Rip Curl Pro is back!

/0 Comments/in /by

The world’s best surfers are back at Bells Beach for the Rip Curl Pro this Easter.

The event action kicks off on Sunday 10 April, coinciding with the start of the school holidays, and features Surf Coast local India Robinson as well as Steph Gilmore, Mick Fanning, Kelly Slater, Carissa Moore, John John Florence, Italo Ferreira, Morgan Cibilic, and Sally Fitzgibbons.  It runs until 20 April.

Tickets for the Rip Curl Pro are free for all 3228 residents, and there will also be a free shuttle bus service running hourly over the Easter long weekend running every hour, which will take passengers to and from the event and sites around Torquay and Jan Juc.

Berrybank Wind Farm Officially Open For Business

/0 Comments/in /by

The 180-megawatt Berrybank Wind Farm has officially opened, and with the potential to generate enough energy to power every home in greater Geelong it will help Victoria meet its clean energy targets.

Owned by Global Power Generation, it is one of the large-scale renewable energy projects supported under the Victorian Government’s Renewable Energy Target reverse auction.

The 43-turbine wind farm north of Colac delivered $284 million of capital investment while supporting more than 280 jobs including 26 apprentices during construction.

As part of Victoria’s support agreement with Global Power Generation, Berrybank has delivered several initiatives including annual community development grants through the Golden Plains and Corangamite Shire Council and subsidised solar panels for local households and both councils.

Berrybank Wind Farm will continue local benefit-sharing and investment initiatives over the next 15 years, including annual grants programs, scholarships, and an Entrepreneur Incubator Program.

With Victoria having exceeded its 2020 renewable energy target of 25 per cent, the wind farm is helping ensure the state achieves its targets of 40 per cent by 2025 and 50 per cent by 2030.

First sod turned on Forrest’s Barwon Flow Trails

/0 Comments/in /by

Colac Otway Shire Council has welcomed Secretary for Regional Victoria Danielle Green to Forrest for the turning of the first sod on the Forrest Barwon Flow Trails, which is supported by $500,000 from the Regional Infrastructure Fund and will be designed and constructed by Australian company and world-leading trail builder Dirt Art.

The development of the Barwon Flow Trails is the initial phase of a broader Forrest Mountain Bike Trail Revitalisation project and will help to open up the area for a wider range of mountain bike enthusiasts, including all-ability riders and as a family-friendly trail riding destination, alongside an increased offering for the more experienced riders.

Two down-trails and one up-trail will be established as part of this first stage, with a 1.6km beginner flow trail and 1.2km intermediate flow and jump trail. Machine built, then hand-formed, the new trails will be built to accommodate adaptive hand cycles.

“The Forrest Mountain Bike Revitalisation Project is a significant investment toward the future of Colac Otway, so it’s a rewarding day to be launching the first phase of the project and we thank the Victorian Government for their investment in our region,” said Colac Otway Shire Council Deputy Mayor, Cr Graham Costin.

“The project will enhance Forrest’s reputation as one of Australia’s premier mountain-biking destinations, adding to the local nature-based attractions and supporting our tourism and hospitality industries as they bounce back.”

The Forrest Mountain Bike Trails opened in 2005 and have since hosted a number of significant mountain bike events, including the Otway Odyssey.

“We’re excited by the prospect of all-ability and all-ages mountain biking events in the future, especially for families,” said Cr Costin. “Being able to create inclusive sporting events will be fantastic.”

Forrest was one of Australia’s first mountain bike towns, using mountain biking as a driver for tourism and economic development following the slow-down of the forestry industry in the region. When completed, the revitalisation of the Forrest Mountain Bike Trails will re-establish Forrest as a nationally-significant mountain bike destination.

The Forrest Mountain Bike Revitalisation Project has been made possible by $2.07 million from the Victorian Government and $250,000 from Colac Otway Shire Council.

Source: Colac Otway Shire media release

Next Steps To Develop An International Tourism Icon

/0 Comments/in /by

The appointment of award-winning architects to design the first phase of the Twelve Apostles Precinct is set to enhance the region’s appeal as a world-class tourism destination.

Federal Minister for Communications, Urban Infrastructure, Cities and the Arts, the Hon Paul Fletcher MP, and Victorian Minister for Regional Development, the Hon Mary-Anne Thomas MP, have announced that Grimshaw Architects, in partnership with the Eastern Maar Aboriginal Corporation, will design the coastal works projects as part of the Twelve Apostles Precinct Redevelopment Project.

This $108.15 million project will redevelop and protect the Twelve Apostles, the Shipwreck Coast and the Great Ocean Road as a distinctive environmental and cultural tourism destination.

