Historic Fyansford Paper Mill Precinct upgrade

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The historic Fyansford Paper Mill Precinct is set to expand and create jobs as part of the state government’s ongoing investment in the Geelong and the Bellarine region.

Victoria’s Minister for Regional Development Mary-Anne Thomas today (14 May 2021) visited Fyansford to announce a $1 million grant for the Fyansford Paper Mill Precinct through the Labor Government’s Regional Infrastructure Fund– Stimulus Round.

Built in 1878, the Paper Mill has emerged as a popular arts and cultural precinct in recent years. It houses a winery, cellar door and restaurant, function and events space,  art gallery, studios, mosaic workshop, café and other artisan businesses.

The funding will be used to modernise the precinct’s septic system and connect sewerage to the nearest Barwon Water connection point. This will enable the precinct to expand and be better set up to attract new business tenants – creating more jobs in the region.

Provenance Wines is a key tenant which has already restored one of the heritage-listed bluestone buildings on the land, which sits above the Barwon River. Catering and events business Truffleduck will benefit from the Government’s infrastructure investment to increase its event capacity and explore further growth opportunities.

The Regional Infrastructure Fund is part of the government’s flagship $156 million Regional Jobs and Infrastructure Fund, helping businesses create more jobs in regional Victoria, supporting community projects and backing councils to build the infrastructure that locals and visitors need.

The stimulus round will boost local economies as they recover from the effects of the pandemic and create jobs while improving tourism and community infrastructure.

The second round of the fund’s program is due to open for applications from 16 June with regional and rural councils eligible to apply for grants. Information and guidelines can be found at rdv.vic.gov.au

Source: A state government media release

Boost for historic Bellarine Railway

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Bellarine Peninsula’s historic railway will be given a facelift to encourage more visitors to the region with assistance from the state government.

Victoria’s Minister for Regional Development Mary-Anne Thomas today (15 May 2021) visited Drysdale Railway Station to inspect the early works taking place to revitalise this nationally-significant destination, which has received more than $3.4 million funding through the Regional Tourism Investment Fund – Stimulus Round.

The new investment will support stage two of the project, following the government’s previous investment of $300,000 for the first stage.

Stage one will include development of the Turntable Paddock at Drysdale Railway Station and improvements to community access and will provide a base for the award-winning dining experience The Q Train, which travels along the historic Bellarine Railway.

Stage two will include an upgrade of 16.5 kilometres of track between Drysdale and Queenscliff. This project aims to establish Drysdale station as a gateway for the Bellarine Railway in Geelong and transform it into a tourist destination for locals and visitors to enjoy.

Other unique visitor attractions will benefit from upgrades to the heritage line including The Blues Train, Day Out with Thomas, train driver experiences and group charters, as well as family and special events.

The works will ensure the longevity of the railway line, improve the visitor offering, support tourism and boost jobs in the Bellarine Peninsula.

The $46 million Regional Tourism Investment Fund – Stimulus Round forms part of the Visitor Economy Recovery and Reform Plan, which is underpinned by an investment of $633 million.

For more information on the Regional Tourism Investment Fund – Stimulus Round and the VisitorEconomy Recovery and Reform Plan visit djpr.vic.gov.au

Source: A state government media release

Point Richards boat ramp upgrade

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The popular Point Richards boat ramp on the Bellarine Peninsula is set to get an additional 50 car-trailer parking spots, to improve parking and enable more people to use the facility.

The Point Richards upgrade project is one of six priority projects from the state government supporting local jobs.  It comes on top of Better Boating Victoria (BBV) making launching and parking at boat ramps in Victoria free.

The upgrade to the Point Richards facilities will be completed in two stages, with the carpark work to be finalised before improvements to reduce seagrass impact at the boat ramp are undertaken. BBV is working closely with the Bellarine Bayside Foreshore Committee of Management on both upgrade packages.

The carpark expansion will add 50 parking spaces that allow for both a car and trailer. This will improve traffic flow around the busy ramp – providing unrestricted access to Port Phillip and allowing larger vessels to be launched.

There will also be six additional car-trailer parking spaces added to the existing carpark and a new standard parking area will be created to the south of the ramp and adjacent to the beach to significantly boost capacity.

