Residents from across Melbourne are being called on to help the City of Greater Geelong plan a refresh of the beautiful Geelong Waterfront.
The Waterfront is an iconic part of Geelong’s identity and continues to attract a significant number of visitors from across the state, Australia and the globe each year.
This location is a place of deep cultural heritage, spanning Rippleside Park, the Western Beach Boatshed, Steampacket Place, Eastern Beach and beyond Limeburners Point.
In the Geelong council’s 2011 Geelong Waterfront Masterplan is due for review and will be used to lobby for future funding, while also guiding the City of Greater Geelong in enhancing and managing the space.
Greater Geelong Mayor Trent Sullivan said the council is keen to hear not just from people living and working in the area, but those who live in Melbourne and surrounds to understand what they value about the site.
“Our glittering north-facing Geelong Waterfront is an incredibly special place that we are lucky to have for recreation, hospitality, retail, water sports and events,” Cr Sullivan said.
“We want to hear from users from outside of Geelong who visit a few times a year, attend events there, stay nearby over Christmas, swim at our Eastern Beach swimming enclosure and everything in between.
“Ask yourself: how do I use the site, do I face any challenges and how can the space be more engaging and accessible into the future?”
The updated masterplan will guide future development and public realm upgrades along the foreshore over the next 10-20 years to enhance:
The landscape quality of the foreshore reserve;
Public accessibility and safety compliance;
Walking and cycling connections;
Connection with water experiences;
Visitor facilities;
Events and temporary business provisions;
Tourism and cultural information; and
Operational management and services.
It will ensure integration with several major projects in the area, such as the Geelong Convention and Exhibition Centre, Geelong Waterfront Safe Harbour Precinct Project and connections to the Wurriki Nyal civic precinct.
Feedback will assist in the development of a Draft Geelong Waterfront Masterplan, which the community will have the chance to review and contribute to.
Consultation is open until 11:59pm, Wednesday 31 May 2023 at yoursay.geelongaustralia.com.au/GWFMP.
