Geelong Waterfront Master Plan Draft

GEELONG WATERFRONT MASTER PLAN

G uiding the future of the Djilang Waterfront

We acknowledge the Wadawurrung People as the Traditional Owners of the land, waterways and skies. We pay our respects to their Elders past, present and emerging. We also acknowledge all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people who are part of our Greater Geelong community today.

We extend our sincere thanks to the Wadawurrung Traditional Owners Aboriginal Corporation for their guidance, cultural leadership, and generosity in sharing stories that have enriched our understanding of the waterfront’s deep cultural significance. We value this partnership and look forward to continuing to grow and learn together.

INTRODUCTION 01

The Geelong Waterfront is one of the city’s most valued public assets, offering a unique mix of recreation, culture, and economic activity. This Waterfront master plan sets out a clear vision for its future, ensuring it remains vibrant, accessible, and resilient while balancing environmental, social, and economic priorities.

Since the major public realm improvements between 1996 and 2000, the waterfront has flourished as a key destination. However, increasing visitation and events and environmental challenges from the coastal environment are placing pressures on the precinct and highlight the need to renew and upgrade infrastructure to respond to evolving community needs. Current major projects such as the Geelong Yacht Club expansion, Geelong Safe Harbour project, and the Nyaal Banyul Geelong Convention and Event Centre will further increase waterfront visitation and reinforces the need for coordinated investment and long-term planning.

We jointly manage the waterfront with the Victorian Government and leaseholders responsible for commercial operations, tourism attractions, and events. This master plan provides a framework for the next phase of renewal, ensuring public spaces are enhanced, connections between Central Geelong and the waterfront are strengthened, and management responsibilities are aligned. By prioritising design excellence, inclusivity, and environmental sustainability, the plan secures the waterfront’s role as a dynamic and valued part of Greater Geelong.

1.1 2011 MASTER PLAN: SUCCESSES, CHALLENGES AND THE NEED FOR A RENEWED VISION

This document will replace the Central Geelong Waterfront Masterplan 2011, which was a review and update of the Waterfront Design and Development Code 1996 (the Code). The 2011 master plan aimed to refine the waterfront’s development while addressing emerging challenges. It built on existing successes of the Code and directed efforts toward key improvements.

2011 master plan successes:

• Wangim Walk has been a major success, providing a publicly accessible wave attenuator that significantly enhances public access and offers unique views over Corio Bay. Named after the Wadawurrung word for ‘boomerang’, this structure also serves to protect the Royal Geelong Yacht Club’s marina by mitigating wave impact, thereby improving safety and capacity for vessels.

• The Nyaal Banyul Convention Geelong Convention and Event Centre is now under construction and set to open in 2026, delivering a major civic and economic anchor with high-quality public space, improved streetscapes, and stronger connections between the waterfront and city centre. The project reflects successful collaboration between the local, state and federal governments, supporting local businesses, tourism, and future investment in the precinct.

• Royal Geelong Yacht Club upgrades are underway and expected to be completed by mid-2025. The project includes a new clubhouse, Victorian Sailing School complex, and upgrades to surrounding public areas, improving access, safety, and opportunities for sailing education and community use.

• New ferry services to Melbourne and Portarlington enhance water transport connectivity.

The following challenges and unmet objectives remain:

• Coordinating upgrade or renewal works with the conservation of heritage elements, presents an ongoing challenge.

• Incomplete pathways and accessibility limitations hinder continuous connectivity along the waterfront.

• Rising construction costs have limited budget for renewal or upgrade projects.

• The connectivity, commercial, and community offerings at Western Beach are currently underutilised, presenting an opportunity to develop a comprehensive precinct plan.

• Mineral spa and wellness centre plans have yet to materialise.

• Cunningham Pier has unmet potential for greater tourism attraction including as base for cruise ships.

• The Stage 2 Expansion of the Youth Activity Area, including viewing terraces and climbing walls, has not been executed.

• Efforts to transform Fisherman’s Basin into a vibrant maritime and tourism hub remain incomplete.

• Some sections of the waterfront experience increased pressure from events, leading to greater wear and tear, higher maintenance requirements and disruptions to day to day use.

• Critical infrastructure improvements, such as sea wall enhancements and climate-resilient planting, remain pending.

Given the evolving needs of the waterfront and lessons learned from the 2011 Geelong Waterfront Master Plan, a new master plan is necessary to:

• Address ongoing and emerging challenges.

• Refine and update the vision for the area.

• Guide future development and management in a sustainable and unified manner.

THE WATERFRONT: PAST AND PRESENT 02

2.1 WADAWURRUNG COUNTRY

The Geelong Waterfront is an important part of Wadawurrung Country, within the broader cultural landscape of Djilang. For over 45,000 years, the Wadawurrung People have lived in deep connection with the land and water, guided by Bundjil, the Karringalibil Murrup (Creator Spirit), and Waa (the crow), the protector. The waterways, wetlands, and grassy plains sustained a thriving community, providing food, resources, and trade networks. Landmarks such as Wurdi Youang (the You Yangs), Kunawarra (Lake Connewarre), and the Moorabool and Barwon Rivers remain significant, carrying the stories, language, and ancestral presence of the Wadawurrung People.

Djilang, meaning ‘Tongue of Land’ in Wadawurrung language, reflects the area’s unique coastal geography where the land extends into Corio Bay. The rich natural resources of this Country supported Wadawurrung communities, enabling a sustainable way of life that respected the balance of the environment. Many place names in the region, such as Geelong (Djilang), Mooroobull (Moorabool), and Kunuwarra (Connewarre), originate from Wadawurrung language, reflecting the enduring connection between people and place.

The waterfront has long held cultural and historical significance to the Wadawurrung people. For thousands of years, this area has been a vital hub for fishing, hunting, and gathering, with its natural resources providing sustenance and spiritual connection. It has also served as a key meeting place where the Wadawurrung people, alongside neighbouring groups, shared food, exchanged knowledge,

and reinforced cultural ties. These gatherings facilitated trade and strengthened relationships between communities. As the region develops, it is essential to honour the Wadawurrung people’s ongoing cultural practices and ensure that future projects respect and preserve their connection to the waterfront.

2.2 EUROPEAN SETTLEMENT

The arrival of European settlers in the 1830s brought rapid and lasting changes to the Geelong Waterfront.

European colonisation led to extensive land clearing for farming, grazing, and urban expansion. Wetlands were drained, waterways were altered or filled, and introduced species replaced native vegetation. Industrial development and port infrastructure reshaped Corio Bay, with dredging and reclamation works disrupting natural coastal processes and impacting water quality. Sealing, whaling, and gold mining further transformed the landscape, leaving lasting environmental scars.

