Inside $200m worth of Geelong council projects pinned for the suburbs
$200m is on the table to build key infrastructure in Geelong’s suburbs. Libraries, kindergartens and pools are on the cards. See the progress.
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A library with a rooftop garden at Drysdale, a Mount Duneed kindergarten and an upgrade at Lara Recreation Reserve are all due to be completed this year as Geelong council budgets $200m on city-shaping infrastructure.
Council’s 2022-23 infrastructure spend is also headlined by an eight-lane 50m outdoor pool at Drysdale; a well-being hub at Norlane to feature pools, a gym and other health facilities; and a three-level 2500sq m town centre at Armstrong Creek to feature co-working space and a library.
City of Greater Geelong mayor Trent Sullivan said the council’s “large construction program” included libraries, swimming pools, road upgrades, sporting facilities, shared trails and footpaths.
“Council continues to invest heavily in new facilities and infrastructure to support existing residents and cater for the growth our region is experiencing,” Mr Sullivan said.
“We have budgeted for a capital projects spend in the current financial year of around $200m.
“We appreciate the funding contributions for many of these projects from the state and federal governments.”
Mr Sullivan warned increases to the cost of building materials meant future funding for infrastructure wouldn’t stretch as far.
“Unfortunately, we are like many organisations in feeling the impacts of huge cost increases in the construction sector,” he said.
“Projects being put out for construction tender now will be significantly more expensive to deliver than similar projects 12 or 18 months ago.
“This is set to be felt in the council’s budget for the 2023-24 financial year.
“We will continue to invest in infrastructure but the funding won’t stretch as far, meaning we are likely to face some very difficult decisions about what we can deliver in the short-term.
“It is important that we remain financially sustainable while doing our best to keep up with the demand for new and renewed facilities.”
Collectively council’s 10 largest infrastructure projects top $100m. The other budgeted $100m for 2022-23 infrastructure includes:
- $31.17m on parks, open space and leisure;
- $25m on roads;
- $6m on drainage;
- $3.4m on footpaths; and
- $6.2m on resurfacing roads
GEELONG COUNCIL INFRASTRUCTURE PROJECTS
Northern Aquatic and Community Hub
Cost: $65.6m
Funding: Council $48.4m; Victorian government $8.5m; Australian government $8.26m.
Location: Corner of Cox Rd and Princes Highway, Norlane
Major new health and well-being hub for Geelong’s north featuring aquatic, gym and health facilities, cafe and large multi-purpose community hall. Replaces Waterworld and Centenary Hall on the same site. Construction underway and due for completion early 2024.
More information here.
North Bellarine Aquatic Centre Stage 1
Cost: $15.5m
Funding: Australian government $10m; council $5.5m.
Location: Drysdale Sports Precinct
Eight late 50m outdoor heated pool plus all abilities change facilities, entry pavilion and tiered covered seating. Due for completion this year. In addition, $40m in state and federal commitments have been made for Stage 2 indoor facilities.
More information here.
Drysdale Library
Cost: $9.156m
Funding: Council $8.156m; Victorian government $1m
Location: Drysdale Town Square
Environmentally sustainable building featuring library plus green roof, internal courtyard garden, community spaces, quiet study areas, an adult changing places facility and a City of Greater Geelong customer service point. Set to open mid-2023.
More information here.
Mount Duneed Community Hub
Cost: $13m
Funding: Council $10.7m; Victorian government $2.25m
Location: Unity Drive, Mount Duneed
Large community centre featuring kindergarten, maternal child health, consulting services, and multi-purpose community activity spaces. Due to be open in the second half of 2023.
More information here.
Armstrong Creek Town Centre Library
Cost: $21.864m
Funding: Council $20.364m; Victorian government $1.5m
Location: Armstrong Creek Town Centre
Striking, environmentally sustainable three-level hub featuring library, children’s story time area, multi-purpose community spaces and an outdoor terrace. Due for completion early 2024.
More information here.
LED street lighting rollout
Cost: $13.48m
Funding: Council
Rollout of energy-efficient LED lighting and smart controls in the region’s 25,000 plus street lights to providing better quality lighting, reducing operating costs and slashing carbon emissions. Being delivered in stages, expected to be completed by end of 2023.
More information here.
Lara Recreation Reserve Stage 1 and 2
Cost: $2.75m (Stage 1 only).
Funding: Council $2.35m; Victorian government $400,000.
Multi-stage project to implement the Lara Recreation Reserve Master Plan. Stage 1 is a new pavilion for the netball and tennis clubs, plus two new netball courts, two new tennis courts and sports lighting. Due for completion in the first half of this year. A $2.29m construction tender has also been awarded for part of Stage 2, a new multi-use pavilion in the north of the precinct to service baseball, football and cricket. This is also co-funded by the council ($1.29m) and the Victorian government ($1m).
Road upgrade – Farrars Road, Lara
Cost: $2.5m
Funding: Funded by Australian government, delivered by council
Two-stage project to widen 3.2km of the road. Stage 1 is complete, with Stage 2 – 1.6km between Branch Road and You Yangs Road, Little River – now underway.
Waurn Ponds Skate Park
Cost: $1.95m
Funding: Victorian government $1.35m, council $600,000
Location: 173-199 Pioneer Rd, Grovedale
Major upgrade including features for riders of all abilities, including street drain area, new snake run bowl, gathering place for youth, and a new shade and seating areas. The steel ramps – a favourite for local skaters – will be retained. Due to be completed mid-2023.
More information here.
Station St shared path – Stage 1
Cost: $500,000
Funding: Council
Part of the city’s long-term aim of creating a connected network of shared trails across Greater Geelong, the Station St shared path will provide a north-south connection between North Shore station and the St Georges Rd shared path. Stage 1 will see a new path constructed from the station to Sparks Rd, while the city is seeking funding assistance for Stage 2, from Sparks Rd to St Georges Rd. The route along Station St will ultimately link users from Lara to Corio, North Shore station, GeelongPort and finally to central Geelong via the Bay Trail. The path will also provide direct access from North Shore station to Stead Park, the hockey venue for the 2026 Commonwealth Games.
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Originally published as Inside $200m worth of Geelong council projects pinned for the suburbs
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