City of Greater Geelong
Thursday, 07 May 2009 06:00
The Greater Geelong Region is being rebuilt with huge new transport, education, water and community-building projects, all creating new jobs in our region.
Here's a summary of major projects in the City of Geelong. To find out further detail about the opportunities and job creation impacts of the Federal Government's Stimulus Package in your local area, please visit the special dedicated website http://www.economicstimulusplan.gov.au/pages/default.aspx
GEELONG SCHOOLS GET MAJOR UPGRADES. There are over 100 primary schools in the Greater Geelong Region, and every one of these school will get funding for major upgrades, rebuilds and for refurbishment. There will be new classrooms, new school halls, new libraries and outdoor learning areas. It is the largest school modernisation program ever undertaken in this region's history.
NEW GEELONG-MELBOURNE EXPRESS RAIL. The Federal Government has committed $3.2 billion to build a new rail line that will allow larger express trains to operate between Geelong, Colac and Melbourne, cutting commuter times, significantly increasing the rail capacity. There will also be important environmental benefits, and efficiencies for freight movement. The new rail system is a huge commitment to public transport, and is part of Federal Labor's promise to modernise both our public and private transport system, which also includes the duplication of the Princes Highway between Waurn Ponds and Winchelsea and the construction of the Geelong Ring Road. These initiaiatives will be of benefit to the whole region.
GEELONG RING ROAD. The Federal Government is providing 50% of the funding for the Geelong Ring Road, which will bring jobs and economic development to the whole of the region, including the Colac Otways Shire. The Geelong Ring Road will also reduce commuting times to Melbourne and reduce traffic and commuting times in the Geelong City area, as well as reduce pollution. Once the Geelong Ring road is completed, people from Colac can travel to Melbourne without a single traffic light.
PRINCES HIGHWAY DUPLICATION. The Federal Government have committed $110 million to duplicate the Princes Highway between Geelong and Winchelsea. This project will bring new industries and jobs to Colac, and will make driving safer and easier. Planning for this huge project is now well underway.
UPGRADING THE PORT OF GEELONG. The Federal Government has also committed $50 million to upgrade the rail system leading into the Port of Geelong. This will be a major benefit to primary producers and other exporters across the region, and attract more jobs and industries to this region.
NEW GP SUPER CLINIC. The new Federally funded GP Super Clinic will be built adjacent Barwon Health’s Belmont Community Health Centre, creating a large Health Services Hub in Belmont and providing an increased range of GP and allied health services. It will makke it easier for people living in Grovedale, Marshall, Highton, Waurn Ponds and Belmont to access GP and allied health services. It will provide access to services such as dental, district nursing, practise nurses, home referral services, podiatry, physiotherapy, occupational therapy, psychology/counselling, dietician and a wide range of other allied health services within the overall precinct.
NEW LEISURELINK AQUATIC AND COMMUNITY FACILITY. The Federal government is providing $3 million to build the new Leisurelink replacement facility. This will be a state-of-the-art aquatic centre and community facility used by people of all ages.
BLACKROCK WATER RECYCLING PLANT. The Rudd Government has promised $10 million to kick-start a new water recycling plant at Black Rock near Breamlea. This will allow A Class and C Class recycled water to be pumped back to Torquay and the new Armstrong Creek Precinct. This will help our parks and gardens and watering of sports fields.
NEW STADIUM FOR KARDINIA PARK. the Federal Government is providing $14 million towards the construction opf the new stage 2 stadium at Kardinia park. This will be a tremendous benefit to all Cats fans, and to the many other uses of this great facility.
NEW SPORTS LIGHTING FOR GROVEDALE FOOTY CLUB. The Federal government has provided $70,000 to help the Grovedale Footy Club upgrade their lighting for the footy field.
HELPING WITH LOCAL ROADS, BLACKSPOTS AND RAIL CROSSINGS. The Federal Government has provided the largest amount of money ever within the City of Geelong to improve local roads, blackspots and rail crossings.
FUNDING FOR LOTS OF IMPORTANT LOCAL COMMUNITY INFRASTRUCTURE.. The Federal Government has provided an unprededented amount of funding for local Geelong infrastructure. Just a few examples include the Old Post Office Refurbishment, improvements to the Eastern Park Bicycle Track and Dive Tower, improvements in the Botanic Gardens, public amenities at the Balyang Sancturay, initiatives in the City Learning and Childcare Centre and a host of other important projects.