By the mid-19th century, much of the original natural environment had been altered, replaced by jetties, piers, and wharves that supported Geelong’s growth as a trade and industrial hub. Built form still tends to be a dominant feature the waterfront, predominately on the southern perimeter with open space tending to be confined to the coastal fringe.

In addition to its industrial and port-related past, Geelong Waterfront holds important layers of recreational and civic heritage. Eastern Beach, developed in the 1930s as part of a major public works program, remains a much-loved destination for swimming, picnics, and community gatherings. Its Art Deco boardwalk, sea baths, and landscape terraces reflect a long-standing civic investment in public leisure along the bay. More recently, Jan Mitchell’s iconic Baywalk Bollards have added to the cultural richness of the area, celebrating Geelong’s diverse histories and characters in a uniquely engaging way.

For at least 45,000 years, the Country now known as the City of Greater Geelong was the land of the Wadawurrung Aboriginal people. The name of this language group traditionally means the people who belong to the water, in reference to the rivers, creeks, lagoons and other water sources within Wadawurrung Country

Wadawurrung Country originally extended over approximately 7800 km2 taking in the Bellarine Peninsula and west towards the Otway forests and north boundaries to Mount Emu and Mount Misery, extending to Lake Burrumbeet, Beaufort and the Ballarat goldfields, and north of the Werribee River

is the traditional Wadawurrung name for Tongue of Land. The name Geelong was named in 1837 by

All alight at Pt Henry and travel to Geelong via small boats known as Lighters

Passenger steamers (Bay Steamer Service) commences operation from Melbourne to Geelong

Lime kilns established for building

Geelong Public bathing House/Jackson & Rays Baths (1838 - 1855)

Suburban allotments for sale

First shipment of wool leaves for London. Wool industry (broking, sales & storage) established

Shortages in local labour caused the European settlers to bring in Chinese, Malay and Indian workers from Singapore

Geelong

free-warehousing

View of the Central Precinct looking east from the Western Precinct

Gold rush commences and many leave Geelong bound for

John William Harwick Corio Bay & the You Yang Mountains from Victoria

Labour shortages in the region as a result of the gold rush

Most flora and fauna eradicated from area. Wadawurrung people dispossession

Geelong becomes the o cial port for exportation of gold

Eugene Von Guerard, Aborigines met on the road to the diggings, 1854.

1855

Geelong Sea Bathing Company Ladies Baths (1855 - 1927)

Shipbuilding established at Rippleside, constructing large shipping vessels

Railway Wharf constructed to move coal from ships to storage at Railway Station to support passenger steamer industry, railway & households

Locations of wharfs on the Geelong foreshore in 1854. Left to right: Moorabool Wharf, Steampacket Wharf, Yarra Street Wharf & Queens Wharf. Source: J.H. Taylor, Map of Geelong, Surveyor-General’s Department, Melbourne, 1854

Western Beach Seabathing Company Baths (1856 - 1874)

Waterfront’s Central Precinct view from Geelong’s township

Western Beach Sea Bathing Company Baths #2 (1857 - 1927)

Melbourne to Geelong railway line established

Creation of Eastern Park and the Geelong Botanical Gardens

South Channel cut through Pt Henry sandbar, opening up the port to large ships

Geelong to Ballarat railway line established

Geelong Harbour (Eastern baths) showing Singapore Terrace, n.d., pre 1862.

Second Railway Wharf constructed to accommodate huge export trade (coal, wool & grain)

Tourism begins to boom with the opening of mineral springs in Clifton Springs and seaside towns on the Bellarine

Victoria Baths and Western Beach Sea Bathing Company Baths #3 (1870 - 1935)

Goldrush peters out. Many move to Geelong for work

Geelong to Colac and Warrnambool railway line established Corio Bay Rowing Club established in central waterfront

Mineral Springs opened (The springs were declared unfit for human consumption and closed down in 1959. A new bore was drilled in 1999).

Central Geelong seawalls constructed to reclaim land

Fisherman's Boat Harbour and Fisherman's Jetty - Fishing

Andersons Bathing House (1880 - 1928)

Lime burning discontinued due to pollution

Hopetoun Channel completed, enabling ships to enter Corio Bay

A power station erected, coal-powered

Transvaal Square Commemoration

Corio Quay South opens

Limeburners Jetty: Recreational Fishing (1910 - 1942)

St Helens Jetty, Swimming Pool, Baths and Boatshed (1910 - 1966)

Geelong Progress Association, Portion of Plan of Geelong & Suburbs, Shrimpton & Strong, Geelong, c.1910

Moorabool Pier Buildings, West & North Elevations, H. Thacker lithographer, Geelong, c.1912

Woods Jetty/Glenleith Avenue Jetty (1916 - 1959)

boom following the war Corio Quay North No.1 opens for meat & coal import/export

Charles Daniel Pratt View from Geelong Gas Works North Geelong looking south-east, 1923

Anon, Port Phillip From Eastern Beach, Geelong, Victoria, c. 1925

(1929 - 1938) Rippleside Baths Complex (1929 - 1960)

Daniel Pratt, Geelong Harbour and Waterfront, 1926

Moorabool and Gheringhap Streets as central links to the Railway Pier (Cunningham Pier), Moorabool Street Wharf, the Customs House and early developments of the Waterfront

Anon, art of City of Geelong, Parish of Corio, County of Grant - Dept. of Lands and Survey, 1940

concluded that consequently Native Title could have survived on lands where it had not been extinguished

Fountain, Eastern Beach

with rail and motorcars see closure of

Mass immigration from Europe after the war, facilitating large growth in manufacturing in Geelong

Aboriginal Cultural Heritage Management & Protection Development Planning Protocol agreed between City of Greater Geelong and the Wathaurong Aboriginal Co-operative

City of Greater Geelong agrees to archaeological examinations for all development within 500 metres of the ocean, bays or waterways in order to protect Aboriginal sites

Tourist Map locating in the Waterfront the presence of: St Helens Swimming Pool, Hutton’s Wharf, Rippleside Beach & Park, Fishermans Gully, Rippleside Jetty, Glenleith Jetty, Westnern Beach, Railway Wharf, Moorabool St Wharf, Yarra St Wharf, Stony Pier, Yacht Club Pier, Eastern Beach Swimming Enclosure, Parkside Swimming Pool, Limeburners Point, Eastern Park

William Buckley Discovery Trail launched

Statement of commitment to partnership with the Wadawurrung by the City of Greater Geelong 2008

City of Greater Geelong endorses the apology made to the Stolen Generations by Prime Minister Rudd 2008

Wathaurung Aboriginal Corporation (WAC), trading as Wadawurrung, was accorded Registered Aboriginal Party (RAP) status 2005

Passenger ferry service to Melbourne opened

Construction of Nyaal Banyul Geelong Convention and Event Centre on Western Beach Road

2.4 CITY OF GREATER GEELONG TODAY

Geelong is a vibrant, rapidly growing city, home to a diverse economy that includes sectors like advanced manufacturing, education, health, and tourism. Its north-facing waterfront location is a major draw, with the city attracting over 5 million visitors each year, contributing significantly to its thriving $1.5 billion visitor economy.