The redevelopment is part of the $500 million Geelong City Deal – a 10-year partnership to transform Geelong and the Great Ocean Road between the Australian and Victorian governments and the City of Greater Geelong.

The coastal works projects include a new Twelve Apostles viewing deck and amphitheatre, safer beach access and a lookout at Gibson Steps, improved walking trails, revegetation of Loch Ard Gorge, and a weather protection pod that will shield visitors from the elements at Loch Ard Gorge.

The Twelve Apostles precinct will also include a new world-class Visitor Experience Centre that will form the gateway to the Shipwreck Coast and the precinct. Local community and stakeholders were extensively consulted, over three years during the development of the Shipwreck Coast Masterplan. 

Grimshaw Architects will work alongside key stakeholders to design the coastal works package within this exciting regional project.

The local community will be able to have their say on some of the concept designs for the coastal works projects later in 2022.

For more information about the project visit http://www.rdv.vic.gov.au/twelveapostles.

For more information on the Geelong City Deal visit www.infrastructure.gov.au/cities/city-deals/geelong/.

Quotes attributable to Australian Minister for Communications, Urban Infrastructure, Cities and the Arts, the Hon Paul Fletcher MP:

 “The Twelve Apostles Precinct Redevelopment Project under the Geelong City Deal is helping prepare for an increase in domestic and international visitors to the region, which will provide a welcome economic boost growth for both businesses and the local community.

“The Geelong City Deal is an example of the Commonwealth Government’s investment in important infrastructure across the region, which is helping to create jobs, future-proof our regions and support the local economy.”

Quotes attributable to Victorian Minister for Regional Development, the Hon Mary-Anne Thomas MP:

“The Twelve Apostles and Shipwreck Coast is already one of the most visited tourism regions in Australia and these upgrades will be a drawcard for tourists and locals alike, creating more jobs and boosting the economy.

“The first stage of the project with award-winning architects taking the reins will begin the enhancement of our world-class tourism destination at the Twelve Apostles.”

Quotes attributable to Federal Minister for Trade, Tourism and Investment and Member for Wannon, the Hon Dan Tehan MP:

“The appointment of Grimshaw Architects as the Head Designer for the coastal works is a significant step and will bring key stakeholders across the region together to have input on the design of the package of coastal projects.

 “The development of the Twelve Apostles into a world class tourism spot is a huge win for the region. The tourism opportunities it will bring are set to provide an ongoing boost to the local economy.”

Quote attributable to State Member for Western Victoria, the Hon Gayle Tierney MP:

“Appointing Grimshaw to work with the Eastern Maar Aboriginal Corporation is an exciting next step towards making the Twelve Apostles and the Shipwreck Coast an amazing world-class tourism destination that also protects and preserves the environment for generations to come.”

Hydrogen transport future for Geelong

/0 Comments/in /by

Australia’s first public commercial hydrogen refuelling station will be built at Geelong’s Viva Energy plant.

The service station, which is expected to open in late 2023, will play a critical role in reducing diesel emissions in heavy transport vehicles.

Viva Energy’s $43.3 million project will include 15 hydrogen electric heavy vehicles, including prime movers, buses and wastewater and waste collection vehicles, to be purchased by the project’s foundation partners. This includes Toll Group, bus company ComfortDelGro Corporation (CDC), Cleanaway and Barwon Water for their fleets.

The project will incorporate a 2-megawatt electrolyser for the generation of renewable hydrogen, using recycled water from Barwon Water’s Northern Water Plant.

The project received a $22.8 million grant from the Australian Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA) as part of ARENA’s Advancing Renewables Program.

The Victorian Government also contributed $1 million to the project via the Renewable Hydrogen Commercialisation Pathways Fund.

A Regional Led Bid For The 2026 Commonwealth Games

/0 Comments/in /by

The Victorian Government has signed a Heads of Agreement with the Commonwealth Games Federation and Commonwealth Games Australia to enter exclusive negotiations to bring the 2026 Commonwealth Games to the state – with a vision to deliver a model of Games unprecedented in the competition’s history.

Premier Daniel Andrews and the Minister for Tourism, Sport and Major Events Martin Pakula have confirmed that, if awarded, the 2026 Commonwealth Games would return to Victoria. However, this competition would be hosted across the state, unlike the event in Melbourne in 2006.

The Government and Commonwealth Games Australia will now develop Victoria’s 2026 Commonwealth Games Submission – which will assess the viability of hosting the event.

The submission will focus on a new way to host the Games, showing how events could be held in multiple locations across regional Victoria to showcase the best of what the state has to offer and ensure a uniquely Victorian experience for the athletes and spectators.