Extensive consultation with community members and local user groups has been undertaken, including the Bellarine Miniature Railway, Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning and the City of Greater Geelong.

Construction is planned to begin in mid-June, outside the busy boating season to limit disruption to boaters. BBV and the Committee of Management will continue to update boaters and the local community on any specific impacts to access at the ramp as the project progresses.

Planning work on the marine side infrastructure will continue as the carpark upgrade is carried out, with work on a rock groyne expected in 2022. This is designed to reduce impact of seagrass at the ramp and the requirement for closure of the facility while seagrass is removed.

Source: A state government media release

Budget brings opportunities and misses for G21 region

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The 2021 Federal Budget investment in training, jobs and social repair will benefit Geelong and the G21 region says G21 CEO Giulia Baggio.

Social repair

“Following the dislocation and disruption caused by the COVID pandemic, the wellbeing of people must come first, and it is heartening to see that the Federal Budget is focused on the many needs across our communities,” Ms Baggio said.

“Measures to rebuild skills and jobs, long-overdue reforms to aged care, investment in mental health care, childcare support, improvements to women’s economic security, a spotlight on domestic violence and funding for the NDIS are all significant and welcome.

“The funding from each of these initiatives has the potential to stretch widely across our region to the benefit of G21’s diverse communities. Our challenge is to make full use of these opportunities over the months and years ahead.

Housing Affordability

“However, the Budget largely fails to address the structural economic and social issues of rapidly increasing housing prices versus lower or stagnant wages over coming years,” Ms Baggio said.

“The high cost and lack of availability of rental housing is already impacting many parts of our region.  Support services are reporting increased numbers of families unable to find affordable housing.  Employers, such as those in Colac, are unable to fill jobs due to a local lack of rentals or other accommodation.

“Although the Budget includes a package to allow eligible single parents to buy a home with as little as a 2 per cent deposit using a government guarantee, the scheme will be limited and will do little to alleviate the housing affordability crisis within much of this region.

Tourism

“The lack of a targeted Jobkeeper-style program is a double whammy for the region’s visitor economy.  A significant slice of our regional economy is visitor-based.  Many businesses, like those along the Great Ocean Road, depend largely on international visitors.

“Borders are projected to remain closed well into 2022; possibly not fully opening until much later.  This will further compound a chronic shortage of workers for the tourism and hospitality sectors which traditionally employ international students, skilled workers and migrants.

“G21 does, however, welcome the economic stimulus to come from Geelong City Deal funding increasing by $18 million to $64 million in the next year.

Environment – Clean energy

“The Budget allocates $275.5 million for hydrogen initiatives, including four hydrogen production hubs in regional areas.  Geelong must position itself to host one of those hubs.  The region is ideally located and has substantial existing infrastructure,” Ms Baggio said.

“This is an opportunity for the region to be part of the growing global hydrogen export market, bringing jobs and new business opportunities.”

International education

“The lack of funding for a largescale quarantine facility in Victoria, as proposed by the state government, is disappointing,” Ms Baggio said.

“International students are important contributors to our local economy and community, and especially in our tertiary institutions such as Deakin University.  Without vastly improved high-volume quarantine facilities, our universities remain in a dire situation.

“Given the Budget assumption of borders remaining closed until 2022, and then only transitioning to full opening, this is concerning.”

Skills Training

“New apprenticeships and training places for jobseekers and young people are welcome and especially relevant to a region such as ours which is growing rapidly.  Diverse skill sets are needed to drive the residential, manufacturing and business growth the region is experiencing,” Ms Baggio said.

“It must be noted that apprenticeships have been in decline in recent years and the Budget measures will start to arrest this decline. However much more is required in this space.”

Gender equity

“The package of measures to address inequities and discrimination affecting Australia’s women is particularly welcome,” Ms Baggio said.

“It is encouraging that the federal government is responding to advocacy in recent months drawing attention to a range of matters that need to be addressed in this regard.

 

Note: G21 will continue to analyse the detail of the Federal Budget and its ramifications for the region over the coming days.

 

Funds for Geelong Arts Centre

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Geelong Arts Centre will continue its ambitious redevelopment with $6.3 million allocated in the upcoming State Budget (to be handed down on 20 May) to keep the centre’s programming active and support local jobs.