To accommodate its expanding population, Geelong is focused on sustainable growth, with state government housing targets planning for 128,600 new homes by 2051. Infrastructure improvements are a priority, including the Regional Rail Revival program to enhance Geelong’s rail services, along with ongoing upgrades to roads and cycle routes.

Key public and private projects are reshaping the city. The $500 million Geelong City Deal Implementation Plan is supporting the revitalisation of the city centre, promoting tourism, and encouraging economic development through infrastructure and cultural initiatives.

Geelong holds the status of a major events hub, with largescale events like the Cadel Evans Great Ocean Road Race, Sails on the Bay at the Geelong Festival of Sails, Geelong Revival Motoring Festival, AFL matches, and local festivals attracting visitors from across the region.

2.5 CENTRAL GEELONG

Central Geelong is a walkable hub located on the western edge of Corio Bay. Its grid-based street layout provides easy navigation, with north-south streets offering scenic views of the bay, reinforcing the city’s strong connection to the waterfront.

The city’s character blends historic and modern architecture, with iconic landmarks such as City Hall, the Geelong Library & Heritage Centre, Deakin University, and the Wurriki Nyal Civic Precinct. These established buildings are complemented by new developments, including the Nyaal Banyul Geelong Convention and Event Centre, along with new hotels, commenrcial and residential towers, and mixed-use spaces that are contributing to a growing and diverse population.

Geelong’s waterfront is at the heart of its identity, with popular spaces like Eastern Beach Reserve drawing locals and visitors alike. The Royal Geelong Yacht Club’s redevelopment is enhancing the area’s water recreatation activities. New opportunities for waterfront improvements fronting the Nyaal Banyul Geelong Convention and Event Centre offer the potential to further strengthen the connection between the city and the bay, and extend activity to the western end of the waterfront.

As Geelong continues to evolve, the master plan will ensure the waterfront remains a core asset, accessible, sustainable, and aligned with the city’s evolving identity.

THE OPPORTUNITY 03

DEFINING THE VISION

Already a vibrant, inclusive, and accessible destination loved by locals and visitors alike, the waterfront is the heart of the city.

Building on its rich heritage and creative spirit, the waterfront will continue to evolve— strengthening connections to Corio Bay and cementing the city’s place as a thriving regional capital.

This transformation will set new benchmarks in urban design, sustainability, and placemaking, delivering exceptional public spaces and new opportunities for culture, business, and recreation.

Honouring the past and looking boldly to the future, the renewed waterfront will be a legacy for generations.

OUTLINING THE DESIGN PRINCIPLES

The design principles translate the draft master plan’s vision into clear priorities, shaping future investment and decision-making. They respond to environmental challenges, community aspirations, and economic opportunities, ensuring the waterfront remains connected, inclusive, and vibrant. Each principle is supported by key objectives that guide the future design and delivery of the master plan.

3.1 CONNECTIVITY AND MOVEMENT

Enhance movement and connectivity across the waterfront to create accessible, continuous, and sustainable connections.

Primary pedestrian route and Shared-use path

Secondary pedestrian route

Bay Trail connection

Nodes and links

Bell Pde

Pedestrian links to Central Geelong

New or upgraded

rampway

New or upgraded stairway

Glenleith Ave

Existing

Pedestrian links to Central Geelong

Nodes and links

Cycling route

Walking activities routes

Strategic Cycling Corridor C2

main route

Proposed or upgraded

Primary pedestrian route and shared-use path

Secondary pedestrian route

Cycling route

Rampway

Stairway

Strategic Cycling Corridor - C2

(Main route)

Existing and retained cycling route

Rippleside rampway

Proposed cycling route

Bay Trail

Walking activities routes

Existing

Places of environmental value

Habitats and presence of wildlife

Breakwaters

Seagrass

Beach

Proposed

Planting zones

Indigenous Planting zones balanced

Eco reefs and living seawalls

Objectives:

• Strengthen pedestrian and cycling networks to enhance waterfront accessibility. Continue promoting walking and cycling as key recreation activities along the waterfront.

• Improve links between the city centre and the waterfront.

• Increase public transport access through continued advocacy and council driven initiatives. Promote green transport options including initiatives such as electric bike charging and stations.

3.2 ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION, CLIMATE ADAPTATION AND ECOLOGY

Enhance and protect the waterfront coastal fringe to promote climate resilience and ecological health, ensuring long term sustainability and viability.

Objectives:

• Apply best practice climate-adaptive design strategies to improve biodiversity, manage coastal hazards, and strengthen coastal ecology.

• Improve stormwater management and implement watersensitive urban design strategies.

• Placement of significant planting to be responsive to the landscape character, whilst considering the retention of key views.

• Increase tree canopy coverage throughout the waterfront. Prioritise the replacement of specimens of low Useful Life Expectancy (ULE). Ensure diversity of genus to promote biodiversity and reduce the risks of loss to disease. Ensure tree species are a balanced mix of indigenous, native and

exotic species. Where possible, protect and enhance local biodiversity by promoting linked habitat corridors. Sourcing of indigenous plants to give preference to local provenance stock.

• Integrate climate adaptation measures into built form and public space projects in order to maintain asset functionality, safety and viability, supporting economic activities. Align project briefs with sea level rise projections of 1.19–1.45m by 2100.

• Enhance aquatic environment through design and initiatives that protect native seagrass and restore coastal and nearhore marine ecosystems.

Existing

Places of environmental value

Habitats and presence of wildlife

Breakwaters

Seagrass

Beach

Proposed

Planting zones

Indigenous

Planting zones

balanced

Eco reefs and living

seawalls

3.3 CULTURE, HERITAGE AND PUBLIC ART

Celebrate and integrate Wadawurrung culture and Geelong’s rich waterfront heritage, honouring the past while creating meaningful connections for the community.

Objectives:

• Encourage interpretive storytelling, public art, and cultural expressions through the design of spaces.

• Curate public art that showcases the cultural stories and history of the waterfront.

• Create opportunities for living heritage through ongoing cultural practices and community engagement.

• Protect key views of Corio Bay and the You Yangs, respecting both cultural and natural landscapes.

• Use sustainable, locally-sourced materials that reflect Geelong’s history while supporting modern ecological needs.

