G21 Regional Harbours

Our regional harbours need rejuvenation to grow G21’s tourism and marine industries.

Increased investment in high quality tourism infrastructure is needed to create destination facilities and indulgent visitor experiences.

Upgraded marine facilities are also needed for our growing commercial fishing and aquaculture industries. The lack of adequate amenities is an economic barrier and a safety issue.

Apollo Bay provides 22.2% of Colac Otway’s tourism jobs and contributes $43 million dollars to the local economy annually. The Apollo Bay Harbour redevelopment will encourage visitors to stay (and spend) in the area longer.

Apollo Bay’s harbour is also home to a commercial fishing fleet of 16, directly employing 35 people and generating an annual catch worth $6.5 million. Urgent repair and renewal is needed to sustain current commercial activity and create extra capacity and economic growth.

The Portarlington Safe Harbour project has provided a much needed enhancement of the existing marine infrastructure at Portarlington.

Waterside commercial infrastructure, road and pedestrian access improvements to the harbour are now ready for investment in Stage 2.

Expansion of the Geelong Waterfront Precinct will provide a safe harbour with wave protection, additional marina berths and better facilities for water-based activities.

The precinct is home to the annual Festival of Sails, which attracts more than 3,000 participants and 110,000 visitors, as well as state, national and world championship boating and yachting events. The festival generates more than $14 million in economic activity for the region each year.

Redevelopment will allow expansion of the festival and attract other major events to the waterfront.

What G21 needs

Apollo Bay Harbour

• $6.9 million to repair and renew port infrastructure.
• $6.1 million to increase harbour capacity through a marina extension.
• $5 million to redevelop and enhance public infrastructure in the Apollo Bay Harbour Precinct.
• $200,000 to support the EOI/tender and development plan processes.

Portarlington Safe Harbour

• $21.8 million to complete waterside commercial infrastructure and improve road and pedestrian access to the harbour.

Geelong Waterfront Safe Harbour

• $28.75 million to complete Stage 2 of the Geelong Waterfront Safe Harbour Precinct Project.

A commitment to embed GROW training, employment and procurement principles in all government projects within the region.