A $40 million facelift of Geelong’s waterfront has edged closer to reality after council this week endorsed plans for a new safe harbour.
Council voted on Tuesday to release $3 million in funding to Royal Geelong Yacht Club (RGYC) and allow the planning approval process to begin.
“This is a great result for our whole community,” Mayor Bruce Harwood said.
“It will have a big impact on our local economy and make the area a more appealing place to visit for tourists and our own community.”
The funding will support the $19.1 million stage one of the revamp including a wave attenuator, new marina berths, a sailing school and other improvements.
RGYC contributed another $3 million for stage one, while State and Federal governments provided $7.6 million and $5.5 million respectively.
The club has estimated the cost of the entire project at $40 million.
RGYC carried out two rounds of community consultation, including targeted stakeholder workshops for local residents, traders and club members.
Council received 30 submissions after a 23-day public notice period, which mostly supported the master plan, according to a council statement.
Designers modified the master plan following community feedback and would consider other changes in more detail during the next stage of design, council said.
The implementation of the master plan will require changes to the RGYC’s lease, including a new seabed area for the wave attenuator.
Deputy mayor Peter Murrihy said Geelong Waterfront Safe Harbour Precinct Master Plan would increase access to the area for residents and tourists.
“I want to acknowledge the work of the RGYC members, who have been passionate drivers of this project.”