Heritage Places and Objects (Victorian Aboriginal Heritage Register)

Heritage Places and Objects

(Heritage Overlay and Victorian Heritage Register Places)

Archaeology (Victorian Heritage Inventory Places)

Major public art pieces

3.4 PLACE ACTIVATION, LIVELINESS AND VIBRANCY

Promote spaces that support sustainable day and night activation, encourage social interaction, improve access to the water, and enable opportunities for local businesses, waterfront events and community activation.

Objectives:

• Design welcoming, flexible spaces for recreation, dining, events, and leisure, with universal accessibility for people of all ages, genders, and abilities.

• Ensure a safe and inclusive environment through passive surveillance, appropriate lighting, and design that supports a sense of security at all hours.

• Maximise comfort and usability through well-designed lighting, seating, shading, and wayfinding, and expand the precinct character to the waterfront’s extent.

• Continue to encourage community-led events and programming that support inclusion, social connection and local identity.

• Create dynamic mixed-use areas that include commercial and community spaces to ensure the precinct remains active

throughout the day and week.

• Provide affordable and adaptable spaces for small businesses, local enterprises, and entrepreneurs, supporting economic vitality.

• Deliver high quality sustainable urban design that enriches the visitor experience and reflects the character of place.

• Ensure continuous public access to the waterfront, encouraging people to connect with the natural environment.

• Enhance physical connections to the water, supporting activities such as swimming, boating, kayaking, and fishing.

Places

Waterfront

Waterfront

THE MASTER PLAN 04

Western Beach Restoration Precinct: Connectivity, ecology and Wadawurrung Culture

Convention and Creativity Precinct: A new meeting place

The illustrative master plan outlines the vision for the future of the waterfront, reflecting aspirations for a vibrant, sustainable, and inclusive public space. It highlights the potential for enhancing and revitalising the area into a dynamic destination that integrates cultural heritage, environmental sustainability, and community engagement.

Central Celebration Precinct: Connection and community activity

Eastern Beach Heritage and Leisure Precinct: Supporting history, heritage and leisure

While this plan provides a guiding framework for the waterfront’s long-term development, it’s important to note that detailed design and planning will unfold gradually, in subsequent phases. These phases will involve ongoing consultation, testing, and refinement to ensure the vision is realised in a practical, achievable way that meets both current and future needs.

Limeburners Point Nature Precinct: Biodiversity, revegetation and connection to the bay

INTRODUCING THE PRECINCTS

The waterfront has been divided into five distinct yet interconnected precincts, shaped by their landscape character and community uses. A precinct-based approach ensures connected planning, design, and management processes.

Western Beach Restoration

Precinct

Running from Rippleside Park to the Western Beach Boat Club, this precinct features natural coastal cliffs, marine ecology, and recreational spaces. Currently underutilised, with some areas in a degraded condition, it has strong potential for renewal. The existing boardwalk provides a foundation for improved pedestrian and cycling connections, while environmental restoration will enhance biodiversity and landscape quality. Strengthening partnerships with the Wadawurrung Traditional Owners will be key to shaping its future, ensuring a balanced approach to conservation, recreation, and boating access.

Convention and Creativity

Precinct

Stretching from the Western Beach Boat Club to east of Cunningham Pier, this precinct will transform into a vibrant hub of cultural, recreational, and community activity. Anchored by the Nyaal Banyul Geelong Convention and Event Centre, it will attract significant visitation and host diverse events. Currently, the area features rudimentary paths, sloping terrain, a small playground, and a well-used youth space with room for expansion. Cunningham Pier, an underutilised asset, is privately owned and managed. We will continue to explore opportunities to support commercial partnerships to create opportunities to develop the pier and its infrastructure to better support community usage and activation.

Central Celebration Precinct

Stretching from Steampacket Pier to the Royal Geelong Yacht Club, this precinct forms the heart of Geelong’s waterfront activity. It features much-loved destinations such as the Carousel pavilion and Fisherman’s Basin, and Steampacket Gardens regularly hosts community events and markets. Its central location makes it a natural hub for residents, workers, and visitors alike. Already a vibrant and successful space, future efforts will focus on subtle upgrades, enhancing pedestrian connections, refining event infrastructure, and better integrating open spaces. These light-touch improvements will support ongoing activation and ensure the precinct continues to thrive as Geelong’s premier waterfront gathering place.

Heritage Leisure Precinct

Eastern Beach, and Eastern Beach Reserve is one of Geelong’s most iconic waterfront destinations, known for its historic sea baths, scenic promenade, and expansive parklands. The precinct blends heritage, recreation, and tourism, offering spaces for both active and passive enjoyment. Future enhancements will focus on improving accessibility, increasing shade and seating, and exploring opportunities for expanded recreational facilities and family friendly amenities.

Limeburners Nature Precinct

The area to Limeburners Point is a quieter, more natural section of the waterfront, offering a unique blend of coastal ecology, historical features, and informal recreation. With its mineral springs, rocky outcrops, and connections to Eastern Beach Reserve, this precinct provides opportunities to enhance ecological restoration, improve public access, and highlight the area’s Wadawurrung cultural significance. Strengthening pedestrian and cycling connections will also be a priority to better integrate this space with the broader waterfront experience.

This framework brings each precinct’s unique character to life, shaping a vibrant and connected waterfront.

This precinct is a key area of natural and cultural significance, rich in Wadawurrung heritage and environmental significance, including fossil sites and vital seagrass beds. The plan proposes restoring natural ecology, strengthening pedestrian and cycling connections, and improving safety through better lighting, signage, and wayfinding.

Proposed

Proposed

Bay Trail - Bob McGovan Path and path connections.

Proposed upgrade to a key section of the Bay Trail between Rippleside Park and the Western Beach Boat Club. This section includes the Bob McGovan Path, named in honour of a local cycling advocate. The dual name will be retained to recognise its cultural and community value. Defining the hierarchy of the path networks that link the entire waterfront, through common material selection, improved wayfinding and signage. Works include widening and resurfacing the existing upper tier shared path, constructing missing links, and removing steep or disconnected sections to improve accessibility. Enhancements such as shelters, lighting, seating, signage, and water-sensitive design features will improve safety, comfort, and deliver environmental benefits.

Aquatic Restoration – Seagrass

Design and deliver the initiatives to protect native seagrass and restore coastal and nearshore marine ecosystems, with ongoing monitoring to track progress. Trials to further protect seagrass such as eco-mooring systems for boats off Western and Eastern beaches should be explored.

Interpretive signage to be installed to enhance visitor experience and build community awareness.

Cliff and Path Management

The cliffs should be treated as part of a connected landscape system, linking with surrounding natural areas. Revegetation with indigenous avegetation will restore the natural landscape, prevent erosion, and support local wildlife. Invasive weeds will be removed, and eroded areas will be repaired with jute matting to stabilise the soil. Explore opportunities to increase information and education signage. Paths that do not meet accessibility standards will be removed to improve safety and ease of use.

