Geelong cruise ship business case progresses
Thursday, 21 July 2011
Geelong could become a holiday destination for thousands of cruise ship passengers with the Victorian Government jointly funding a business case to examine the potential venture.
Minister for Regional Cities Denis Napthine today announced a $30,000 grant from the Planning for Tomorrow program to go towards the $135,000 project, which is being conducted in partnerships with The City of Greater Geelong, Tourism Victoria and Geelong Otway Tourism.
Cruise shipping has the potential to provide enormous economic benefits to the Geelong and the surrounding region. An initial study has indicated that by 2025, Geelong could potentially accommodate 25 cruise ship visits, adding $25 million per year to the economy and creating more than 100 full time jobs.
Developing Geelong as a cruise ship destination could revitalise central Geelong, further boost the waterfront and grow the region's tourism market. The flow-on effect of the increased tourism spending would provide tremendous opportunities for local businesses.
The Geelong Cruise Ship Facility Business Case will enable the City of Greater Geelong to investigate the economic development impacts, costings, planning and required infrastructure of the project and determine an implementation strategy. The Geelong Cruise Ship Facility Business Case will:
- review existing cruise industry data;
- review findings from a recent Geelong Cruise Ship feasibility study;
- review existing planning, design and cost information for the Yarra Street Pier;
- explore infrastructure requirements for the associated marina, cruise ship infrastructure and waterfront precinct;
- determine the economic benefits for Geelong and surrounding regions; and
- identify a strategy to implement, manage and develop Geelong as Victoria's a cruise ship destination.
Developing Geelong as a cruise ship destination will complement activity at the Port of Melbourne, broadening Victoria's appeal to the growing international cruise ship industry.
Geelong is a beautiful city and a fantastic gateway to Victoria with its proximity to the world-renowned Otways and Great Ocean Road.
The business case is due for completion in March 2012.