Victoria will work to deliver a world-class Commonwealth Games across Victoria that leaves a legacy for the state.

A regionally focused Commonwealth Games would expand the capacity of Victorian regional cities for major events, tourism, arts, culture and sport. Not only would the events mean new economic opportunities through event infrastructure – it would deliver the double benefit of creating local jobs and housing. The Games would also drive participation in sports at both a community and professional level, throughout the state.

A major cultural festival would accompany the 2026 Commonwealth Games that celebrates the diversity of competing nations.

Victoria is Australia’s sporting capital, hosting the first Olympic Games in the southern hemisphere in Melbourne in 1956. Our enviable calendar of major events today includes the best of world sport, with the Australian Open followed by the Rip Curl Pro at Bells Beach, the Formula 1® Australian Grand Prix at Albert Park, Melbourne Cup Carnival and the Boxing Day Test.

The Commonwealth Games Federation will assess this submission prior to any decision being made to award the Games to Victoria.

Quotes attributable to the Premier Daniel Andrews

“Victoria is Australia’s sporting state, and, if awarded, the 2026 Commonwealth Games would demonstrate to the world a new way to deliver the competition.”

“We would hope to have the majority of events in our regional cities – to display the best of Victoria, create jobs and housing and infrastructure that will deliver for the long term.”

Quote attributable to Minister for Tourism, Sport and Major Events Martin Pakula

“We’re working hard to bring the 2026 Commonwealth Games to Victoria because it would showcase our state globally, deliver major economic benefits and support jobs.”

Quote attributable to Minister for Regional Development Mary-Anne Thomas

“This will be a game changer for regional communities across Victoria, being able to watch some of the world’s best athletes close to home. It will create lasting benefits for decades to come, with more jobs and support for businesses.”

Quote attributable to Commonwealth Games Federation President Dame Louise Martin DBE

“We are pleased to have entered into an exclusive dialogue with Victoria and Commonwealth Games Australia to host the 2026 Commonwealth Games. Victoria is one of the world’s greatest sporting states and there is no doubt it has the venues, infrastructure and people to stage a world class edition of the Games.”

Quote attributable to Commonwealth Games Australia President Ben Houston

“Hosting great Games is a key pillar in the Commonwealth Games Australia strategic plan and given our window for hosting the Games is 2026, we are thrilled to join the Commonwealth Games Federation in exclusive dialogue with Victoria to host the Commonwealth Games once again.”

Source: state government media release

Golden Plains Settlement Strategy funded

/0 Comments/in /by

Golden Plains Shire Council has secured $315,751 from the Victorian Government to undertake the Golden Plains Settlement Strategy.

Of the 27 successful projects funded under the Victorian Planning Authority’s Streamlining for Growth program, Golden Plains Shire secured the largest grant, which will support Golden Plains Council to provide a clear direction for growth in the municipality for the next 15 years.

The Golden Plains Settlement Strategy (GPSS) will respond to an identified need for an integrated long-term plan to manage growth and development across the municipality. The GPSS has three main objectives: to identify settlement areas suitable for development, determining the appropriate level of growth across the Shire, and the density of growth in those locations where it is supported.

The GPSS will provide a planning framework for the location and type of development and direct growth in those locations where there is the greatest opportunity to maximise benefit from existing infrastructure and the environment. It will be developed in alignment with Golden Plains Shire’ recent strategic plan including the Northern Settlement Strategy (NSS) which will inform the GPSS, as it extends this important strategic planning work across the whole shire.

In 2021, the Bannockburn Growth Plan (Growth Plan) was incorporated into the Golden Plains Planning Scheme, following approval by the Minister for Planning. The Growth Plan will guide the sustainable growth of Bannockburn to the year 2050, catering for 18,000 new residents. The VPA, the Victorian Government’s specialist authority for land use and infrastructure planning in growing urban areas across the state, prepared the Growth Plan in consultation with Council, government agencies and the community.

The Streamlining for Growth program will allocate more than $3.2 million to local councils facing population growth pressures or land shortages. This year, the program was focused on projects that will support Victoria’s economic recovery and address land supply shortages in regional Victoria and Melbourne’s growth areas.

The GPSS will be developed in 2022 with opportunities for all residents and communities to have input into the strategy. To stay informed on the GSS, read the Gazette and Council’s website, follow Council on social media or sign up to the Community Engagement Register and e-Gazette.