Intersection Upgrade

Investigate opportunities to reconfigure the roundabout at the intersection of Glenleith Ave and The Esplanade will be reconfigured to incorporate dedicated bike lanes, standard footpath widths, and safe pedestrian crossings. These upgrades aim to improve accessibility, safety, and traffic flow for all users, including cyclists, pedestrians, buses and motorists.

Griffin Gully Jetty and Surrounds

Griffin Gully Jetty and the surrounding foreshore will be upgraded to improve water access for snorkelling and diving. Non-compliant hard surfaces will be removed, and new pathway connections will be created. Seating will be provided at key viewpoints, and trees of low Useful Life Expectancy (ULE) or dead, will be replaced with indigenous species.

Aquatic Restoration – Reef Pods

The proposal involves using artificial reef pods and seawalls along the foreshore for aquatic restoration. These pods create habitat for marine species such as oysters and mussels, while also helping mitigate coastal erosion. Informative signage will be installed to engage the public, highlighting the ecological benefits of the reef and promoting marine conservation. This initiative aims to enhance the local marine environment and provide educational opportunities for users and visitors.

Wadawurrung Cultural Walk

A cultural walk will highlight significant cultural landmarks of the Wadawurrung people, offering visitors a deeper understanding of the area’s First Nations heritage. The project, co-designed and initiated by the Wadawurrung Traditional Owners Aboriginal Corportaion, could include

dedicated infrastructure to mark the starting point, wayfinding signage, seating, and interpretive elements, all designed to enhance the visitor experience and increase cultural awareness.

CONVENTION AND CREATIVITY PRECINCT

The Nyaal Banyul Geelong Convention and Event Centre intends to serve as a catalyst for the precinct’s transformation, driving increased activation and making the waterfront more vibrant, particularly on evenings and weekends. To support this growth, a flexible, terraced space will host events, activities, and provide spill-out space for Nyaal Banyul. Upgrades to the youth precinct, including an expanded multicourt and improved playground, will create more opportunities for active recreation. Key facility upgrades, such as the redevelopment of the Western Boat Club maritime area, will solidify the area’s role as a waterfront destination. Deakin University will continue as a strong anchor institution, benefiting from planned foreshore upgrades and reinforcing its integration with the evolving waterfront precinct.

Upgraded

Upgraded

Western Beach Maritime Area

As the Western Beach Maritime Area evolves and expands, future uses should celebrate Geelong’s rich maritime history, reflecting its waterfront setting, prioritising boatingrelated facilities, including boat building, that support youth education and recreational activities. Development must enhance public access along the shoreline and deliver a continuous waterfront path. Opportunities will be explored to upgrade the jetty structure to facilitate historic or significant boats. New buildings should be positioned below the embankment to remain out of view from Western Beach Road, with built form broken into discrete elements to avoid continuous development across the site. New buildings should be high-quality, architecturally designed, and with adjacent areas activated.

Landscape Embankment

The embankment behind the maritime precinct is part of a broader linear landscape extending to Griffin Gully and should be treated as a connected system. Planting should reinforce this continuity with a coastal indigenous palette that enhances the natural character in the upper embankment, supporting biodiversity, and providing seasonal interest. It should also frame key access paths and strengthen pedestrian movement between the embankment and the marine precinct below.

Arrival Plaza

An upper plaza could create a welcoming space that connects with Western Beach Road, with two grand staircases potentially linking the upper and lower levels. Beneath the plaza, a north-facing retail edge could activate the undercroft, opening onto a lively dining and plaza area facing the bay. Reshaped landscape banks, cut into the natural ground, may provide opportunities for new buildings set back from the water’s edge. These buildings could feature north-facing active edges that engage with the surrounding open space.

At ground level, windows and doors might offer views into the building’s interior, helping to activate the edges and draw people in.

Passive Landscape and Recreational Area

The landscape gently slopes toward the promenade, supporting key access paths and spaces for both relaxation and programmed activities. Compliant rampways connect key points and are serviced by seating areas. Terracing offers direct access to the water, enhancing opportunities for passive enjoyment and active engagement.

Geelong Youth Activities Area

The Youth Activities Area is a versatile space, and a modest expansion will further enhance its appeal and functionality for the youth community. The existing basketball hoop area can be extended to create a multi-functional space that accommodates both basketball and netball (approximately half-court size). The design will carefully integrate into the existing area with minimal fencing and upgraded lighting to enhance safety and usability. New seating and landscaping will also be incorporated to create a more inviting and comfortable environment.

Poppy Kettle Playground

The Poppy Kettle Playground upgrade will provide engaging play experiences for a range of ages and abilities. Existing accessible areas will cater to younger children, while new, more challenging spaces will encourage physical activity and exploration for older kids. The design should consider the coastal setting, potentially incorporating natural materials like timber, sand, and rope, or exploring other ways to connect the playground to its surroundings and providing a distinct and varied play experience from the two other waterfront playspaces (Rippleside Park and Eastern Beach). The design and upgrade of pathway and landscape areas

should be holistically considered in response to both current and future site characteristics and retained elements.

Cunningham Pier

Cunningham Pier offers significant potential for redevelopment. With its private ownership status and state government regulations, we will continue to support commercial partnership development opportunities that benefit the community and promote activation on the waterfront. Reimagining the current parking area could provide opportunity, through partnerships, to create a future vibrant multifunctional community space. Future development should maintain public access to the water’s edge and be of high architectural quality, ensuring that new structures complement the surrounding environment and views across Corio Bay. Of cultural and heritage value to retain the train tracks and explore narratives with the incorporation of these in the reimagined pier.

Deakin University Frontage

Minor adjustments to the Western Beach Road streetscape along the Deakin University frontage will improve accessibility, expand pedestrian space, including new avenue tree planting on reconfigured garden beds, and upgraded seating areas, retaining the outdoor dining area.

CENTRAL CELEBRATION PRECINCT

This precinct hosts many of Geelong’s iconic international and community events. Strengthening key connections from the city, such as Yarra and Moorabool Streets, will improve access and support event movement. The Yarra Street car park presents an opportunity to transform into a shaded, communal gathering space, better linking nearby restaurants and businesses. Transvaal Square can be better integrated with the waterfront through improved design that supports event-based road closures. Upgrades to Fairnie Park will create a more accessible and active public space, adding vibrancy to the precinct. Jan Mitchell’s iconic Baywalk Bollards, will continue to tell the story of Geelong’s history, cultural heritage, and natural environment, creating a strong sense of place for locals and visitors alike.

