Geelong council announced the top projects it will advocate for as the state election approaches.
On Tuesday night councillors unanimously endorsed a list of priority projects for which it will attempt to secure funding commitments from prospective members of state parliament in the lead up to the 2026 Victorian government election.
The Priority Projects list is a revision of the Draft Regional Priority Projects list the council endorsed in September last year.
All projects in the previous document remain, with minor updates, while an entirely new tier of community infrastructure projects – 32 overall – has been added to the list.
New priority projects include redevelopment of facilities such as Bellarine Arts Centre, Ervin Reserve, Hamlyn Park, Kardinia Park Netball Complex, Lara Recreation Reserve, Myers Reserve, Osborne Park, Whittington Community Hub and Winter Reserve.
Other priorities include changes to Geelong’s stormwater management model and flood mitigation measures, a review of early years’ service delivery, more youth services spaces, expansion of the Bellarine Sports Centre, a new Lara basketball stadium and a new regional tennis centre in Armstrong Creek.
These additions join previously endorsed projects such as a Geelong Ring Road Extension (Bellarine Link), transformation of Market Square, major investment in Avalon Airport, expanded regional rail services and a special economic zone for central Geelong.
Councillor Eddy Kontelj said the new document was a “very comprehensive list” that included many “excellent projects”.
“It certainly gives us a great platform to be able to work with parliamentarians and local members as we head into the election,” he said.
Cr Anthony Aitken successfully moved for an amendment to the original report, which added the redevelopment of the Norlane West Scout Hall to the list of projects.
“This project is not on council land, this project is not delivered by (the) council, but it is actually bringing significant community benefit to the local area of Norlane West, which happens to be one of the most significantly disadvantaged communities in Australia,” he said.
“I know it would certainly boost the confidence of Norlane West Scouts and the community…if the council was advocating for them.”