Mayor Cr Gavin Gamble says Council welcomed the grant to deliver the Golden Plains Settlement Strategy. “Population growth is a critical issue for Council and we know it’s a very important issue for our Golden Plains Shire residents. Community engagement on the Golden Plains Shire Community Vision 2040 captured concerns about growth, reflected by the commitment to make Liveability one of the four pillars of the community’s 20-year vision and a theme of the Council Plan 2021-2025.

“As a peri-urban municipality, Council takes seriously our role of strategic planning to best support our enviable lifestyle in Golden Plains while welcoming new residents to our communities. The Golden Plains Settlement Strategy is the plan we need for our whole Shire and we thank the Victorian Planning Authority for partnering with Council to support this planning project.”

Source: Golden Plains Shire media release

Protecting The Bellarine Peninsula’s Distinctive Character

/0 Comments/in /by

A draft Statement of Planning Policy for the Bellarine Peninsula has been referred to an Independent Standing Committee by Planning Minister Richard Wynne.

The committee will advise on whether the protected settlement boundaries in the draft SPP are appropriate and whether amendments to those proposed boundaries should be made.

Key features of the draft SPP include strategies to protect green breaks and agricultural land in declared area and proposes new settlement boundaries − limiting townships and stopping urban development from encroaching on productive agricultural areas.

The Victorian Government declared the Bellarine Peninsula a ‘distinctive area and landscape’ in 2019, recognising its charming coastal environment, unique green spaces, local producers and lifestyle were under pressure from urban development.

The declaration triggered the need for a Statement of Planning Policy for the area, to ensure significant landscapes, environmental and cultural values of the area will be protected and enhanced now and in the future.

The policy is a high-level strategic planning document that will guide the future use, development and management of land in the Bellarine Peninsula declared area over the next 50 years.

It was developed in collaboration with the Wadawurrung, the Borough of Queenscliffe, the City of Greater Geelong and following extensive consultation with community and industry, and is expected to be finalised by mid-2022, subject to the outcomes of the Committee process.

Major works complete on Waurn Ponds Station upgrade

/0 Comments/in /by

Passengers will soon benefit from more frequent and reliable train services with the completion of major works on the Waurn Ponds Station upgrade.

Commissioning and critical safety testing is now taking place to enable additional services to run on the Warrnambool Rail Line.

The Waurn Ponds Station upgrade includes a transformed main entrance to give better access to the station, more than 200 new car parking spaces, better security and improved passenger information for both commuters and visitors.

The upgrade also includes the construction of a second platform on the south side of the station – with an accessible pedestrian overpass connecting it to the existing platform.

The Waurn Ponds Station upgrade, the first part of the Waurn Ponds to South Geelong duplication project, will deliver more frequently and reliable train services to Waurn Ponds and Armstrong Creek growth corridor.

The rail duplication was a G21 priority before gaining a $700 million bi-partisan funding commitment at the 2019 federal election.

The duplication is an essential prerequisite to more frequent, and more-timely, services between Melbourne, Geelong and Warrnambool.

Stage 2 works are ongoing. A live signalling box from the rail corridor will be relocated to allow the final 50-metre section of rail to be installed. More than 2,000 sleepers and 2.9 kilometres of new rail has already been laid.

Major earthworks have also continued at the site for the new train stabling and maintenance facility near Waurn Ponds, which will allow track installation works to take place this year.

Crews have since installed drainage and commenced work on the new track to link the main line to the stabling facility – which will support the extension of services on the line to Waurn Ponds.

Northern Aquatic and Community Hub construction underway

/0 Comments/in , /by

Construction is underway on the Northern Aquatic and Community Hub (NACH) project in Norlane. This is a major milestone in the progress of the landmark community facility that has the capacity to change lives and outcomes for the residents in Geelong’s northern suburbs.

Co-located with Barwon Health North, there will be a unique opportunity for the NACH to produce state-of-the-art aquatic and fitness facilities along with complementary health and wellbeing services.

Contractor Kane Constructions has started clearing the ageing Centenary Hall site.

The major community facility will feature a 25 metre pool, hydrotherapy pool, Learn to Swim pool, water play area, water slide, spa, sauna, and steam room, gym, program rooms, occasional care facilities, cafe and 1000sq metre of multipurpose community space.

The NACH is anticipated to attract 600,000 visits every year, providing $111 million in preventative health benefits during its first decade of operation alone.

This is a long-term G21 priority under its Addressing Disadvantage project. It will also support future growth and demand in the Northern Geelong growth corridor.

Construction of the NACH is expected to start early this year and will be finished by late 2023. It will be delivered through $44.84 million from the City of Greater Geelong, a $8.5 million commitment from the state government and $8.262 million in federal funding.

Construction is expected to be completed by late 2023.