01 02 03

Pavilion Site

Located between Cunningham Pier and Steampacket Quay, the Waterfront Carousel Pavilion site will remain a passive grassed open space, complemented by seating, timber decking, and promenade. A modestly-scaled pavilion-style building is proposed to support marine-based activities such as ticketing for seaplane, fishing, cruise, commuter, or charter vessels, helping to activate the area without overwhelming its open character. The scale of development is limited due to subsurface drainage conditions and overland water flow, making the site unsuitable for medium to large-scale built form.

Waterfront Quay and the Carousel Pavilion

The quay and carousel will remain a key hub for touristfocused businesses, with minor improvements, including garden bed and tree planting to improve shade provision. Lighting upgrades and exploration of opportunities to soften and reduce the existing hard surfacing around Mark Stoner’s North artwork will highlight the installation at night and enrich the visual experience along the waterfront promenade.

Steampacket Gardens

Steampacket Gardens will remain a flexible, high-use and community events space. Garden bed and tree planting will improve shade provision along Eastern Beach Road. Minor hardscape alterations will take place to include an accessible rampway associated with compliant handrailing, as well as the removal of upstand kerbs to be replaced by flush edges and on-grade surfaces. Existing palms and other clear-trunk species along the Bay Walk will be retained to preserve views to the water. Suggested improvements to the sea wall include living sea wall installations that support marine biodiversity and reflect Wadawurrung cultural values through interpretive signage. Solar lighting upgrades are also proposed to enhance night-time amenity and energy efficiency.

Opportunities to further link Customs Park open space to the waterfront should be examined.

Yarra Street activation

Opportunity to trial a new activation precinct is proposed for the Yarra Street waterfront, creating a welcoming public space that supports outdoor dining, food trucks, and community events. Flush pedestrian crossings will define a plaza-style setting that encourages people to linger, gather, and enjoy the waterfront. Opportunities will be explored to design and develop passive irrigation and water sensitive urban design initiatives to enhance this area and create a well-shaded space. The area will be available for lease to support diverse uses, helping to maintain vibrancy throughout the year.

Fishermen’s Basin Marina and Fairnie Park upgrade

Fishermen’s Basin is a popular spot for recreational mooring, while Fairnie Park offers a public space for rest, respite, and casual dining. In Fishermen’s Basin, opportunities will be explored for additional boat operations, such as fishing, diving, and seafood retail businesses. Fairnie Park will be improved with new pathways, stairways, and rampways that meet accessibility standards. Current steps and level changes will be simplified providing a level grassed public area that provides opportunity for public seating as well as continuing to support current events. Opportunity exists to add additional timber decking at Fairnie Park to link with the current pier and boat access. Additional public realm area and seating will support increased commercial opportunities in this area. Increased tree canopy cover will provide additional shade.

Transvaal Square Upgrade

Transvaal Square is a key open space linking Brougham Street to Eastern Beach Road. Its park character will be enhanced through improved paths, recreational areas, upgraded

amenities, new seating, lighting, and public art. An expanded tree canopy will offer shade and frame views to Corio Bay.

Eastern Beach Road modifications and event-based road closures

Proposed improvements include increased garden beds, passive irrigation, included landscape areas and tree planting, with opportunity to evaluate species selection. Modifications to this section of Eastern Beach Road include introducing parallel parking and cycle lanes, as well as improving pedestrian crossings to better connect Transvaal Square and Fairnie Park. The design will cater for event-based road closures, diverting traffic to Yarra and Brougham Streets and creating new opportunities for events and activation. Transvaal Square, a large undulating green space opposite Fairnie Park, will be enhanced by improving circulation, facilities, furniture, and planting to create a stronger connection with Fairnie Park.

This precinct, a vibrant hub for community and cultural events, will undergo improvements to enhance accessibility, comfort, and functionality while preserving its heritage. Key upgrades include reconfiguring the Ritchie Boulevard car park to create additional promenade and park space adjacent to Eastern Beach. New shade planting, structures, and furniture will enhance visitor comfort, as well as support the extensive events program including the Geelong Revival Motoring Festival and Ironman 70.3 Geelong events. The play and fitness areas will be upgraded to reflect the area’s heritage and coastal character, complementing its unique identity. These improvements will strengthen connections between the beach, waterfront, and heritage, enriching the experience for both visitors and the community.

Hi-Lite Park

Hi-Lite Park houses the iconic Ferris wheel, offering stunning views of the bay. However, the site is constrained by the space required for operations, fencing, and infrastructure, leading to a poor ground-level interface. Long-term consideration could be given to relocating the Ferris wheel to a new waterfront location, which would enhance this key public space and improve the overall visitor experience. Options exist to explore the potential of relocating and upgrading the existing toilet facility in Transvaal Square to this site. Providing easier access to toilet and changing facilities for beach users and potentially creating a base for Life Saving Victoria services. Full all abilities water access could be provided in this supervised zone.

Ritchie Boulevard and Eastern Beach Foreshore

Reconfigure the car park to create additional space for landscaping and expand the promenade adjacent to Eastern Beach. Relocate the heritage shelters from the car park median to a more prominent and functional waterfront location. Install additional shelters and seating to enhance visitor comfort. Introduce new shade trees to improve amenity and provide natural cooling. Design the car park layout to increase parking capacity while maintaining flexible space for major events like the Geelong Revival Motoring Festival..

Eastern Beach Reserve – Landscape Backdrop

Revegetate slope with a diverse mix of indigenous and native plant species to enhance the foreshore’s natural character and support biodiversity.

Eastern Beach Reserve – Gathering and Events

Widen the shared path along Hearne Parade from Bellerine Street to the viewing pergola to improve pedestrian and cycling access. Increase lawn areas and plant additional shade

trees for comfort and amenity. Replace the existing BBQ gazebo with a new shelter and provide a central path aligned with the main event stage. Install new heritage-style shelters on the eastern lawn to support gatherings and events.

Resurface boulevard paths in line with the shared user path hierarchy link.

Central Swiming Zone

Upgrade the pool area, including the installation of a Disability Disrimination Act (DDA) compliant accessibility ramp. Enhance the forecourt and pool surrounds with additional shade and seating. Upgrade the plaza toilets and provide additional facilities for peak periods.

Upgrade the lifeguard station, change rooms, and public toilets to improve visitor amenity. Refurbish the maintenance building to include permanent toilets for seasonal and event use. Repair and upgrade the main staircase and retaining walls to improve safety and presentation. Replace the gravel boulevard with concrete to ensure year-round accessibility.

