Labor promises to kickstart ‘new era’ for Avalon.
After a week of promised cash splashes from candidates across the region, Richard Marles says a $5m pledge proves Labor has big plans for Avalon Airport.
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The Albanese government will commission a $5m feasibility study into major upgrades at Avalon airport if elected in May, Corio MP Richard Marles announced on Friday.
The study will investigate options for upgrading Beach Rd, which Mr Marles said was essential to unlocking the precinct’s potential as “a transport and logistics hub” by bolstering connectivity to the industrial park and Point Wilson Wharf.
While Labor’s study would investigate the viability of the upgrade, it’s no guarantee works will begin on the road, which the airport identified as a priority in master plan green-lit by the Commonwealth over a decade ago.
“This feasibility study will look at a range of options for the airport, including upgrades to roads and improved access to support Avalon’s growth,” Mr Marles said.
Infrastructure minister Catherine King said it was crucial to get Avalon’s infrastructure up to scratch because of its status as “a significant employer and economic driver for the region”.
“It’s important that we get the surrounding road infrastructure right for staff and travellers as well as freight and logistics movement,” she added.
Avalon chief executive Ari Suss said the airport was already emerging as a transport and logistics precinct with a pivotal role to play in driving regional growth through tourism and employment.
“We warmly welcome the Albanese Government’s recognition and support in unlocking Avalon’s full potential,” Mr Suss said.
With a catchment area of 3.3 million people, and more than 2500 employees, the Geelong Region Alliance (G21), and Business group Committee for Geelong have long argued investments in Avalon’s surrounding infrastructure were essential to unlocking its potential as an economic gold mine for the region.
G21 chief executive Giulia Baggio said “shows that highly co-ordinated collaboration pays dividends for our communities”.
“Congratulations to the G21 mayors and CEOs who have advocated with federal departments and ministers in recent months and years,” she added.
It comes amid speculation reported in the Geelong Advertiser on Thursday that the City of Geelong is looking to slash G21’s funding.
Beach Rd upgrades are also one of several key features of the Avalon Airport master plan published in 2015.
Labor’s announcement is one of several multimillion-dollar commitments made this week by local candidates contesting the May election.
That includes Corangamite MP Libby Coker’s promise of $5m for new soccer pitches and a pavilion at Devlins Reserve in Ocean Grove if Labor is re-elected, while her Liberal opponent Darcy Dunstan promises $5.45m for two new netball courts, a club room upgrade, and new seating and lighting for the Drysdale Football and Netball Club.
The Liberals also promised a bolstered Safer Communities Fund that promises to fund a $40,000 CCTV installation on Pakington Street following a rise in crime on the popular dining strip.
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Originally published as Labor promises to kickstart ‘new era’ for Avalon.
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