How Geelong convention centre could benefit Avalon Airport

The Geelong Cats will examine what the new convention centre could mean for its event. VOTE IN OUR POLL

Geelong Convention and Exhibition Centre designs. Picture: Supplied

Geelong’s convention centre is set to host a range of functions from large corporate, sporting and entertainment events to international music and trade shows, and public exhibitions, according to the state government.

The Geelong Convention and Exhibition Centre, which will be located on Western Beach Rd and is expected to be completed in 2026, will be managed and operated by the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Trust (MCET).

Geelong Cats chief executive Steve Hocking said the club welcomed the news of the development for the region and what this meant for the greater Geelong community.

The club holds its best and fairest at Crown in Melbourne.

Jeremy Cameron and Patrick Dangerfield. Picture: Josie Hayden

Mr Hocking said with the build not due for completion until 2026, it provided time to determine what the centre could provide for the club and events it held locally and in Melbourne.

“We have a great membership base here in Geelong, as well as 65 per cent of our membership base residing outside Geelong,” he said.

MCET, which operates the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre, will bring its expertise in drawing visitors from across Australia and the globe to Geelong.

There will be a 1000-seat venue, two large exhibition spaces, meeting rooms, conference facilities and flexible event spaces, and a new hotel will be built in the precinct.

The Melbourne centre hosts eclectic events — in August, these will include a gift fair, a drag expo and a car show.

Avalon CEO Tony Brun at the airport. Picture: Alan Barber

Committee for Geelong chief executive Michael Johnston said the Geelong convention centre was one of a number of happenings in the region that could help drive airline activity at Avalon.

Mr Johnston said the centre would help drive midweek activity in Geelong and events at quieter times of the year.

Tracy Carter, executive director of Tourism Greater Geelong and The Bellarine, said she saw the centre as a piece of infrastructure that would be “really important” to the growth of Avalon Airport and its flight routes.

Travellers can currently fly to Sydney, the Gold Coast and Sunshine Coast from Avalon.

International ambitions have been dealt a blow, after Vietnamese budget airline VietJet announced it would run flights out of Melbourne instead and Air Asia pulled its Malaysian flights.

“What we would like more than anything is for Avalon to get back to international flights,” Ms Carter said.

Avalon Airport chief executive Tony Brun said the convention centre was a win for the Geelong-western Melbourne corridor.

He said the synergy between the centre and airport would not only bolster our region’s economy but also further solidified Avalon’s position as Melbourne’s secondary domestic and international aviation hub.

“We welcome this great initiative … that will help drive business and associated traveller tourism in Greater Geelong, Bellarine and Great Ocean Road,” he said.

“We are ready to do the heavy lifting to bring in all the extra visitors to Victoria, along with more choice and competition in the travel industry.”

Originally published as How Geelong convention centre could benefit Avalon Airport