Eastern Beach Playground and Outdoor Gym

Upgrade and expand the existing playground, incorporating the heritage and coastal setting into the design. Explore options for both passive and active water play areas, and consider relocating the current trampoline activity and volleyball nets water play feature to the Eastern Beach precinct. Provide additional park furniture, including seating and shade, to improve comfort and usability. Upgrade the outdoor fitness station with marine-grade equipment on suitable surfacing. Explore the opportunity to include both passive and active waterplay attached to the playground precinct. Ensure tree canopy is embeded in the playground’s expanded design.

Reconfigure pedestrian crossing

Reconfigure landscape and grassed area

Maintain clean and sufficient sand on the beach

Maintain low levels of seagrass in the Swimming Precinct

Rellocate rotundas and configure accesses Upgrade and realign shared-use path

LIMEBURNERS NATURE PRECINCT

This precinct enhances accessibility while celebrating its cultural, historical, and natural significance. Limeburners Point holds deep cultural value for the Wadawurrung people and is recognised as a highly sensitive cultural heritage area. Key proposals include improved pedestrian connections to Eastern Park and the Geelong Botanic Gardens, and a safe, accessible path along the waterfront linking Eastern Park to Limeburners Point and the historic lime kilns. Potential also exists to further connect this path to the Bellarine Rail trail and shared path network. A larger landscape node at the mineral springs will strengthen the area’s appeal as a visitor destination, while replanting coastal indigenous species will improve its environmental quality.

Proposed

Overflow parking strategies are proposed along Hearne Parade and within Eastern Park to accommodate peak summer visitation.

Signage, wayfinding maps, and educational displays will guide visitors, ensuring Limeburners Point remains an inviting and well-connected part of the waterfront.

Bay Walk and Connections

Mineral Springs

Limeburners Point

Coastal Revegetation

Bay Walk and Connections

The Bay Walk continues from Eastern Beach Reserve to Limeburners Point, closely following the bay’s edge. New sections of boardwalk will improve the connection with the water, creating a more engaging and accessible experience. Access paths to the Limeburners kilns and between the mineral springs and the TAC Road Trauma Memorial will be upgraded to improve accessibility. Upgrades to emergency vehicle access are also planned between Hearne Parade and Eastern Beach Reserve. Enhanced pedestrian and cycle paths are proposed along Hearne Parade, with new connections being explored to existing cycling loops through Eastern Park and around the botanic gardens. Potential exists to connect the path network along Limeburners Road, Ryrie Street to connect to the Bellarine Rail Trail providing safe offroad access to a further 35km of trail network. Overflow parking strategies will be considered to better manage peak summer visitation.

Mineral Springs

The mineral springs node will be upgraded into a welcoming destination with new seating, native and indigenous planting and interpretive signage that highlights the site’s natural values. These enhancements will create a space for rest, reflection, and learning along the Bay Walk.

Limeburners Point

Limeburners Point is a key recreational destination, offering boat launching facilities, generous car parking, and sweeping views across the bay. There is an opportunity to introduce a modest community facility to support marine-based activities by local groups. These improvements would help activate the area, decentralise some waterfront activities and enhance the overall user experience.

Coastal Revegetation

Revegetation efforts across the precinct will strengthen the coastal character and enhance biodiversity. Planting will focus on indigenous species to restore natural habitats, provide shade and shelter, and support cultural values connected to Country. These efforts will also help the landscape adapt to coastal conditions and contribute to a more sustainable, ecologically-rich waterfront.

IMPLEMENTATION 05

The master plan objectives will be achieved through delivering projects as outlined in this implementation plan.

The proposed implementation schedule identifies project delivery on:

• timeline priorities

• projections of cost

• suggested funding sources.

The master plan proposes momentum building and successive delivery. The precinct-based framework allocates the projects in the five precincts.

The suggested staging priority is proposed based on need, priority and budget:

• short: from 1 to 5 years

• medium: between 5 to 10 years

• long: longer than 10 years.

The cost range, quantified through a preliminary quantity surveying process and costed to 2025 rates, outlines project descriptions based on cost management assumptions:

• minor: Up to $350K

• mid: between $350K to $1M

• major: more than $1M.

PROPOSED IMPLEMENTATION SCHEDULE

WESTERN BEACH RESTORATION PRECINCT

Bay Trail / Bob McGovan

Trail and path connections 01

Design and deliver the Bay Trail between Rippleside Park and the Western Beach Boat Club, upgrading existing paths for consistent width and surface treatment, adding new sections where needed, and removing steep or disconnected paths to enhance accessibility. The project will incorporate shelters, lighting, seating, signage, wayfinding and Water Sensitive Urban Design (WSUD) elements to improve user experience and environmental sustainability.

long major

Aquatic Restoration –Seagrass area

Cliff and Path Management

02

03

Design and deliver the replanting of native seagrass to restore coastal ecosystems, with ongoing monitoring to track progress. The project will also include the installation of seating and signage to enhance the visitor experience, while promoting community awareness through educational efforts.

Design and deliver the removal of environmental weeds, reinstatement of embankments, installation of jute matting, and planting of lower indigenous vegetation and mid-storey indigenous trees.  Remove non-compliant paths, and upgrade paths as identified in the accessibility audit.

short middle

City of Greater Geelong, Government grant - Install missing links, - staged sectional upgrades

Glenleith Ave,  The Esplanade intersection 04

Reconfiguration of roundabout to accommodate bike lanes, standard footpath widths, and safe pedestrian crossings.

short minor

City of Greater Geelong, Government Grant - trial revegetation - community events

City of Greater Geelong - small focus areas - high priority works

medium major

City of Greater Geelong design engagement

Griffin Gully Jetty and surrounds 05

Design and deliver upgrades to Griffin Gully Jetty and the surrounding foreshore area, including improved water access for snorkelling and diving, and informative signage highlighting the area’s environmental values. Remove non-compliant hard surfaces, reconfigure carparking, develop new pathway connections, and upgrade shared path surfacing and width. Install seating at framed view locations and replace dead trees with indigenous species, maintaining view lines to the bay.

medium major

City of Greater Geelong - establish viewing node - design development for accessible path

Aquatic restorationReef Pods 06

Wadawurrung Culture walk/ trail 07

Design and instal artificial reef pods (Dell Eco Reef) and associated informative and educational signage. short minor

Develop a co-designed Wadawurrung cultural walk with appropriate infrastructure, signage and educational resourcing.

CONVENTION AND CREATIVITY PRECINCT

Western Boat

Club Maritime

Precinct 08

Western Boat

Club Maritime Precinct 08

Prepare business case for Western Boat Club Maritime Precinct.