The funds will provide safe, suitable accommodation for Geelong Arts Centre staff and keep the centre open as work continues on the Little Malop Street redevelopment, which is expected to finish up in 2023.

The project is expected to create more than 600 construction jobs – with a focus on local employment.

The Budget will confirm the funding required to get on with this $140 million project set to significantly expand the capacity of the Centre with multiple new performance venues, an upgraded box office and refurbished back-of-house and administration facilities.

Acting Premier James Merlino and Minister for Creative Industries Danny Pearson made the announcement today (11 May) when visiting the Geelong Arts Centre to announce that Victoria’s multi-billion-dollar creative economy will be reinvigorated thanks to a new Creative State funding package.

Designed to secure jobs and reassert Victoria’s position as the creative state, the $167.3 million package will support the sector as it bounces back after a challenging year – putting creativity at the heart of Victoria’s recovery and supercharging the sector.

As well as cementing our reputation as the nation’s creative capital, this investment is expected to underpin the creation of more than 20,000 new jobs with the commissioning of new works and collaborations across the state.

A new approach to multi-year investment will help Victoria’s creative sector to grow with an extra $23.9 million to support a diverse selection of creative enterprises, venues, and festivals – both big and small.  From artist-run spaces to regional theatre companies, this will give Victoria’s creative organisations greater security, allowing them to grow their audiences and create new jobs.

A $79 million creative industries support and recovery package will secure thousands of jobs in the industry, providing a timely boost to the recovery of Victoria’s iconic state-owned cultural institutions like the Geelong Arts Centre and others – giving Victorians and visitors more opportunities to experience world-class events and programs.

Member for Geelong Christine Couzens said the Geelong Arts Centre is a local institution that is embedded into the cultural and creative life of our city.

Source: A state government media release

Gordon TAFE $23.5m culinary school upgrade starts

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The next generation of food and hospitality professionals will soon train at a multi-million-dollar state-of-the-art facility at The Gordon TAFE in Geelong.

The school will feature cutting-edge food training kitchens, a bakery training facility, a barista academy and café, and an alfresco dining area.

The Gordon’s existing training facility, the Davidson Restaurant, will also undergo a renovation.

Four hundred jobs will be created during construction, 70 per cent of which have been allocated to workers from regional Victoria. Development of the facility will also provide experience for plumbing and electrical students.

The new facility will be available to students studying Commercial Cookery and Patisserie. The Gordon will also offer short courses, including barista training, to create a pipeline of skilled hospitality workers for the region.

The state government has invested $13.5 million towards the project with The Gordon investing $10 million.

Kane Constructions has been appointed as the builder of the project, which has been designed by Gray Puksand architects.

Works will be undertaken in stages to minimise disruption on campus and are expected to be completed in 2022.

Image - AFL Media

Vale Frank Costa AO (1938 – 2021)

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Frank Costa’s influence on the Geelong community, and especially on the Geelong Football Club, was gigantic.

Many acknowledge that the football club, and the stadium it calls home, would likely not exist today but for Frank’s vision, dedication and commitment.

Frank Costa was a leaders’ leader – a man who inspired and encouraged people, who built and who led his community by example.

It’s impossible to imagine a person who has contributed more to the Geelong community over many decades.  His positive influence on Geelong’s business, football and philanthropic communities was immense and will continue as his legacy.  He will be greatly missed.

The thoughts of the G21 Board, staff and members are with the Costa family.

 

Giulia Baggio, G21 CEO

 

G21 supports Victoria’s biggest community solar battery

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A new community bulk-buying solar initiative will help G21 residents and businesses take up solar panels and battery systems.

The Geelong+ Community Solar Program, the largest in Victoria, aims to fast-track renewable energy uptake in the G21 region, to help Victoria achieve its renewable energy target of 50 per cent by 2030.

It will also give homeowners and businesses access to clean, affordable energy from quality solar and battery systems.

Community not-for-profit group Sustainability Geelong, which is leading the initiative, has chosen RACV Solar and energy services provider Mondo to deliver the project.

Participants can make money when they install a battery through the program – even if they already have solar panels. The Geelong+ Virtual Power Plant will connect a participant’s battery to others in the community to form a larger “virtual battery” that delivers renewable energy to both the home and the grid.

The scheme will help stabilise electricity supply, support more renewable energy and reduce prices across the board. It is also a 100 per cent opt-in program, with no lock-in contract.

