JMR with Minister for Communications, Urban Infrastructure, Cities and the Arts Paul Fletcher:
The $15.9 million redevelopment of the Queenscliff Ferry Terminal is taking shape with the foundations and cement poured for the ground floor and level one.
The project is on track for completion later this year and will improve services between Queenscliff and Sorrento offering passengers a world class, enjoyable experience with modern facilities and bathrooms, safer access, improved car parking and opportunities for retail such as cafés and tourism ventures.
Federal Minister for Communications, Urban Infrastructure, Cities and the Arts, the Hon Paul Fletcher MP, said the new ferry terminal was a key project being funded through the Geelong City Deal.
“The Geelong City Deal is delivering over $500 million in investment across the Geelong region as part of a 10-year partnership between all three levels of government to revitalise the city and unlock the potential of the Great Ocean Road visitor economy,” Minister Fletcher said.
“The project will not only improve services across Port Phillip Bay to Sorrento, it will generate local employment opportunities by supporting up to 85 new jobs during construction and an additional 25 new ongoing jobs within the ferry operations.”
Victorian Minister for Regional Development, the Hon Mary-Anne Thomas MP, said: “This project will be a game-changer for the community, driving more visitors into the region while addressing the needs of our ferry service passengers.”
“The Geelong City Deal continues to provide both social and economic benefits for the whole region.”
Senator for Victoria, Sarah Henderson, said tourism infrastructure funded through the Geelong City Deal is unlocking the region’s potential.
“From the Great Ocean Road to the new convention and exhibition centre to this important tourism gateway for Queenscliff, the City Deal is transforming our region,” Senator Henderson said.
“I congratulate Searoad Ferries for its vision and commitment to such an important service which carries nearly 1 million passengers a year. The upgrade of the Queenscliff ferry terminal is a game changer for tourism in our region and reflects the growing investment confidence we are seeing across regional Victoria.”
City of Greater Geelong Deputy Mayor, Trent Sullivan, said: “The redevelopment of the Queenscliff Ferry Terminal will ensure that passengers have a safer and more enjoyable experience when visiting our special part of the world.”
“Council is proud to be a City Deal partner, as key projects such as this encourage more visitors to Greater Geelong and support our thriving community.”
Member for Bellarine, Lisa Neville MP, said: “This is an exciting development for the region and will improve visitor experiences at the Searoad Ferry site.”
“The redevelopment will help drive economic diversification and jobs growth, building on emerging strengths for Geelong and the Great Ocean Road region.”
Searoad Ferries CEO, Matt McDonald, said the development of a new ferry terminal at Queenscliff offers significant benefits to visitors, including safer access for pedestrians, high quality experiences and improved disability access.
“The terminal will deliver new jobs in the construction phase, and a major economic boost for the region,” Mr McDonald said.
“It will give ferry passengers a world-class experience.”
For more information on the Geelong City Deal visit www.infrastructure.gov.au/cities/city-deals/geelong/.
25 January 2022