ANNUAL REPORT 2007-2008 CITY OF GREATER GEELONG

COUNCIL FUNDING PRIORITIES
Council has identified 13 key projects for the municipality, each of which has particular strategic importance for the future of the Geelong region.
These priorities represent Council’s long term ambitions for the municipality. They do not replace or take precedence over the core functions of Council. An update on each of these priorities
for the year ending 30 June 2008 is detailed below.
The Projects Project Description Status Update
View of Geelong
FUNDED
Council resolved to assist the Geelong Gallery’s campaign to purchase the
historical Colonial painting View of Geelong by Eugene von Guerard, 1856.
COMPLETED
In July 2006 the View of Geelong headed home thanks to the extraordinary
enthusiasm shown for the painting by the Geelong community.
East West Traffic
FUNDED
The implementation of a range of traffic measures will target improved
conditions for vehicular access to the central activities area and through
traffic across the central Geelong area.
IMPROVEMENT
WORKS
CONTINUING
This project has been fully funded and seven sites have been completed, with
another three in progress. The remaining sites are expected to commence and
be completed within the 2008-2009 year.
Sites completed in 2007-2008 include:
> Mercer St / Gheringhap St / Malop St intersection.
> Malop St / Fitzroy St intersection.
> Latrobe Tce clearway.
Works have commenced at the following sites:
> Ryrie St / Sydney Pde / Swanston St intersection - works expected to be
completed by mid-July 2008.
> Garden St / Portarlington Rd intersection - works expected to be
completed early in 2008-2009.
Conference Centre
The proposal is to construct a 1,200 seat conference facility with exhibition
space and ancillary features such as meeting rooms, catering facilities and
associated administration space. This development is likely to be co-located
with a 4-5 Star Hotel.
BUSINESS CASE
DEVELOPMENT
A feasibility study has identified potential sites, developed conceptual layout
plans and examined potential capital cost, with a recommendation that the
centre be located close to the Waterfront.
Geelong Otway Tourism won the 2007 Australian Tourism Award for Meetings
and Business Tourism for the third time, highlighting the enormous potential and
economic benefit an asset of this kind could bring to the region.
Leisurelink Aquatic
Facility
FUNDED
Due to significant population growth in the South Geelong region and due to
asset deterioration Council resolved to replace the Leisurelink Aquatic
Centre. The new aquatic centre will provide for a replacement of all existing
facilities and also provide for additional facilities.
UNDER
CONSTRUCTION
Civil works on the $30 million facility commenced in September 2007, and is
expected to open in 2010. This is an exciting joint project between the City of
Greater Geelong and the State Government and is the biggest sports and leisure
project ever undertaken by Council. The centre will provide 21st Century
entertainment, recreation and fitness facilities for families.
Western Wedge
Infrastructure
The overall goal of the Western Wedge planning framework is to create a
diverse mix of residential, commercial, educational and recreational
developments that combine to create a vibrant hub in what has previously
been an under-utilised area. This area has unique development potential
given its ideal location next to the bay, the central business district and the
Geelong railway station.
IN PROGRESS
The vision for the Western Wedge has now been incorporated into the local
planning scheme, and master plans are underway or complete for three of the
key precincts (Cultural, Station and Inner Wedge). Detailed design of capital
improvement works will commence in 2008-2009.
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