It’s hard to imagine there was a time that Geelong had effectively turned its back on Corio Bay.
That through industrial changes and economic shocks, the waterfront was not a place to take pride in.
The redevelopment of the area, through the latter half of the 1990s, stands as one of this city’s great success stories.
The conversion of the decaying precinct into a thriving recreation, hospitality, and events mecca, has helped transform the fortunes of the entire region.
It has created waves of commercial investment, with all levels of government allocating funds to further improve the area in recent years.
The Wangim Walk wave attenuator; the Floating Christmas Tree; and the ferry service to Melbourne are among the attractions that have ensured the Waterfront remains a premier destination.
Add the whole new market of activity and visitors that will emanate from the Geelong Convention and Exhibition Centre, which will open in about three years, there’s no doubt it is an exciting period.
But there is no advantage in standing still.
Council is keen to prepare for the next 10 to 20 years of development and upgrades along the foreshore.
From Rippleside through to Limeburner’s Point, we want to ensure the area best serves our community, environment, and economy.
To do this, work has begun on refreshing the Geelong Waterfront Masterplan.
It will focus on enhancing the characteristics of the foreshore’s three distinct precincts – Western, Central and Eastern.
For example, management of Eastern Beach is complicated by the array of heritage assets, the swimming facilities and the one million visitors per year it attracts.
In recent years Council has overseen dredging works, the replacement of shark bars, upgrades to the children’s pool and seawalls, irrigation, footpaths, and the renovation of the public toilets.
Then there’s assets such as the playground, lighting, staircases…the list goes on.
There are a lot of factors to consider along the length of the Waterfront, such as:
• Public accessibility and safety
• Walking and cycling connections
• Visitor facilities
• Events and temporary business provisions
• Attractions and activities; and
• Commercial offerings.
In the initial stages of planning, we are seeking the input of all types of users and visitors.
We want to learn what elements of the Waterfront people value the most; if there are any aspects that need to be improved; and better understand the aspirations of private operators.
The community’s feedback will assist in the development of a draft master plan, which will then go back out for public comment.
Once complete, the masterplan will be used to lobby for external funding, while guiding the ongoing management of the area.
This will ensure the jewel in Geelong’s crown continues to shine bright.
I encourage all members of the community to visit yoursay.geelongaustralia.com.au/GWFMP and provide their views before May 31.