Local communities are also set to benefit. For each system installed through the program, one solar panel will be donated towards the installation of a solar system on a local community facility. Up to five not-for-profit organisations will be selected by Geelong Sustainability to receive a donated system in collaboration with local program partners.

The program will hold information sessions around the region, click here for upcoming dates.

You can find out more about the program here: geelongcommunitysolar.com.au

Deakin to lead on water science research

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A trio of projects worth $22.1 million and funded in part by the state government will position Deakin University at the forefront of water and aquaculture research and push the boundaries of water sustainability in Australia.

Victoria’s Minister for Higher Education Gayle Tierney today (23 April 2021) visited the Marine Science Centre at Queenscliff to launch the projects as part of the Victorian Higher Education State Investment Fund (VHESIF).

They include both capital works and applied research:

  • A new $9.8 million state-of-the-art AquaFI Hub innovation centre to explore animal nutrition and the environment to support the expansion of fish and seafood farming, run in part by AI technology.
  • A $7.8 million water management upgrade at the Waurn Ponds campus, including upgraded stormwater and recycled water infrastructure, for applied research and to demonstrate sustainable practices in management in collaboration with Traditional Owners.
  • A $4.5 million redevelopment of the Marine Science Centre at Queenscliff to establish it as the centre of excellence for temperate water marine science research and education in southern Australia. Works include new laboratories, teaching facilities and a high-speed optic fibre internet network for the community.

Deakin University, the Victorian Government through its VHESIF, and project partners AARNet (Australia’s Academic and Research Network), City of Greater Geelong and Barwon Water, will support the projects.

The projects will provide opportunities for staff and students, in collaboration with Traditional Owners. It will also boost enrolments and create scholarship opportunities, 50 per cent of which will be offered to women.

Melbourne-based Root Partnerships will oversee construction, which will begin this year and finish mid-2022.

The state government contributed $6 million to the projects in a joint effort with Deakin University. It is one of many pitches from universities to the Victorian Higher Education State Investment Fund, which was developed in response to the significant impact of the coronavirus pandemic on the sector.

The unprecedented $350 million VHESIF is supporting universities with capital works, research infrastructure projects and applied research focused on boosting Victoria’s productivity and economy as the state recovers from the coronavirus pandemic.

Source: A state government media release

Rolling out Geelong’s Green Spines

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Geelong’s Green Spine is progressing, with construction on the northern side of Malop Street (Block 1) underway and a tender released for design and public engagement on later sections.

The section between Gheringhap and Moorabool streets will provide entry to Malop Street from Johnstone Park and the train station precinct, and includes a landscaped triangle park, heritage features from the Wadawurrung Traditional Owners, tree and grass plantings and seating.

The vision is to transform Malop Street into a vibrant and linear park, delivering more trees and green spaces into the heart of the city.

An ‘all-abilities’ standard will be applied to improve pedestrian movement along Malop Street, including connections to and from the new WorkSafe and NDIS buildings.

The single-lane bike path on the north of Malop Street will also continue through this block, which will feature a mix of indigenous and deciduous tree plantings.

Detailed planning work on the rest of the Green Spine, connecting green spaces and bike lanes are also underway and the community will be engaged in late 2021 to provide feedback on the look and feel of the sections from Yarra Street through to Eastern Park.

Works on Block 3 are expected to begin early 2022. Two tenders have been released for community engagement and design between Yarra St and Bellarine Street.

These works will continue to transform Malop Street, creating additional cycling and pedestrian connections, green areas – including a botanical walk – and alfresco dining options.

The Green Spine project is funded through the $382 million Geelong City Deal – a 10-year partnership between the Australian and Victorian governments and the City of Greater Geelong. It is a key project in the 10-year Revitalising Central Geelong Action Plan, implementation of which is a G21 Priority Project.

Once complete, it will connect Johnstone Park to Eastern Park and the Botanical Gardens via six blocks along Malop Street. This will add nearly a hectare of new green space to the CBD, enhancing business and tourism activity in the central city.

The first section of the Green Spine (Block 2) between Moorabool and Yarra streets was completed in July 2018.

For more on what’s happening in central Geelong, go to www.revitalisingcentralgeelong.vic.gov.au