Geelong mayor Stretch Kontelj has called upon all candidates in the upcoming federal election to commit to making the Bellarine Link a reality.
The mayor released statements this week advocating for bipartisan support for the Geelong Ring Road extension, which has seemingly been in limbo since 2023.
The Bellarine Link extension would connect the terminus of Baanip Boulevard at the Surf Coast Highway to Barwon Heads Road, likely via Precinct Road, providing a direct link from the Ring Road to the Bellarine.
The extension would relieve congestion by diverting car and truck traffic from central Geelong, while improving travel times for residents, visitors and travellers alike.
However, the Bellarine Link has been on hold for some time now. Allocated $4 million in the 2016-17 Victorian budget, there has been no official word since a 2023 update to the state government’s project webpage saying planning development and community engagement had been completed.
Mayor Kontelj said extending the Geelong Ring Road to Barwon Heads Road was vital for the region.
“As the population grows, and the traffic through that area increases, and we need infrastructure that keeps pace with community need,” Mayor Kontelj said.
“The extension would reduce travel times by up to 15 minutes and support our region’s growing population by improving the links between the Bellarine and Melbourne.
“It would also support rail connections to Marshall Station and support active travel through separate paths that keep cars, cyclists and pedestrians safely apart.”
The 2023 online project update also included the possibility of a future development that would continue the extension to reach the Bellarine Highway and Portarlington Road.
Mayor Kontelj emphasised the importance of reducing truck movement through Geelong’s CBD.
“For sustainable growth and liveability we need fewer trucks in central Geelong, and the Geelong Ring Road extension would enable a direct link between Geelong’s north and the Bellarine without trucks in our CBD,” he said.
“As we approach the upcoming federal election, I want to see every candidate commit to this project – we need the support of all parties so that this infrastructure is delivered regardless of the result.”
