Geelong council has presented its draft version of a master plan for the revitalisation and long-term development of the waterfront for exhibition to the public.
Replacing the Central Geelong Waterfront Masterplan 2011, the Geelong Waterfront Master Plan seeks to guide investment and decision-making to realise a vibrant vision of the area based on sustainability, placemaking and opportunities for cultural, business and recreational experiences.
The result of extensive public consultation through 2023 and 2024, the draft draws on feedback from more than 600 submissions from community members as well as stakeholders from the government, education, business and tourism sectors.
Chair of Economic Development Cr Trent Sullivan said he was “very excited” to see what might come of the master plan.
“(The master plan) really presents an opportunity for the future,” Cr Sullivan said.
“It breaks down the multiple precincts along the waterfront, each with the unique characteristics they have, everything from cultural to artistic to more commercial areas…all quite different, all present(ing) certain challenges.”
With an implementation schedule based on short (less than five years), medium (five to 10 years) and long (more than 10 years) timeframes, the draft master plan outlines 32 projects across five precincts.
The focus of development at the Western Beach Restoration precinct, stretching from Rippleside Park to Western Beach Boat Club, is heritage and the environment, with projects including a Bay Trail, upgrades to Griffin Gully Jetty, a Wadawurrung Culture walk, seagrass replanting and artificial reef pods.
The Convention and Creativity precinct will be transformed to match the forthcoming Nyaal Banyuul Convention and Event Centre with hospitality and retail area Arrival Plaza, redevelopment of the Western Beach Boat Club and Cunningham Pier, youth activities area and an upgrade to the Deakin University frontage.
The Central Celebration precinct between Steampacket Pier and Royal Geelong Yacht Club is envisioned in the plan as a public event space, while Eastern Beach will form the family-friendly Heritage Leisure precinct.
Finally, the Limeburners Nature precinct will include a ‘reimagining’ of the mineral springs, continuation of revegetation works and the design exploration of a community facility at Limeburners Point.
Cr Sullivan encouraged everyone to share their views on the draft master plan.
“It’s one of many parts of our community that demands great attention, but when…assets down there aren’t quite up to what people expect, they let us know,” he said.
Community engagement is open until October 5. Visit yoursay.geelongaustralia.com.au/GWFMP to view the draft plan and make a submission.
