Game-changing projects set to transform Geelong after transport spending billions in 2020

Geelong is set for a game-changing transformation beyond 2020 thanks to billions of dollars of investment in infrastructure. Here are the projects that will take the city to the next level.

An unprecedented year saw the announcement of two huge transport plans with the potential to be game changers for the regional city.

STATE GOVERNMENT ADDS TO GEELONG FAST RAIL PLAN

The longtime dream of a quicker commute between Geelong and the city took one step closer to becoming a reality with the announcement of Geelong fast rail.

Under the $4bn plan, trips between Geelong and Melbourne would be slashed to 50 minutes with the construction of an express track between Werribee and Laverton funded by the state and federal governments.

A trip between Melbourne and Geelong would take just 32 minutes on the fast rail line to be announced 21/3/19

Premier Daniel Andrews acknowledged the historic nature of the project when it was announced in November.

“This project has been talked about for a long time, its key to our recovery and this design means it will benefit all Victorians,” he said.

“As we continue our recovery, we need a long-term plan. We need a pipeline of jobs for Victorians looking for work now, and for those who will need jobs in the future. We said we’d deliver this project, and we’re keeping our promise.”

But the proposal wasn’t without its critics, with some slamming the decision not to include a stop at Avalon Airport, route and 50 minute travel time.

Former Geelong mayor and Stronger Together Rail Alliance chair Bruce Harwood said after the announcement, the current proposal meant there would be “no fast rail for southwest Victoria”.

“50-55 minutes is not fast rail,” he said at the time.

“It’s maybe 10 minutes faster than what we’ve got at the moment.”

SPIRIT OF TASMANIA COMES TO CORIO QUAY

In another huge investment the Spirit of Tasmania announced it would dock in Geelong from 2022, a move expected to add $179 million to the economy by 2029.

The Spirit of Tasmania 1 made its first trip to Geelong Port, travelling along the Bellarine coast near Drysdale before crossing the bay in front of the city and berthing at Corio Quay. Dozens of locals came out to have a look at the visitor. Picture: Alan Barber

A new 12ha terminal and freight facility on Corio Quay Road is being developed by GeelongPort ahead of the famous vessel’s relocation.

Tourism Greater Geelong and Bellarine executive director Brett Ince said in April that the proposal could attract people travelling both ways across the Bass Strait.

“By the time 2022 comes around, we think we will see people travelling in different ways post-COVID,” Mr Ince said.

Artist's impression of the ferry terminal for the Spirit of Tasmania at Geelong's Corio Quay.

“What we are seeing in these early indications is a lot more people travelling domestically.”

Funding for the duplication of the line at Waurn Ponds and Barwon Heads Road upgrades were also brought forward in the federal as part of a road map for an “infrastructure-led” post-COVID economic recovery. Construction of a second platform at Waurn Ponds station started in June.

FLIGHTS GROUNDED, AVALON BECOMES PARKING LOT

While Victoria ground to a stop during COVID-19 shutdowns, the state’s trains and buses continued much-needed services, albeit with much lower numbers.

Passenger flights were grounded at Avalon Airport for months, but a recent border reprieve has eased some restrictions on interstate travel.

Major airlines housed here planes at the regional travel hub between March and May.

Qantas, Virgin and Jetstar jets grounded at Avalon airport during the COVID-19 pandemic in May. Picture: Aaron Francis/The Australian

Flights to the Gold Coast will kick off in the New Year, but a coronavirus outbreak on Sydney’s northern beaches meant travellers from the Harbour City had to be tested for coronavirus on landing.

Avalon airport chief executive Justin Giddings even signalled an interest in flights between the regional hub and New Zealand if a travel bubble were created.

“I’d be hoping for 3-4 flights a week initially,” he said.

“It would be wonderful for regional Victoria and could even provide some business opportunities in the region.”

Originally published as Game-changing projects set to transform Geelong after transport spending billions in 2020