to “ensure the infrastructure developed is a positive legacy for the region”.
“As Victoria’s largest regional city, we have a long history of successfully running world-class events,” she said.
“With the range of existing and planned infrastructure, we can be rightly excited and proud at this opportunity to showcase our region.
“The Committee for Geelong is determined to ensure that we plan for the long term and design our city based on principles of sustainability, equity and economic resilience.
“The Commonwealth Games presents us with an opportunity to work with government to invest in the necessary infrastructure to ‘grow well’ and be a modern city with global standing.”
Ms Cromarty said public transport was one of the key areas where improvements should be made.
“The Games local organising committee will need to work with government and local stakeholders over the next four years to ensure that the increased infrastructure investment, particularly in terms of affordable and social housing as well as public transport infrastructure, is realised,” Ms Cromarty said.
“As Australia’s fastest growing regional city, we already know that public transport in the region requires significant planning and investment. Geelong is a heavily car-dependant city. This needs to change.
“Major investment is needed to ensure reliable, attractive modes of public transport are available.
“With the predicted influx of visitors, now is the time to trial and implement zero emissions mass transport modes like advanced rail-less trams to ensure regular and ease-of-use transit systems in and around the city.
“Funding a much-needed rail station at Avalon airport and finalising infrastructure needs for the Spirit of Tasmania will also assist in transporting visitors into our city. The airport and the ferry could also be linked to an advanced rail-less tram service.”
Ms Cromarty added the Games would also provide opportunities to build more social housing.
“The Commonwealth Games will also require housing. Any athletes’ village housing development must be leveraged for the long term and ultimately re-purposed as affordable and social housing for our community,” she said.
“With the aim to have 12,000 people living in the central Geelong area in the coming years, the Commonwealth Games provides incentive to fast-track residential housing developments in and around the city.
“In a post-COVID world, our central business district needs to be reimagined as a central ‘social’ or ‘experience’ district with a focus on increased residential populations to drive economic growth.
“The Commonwealth Games coming to Geelong is just the catalyst we need. We need to embrace the Games, to not only showcase our region and its existing assets but leverage the necessary investments to design our future for all.”