City of Greater Geelong, Government Grant begin installing pods based on budget

medium minor Government grant

Arrival Plaza 10

Prepare business case Design and deliver redevelopment, including access, pedestrian connections, building, educational resourcing, staffing and management.

short minor

medium - long major

Design and deliver slope planting. short minor

Prepare business case for the plaza development. Design and deliver plaza and development. short medium - long minor

commence codesign discussions with Wadawurrung Traditional Owners

City of Greater Geelong, private investment / lease develop precinct concept and stakeholder discussions

City of Greater Geelong Government grant begin to explore site opportunities and stakeholder discussions

City of Greater Geelong define and implement individual projects

City of Greater Geelong. Private investment/ lease Government begin design exploration

Landscape and Recreation Area 11

Geelong Youth Activities Area 12

Design and deliver landscape area and path connections. short medium - long major

City of Greater Geelong Contribution from plaza redevelopment begin design exploration

Design and deliver expansion the youth area to include upgraded basketball and netball facilities. short middle Grant community consultation

Poppy Kettle Playground 13

Cunningham Pier 14

Deakin Uni Frontage 15

CENTRAL CELEBRATION PRECINCT

Design and deliver upgrade to Poppy Kettle Playground and surrounding path connections and landscape upgrades. short major

City of Greater Geelong begin design exploration

Advocate for redevelopment opportunities which includes public access. medium Private investment Government advocacy

Design and deliver streetscape upgrades to Western Beach Road footpath adjacent to Deakin University. medium middle - major

City of Greater Geelong. Deakin Uni begin design exploration

Pavilion Site 16

Waterfront

Quay and Carousel Pavilion 17

Steampacket Gardens 18

Prepare business case for the pavilion development which supports marine-based activities. Design and deliver development. short major

City of Greater Geelong. Private investment Government begin design exploration

Minor upgrades, inlcuding tree planting, garden beds, and lighting. short minor - multiple projects City of Greater Geelong define projects and priorities

Minor upgrades, including tree planting, garden beds, and lighting. Sea wall upgrades and introduction of living walls. Interpretive signage. short minor - multiple projects City of Greater Geelong define projects and priorities

Yarra Street Activation 19

Design and trial public realm upgrades; Establish an activation and leasing plan. short

Fishermen’s Basin Marina 20

Explore opportunities for additional boat operations and commercial activities. short

Fairnie Park 20

Transvaal Square 21

Eastern Beach Road modifications and event based road closures 22

HERITAGE LEISURE PRECINCT

Design and deliver upgraded pathways, stairways, rampways as per Accessibility Audit. Increase shade planting. medium major

Design and deliver upgrades to Transvaal Square. medium - long major

City of Greater Geelong event programming

City of Greater Geelong place Activation

City of Greater Geelong begin design exploration

City of Greater Geelong begin design exploration

Hi Lite park 23

Design and deliver modifications to Eastern Beach Road to include improved crossings, parking and cycle lanes.

medium major

Study to investigate alternative locations on the waterfront for the Ferris wheel. long

Ritchie Boulevard and Eastern Beach foreshore 24

Eastern Beach Reserve –Landscape backdrop

25

Design and deliver upgrades to Ritchie Boulevard and Eastern Beach foreshore. medium

Design and deliver slope revegetation in conjunction with Ritchie Boulevard upgrade. short - medium

minor - study and design works

minor - study and design works

City of Greater Geelong begin design exploration

City of Greater Geelong begin design exploration

City of Greater Geelong Government grants begin design exploration

minor - study and design works

City of Greater Geelong prioritise projects

Design and deliver reserve upgrades, including pathways, lawn, planting, and shelters. short - medium

minor - study and design works

Design and deliver upgrades to pool and surrounds. Design and deliver upgrades to facilities and amenities. short major

City of Greater Geelong begin design exploration

City of Greater Geelong Grants prioritise individual projects and stage Eastern

Design and deliver playground, water play and gym precinct. short major

LIMEBURNERS NATURE PRECINCT

Design and deliver new and upgraded paths, boardwalks, emergency access, and overflow carparking. short major

Design and develop a mineral spring node, inclusive of informative and educational signage, seating and landscaping. short - medium

middle - in conjunction with path upgrades

City of Greater Geelong begin design exploration

City of Greater Geelong prioritise individual projects and stage

City of Greater Geelong Government begin design exploration Limeburners

Business case for a community facility. long minor (study)

32 Continue revegetation works. short minor

City of Greater Geelong Government Private Intesment begin design exploration

City of Greater Geelong define priority projects

APPENDIX 06

The following documents are enclosed in the Appendix:

• Materials palette

• Community engagement and consultation which informed the draft

• Background documents

• Existing conditions

Exposed aggregate concrete Geelong Special Mix.

Exposed aggregate concrete Geelong Special Mix, standard pavers and bluestone

Prefabricated steel structure with fibrereinforced plastic (FRP) mini-mesh panels.

Asphalt surfacing.

shared-use path, promenade decking areas central zone limited to vehicle access areas

FURNITURE

Standard drinking fountain, stainless steel, with dog bowl and bottle refiller.

shared-use path, promenade

Standard bin enclosures, stainless steel, landfill and recycling units.

Standard bike parking semi-hoop, stainless steel, surface fixed.

Bollard, stainless steel, dome custom top, with sleeve for removable bollard at key locations.

shared-use path, promenade nodes, shared-use path, promenade nodes, shared-use path, promenade

shared-use path, promenade

shared-use path, promenade

shared-use path, promenade, boulevard

FENCING AND HANDRAILING

SIGNAGE

COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT AND CONSULTATION WHICH INFORMED THE DRAFT

The development of the draft master plan has been guided by a robust community and stakeholder engagement process. Stage 1 engagement focused on gathering insights from residents, businesses, and key stakeholders to identify the priorities, opportunities, and challenges for the waterfront. This input has directly influenced the draft plan, ensuring it aligns with community aspirations while considering environmental, economic, and cultural factors.

Stage 1 Engagement activities

• Wadawurrung site walk (March 2023)

• Survey hosted on our Have Your Say platform (14 April – 31 May 2023)

• Listening Post – school holiday focus (April 2023)

• Listening Post – after dark focus (April 2023)

• Listening Post – market focus (April 2023)

• 2-hour community workshop (May 2023)

• Deep Dive Session (May 2023)

• Interviews (May–June 2023)

• Youth Advisory Committee meeting (May 2023)

• Meetings with Wadawurrung Traditional Owners Corporation

• Meetings with State Government Agencies

• Meetings with Deakin University

• Ongoing internal collaboration within our organisation.

including continuous, safer, and smoother paths, as well as additional swimming opportunities. There was strong support for more outdoor physical activity spaces and boating facilities, alongside a call to repurpose Cunningham Pier from car parking into more recreational and cultural uses. Respondents expressed interest in more vibrant commercial enterprises, such as cafes, restaurants, bars, and live music events along the waterfront.

Inclusion and diversity were highlighted as essential considerations, with respondents advocating for improved disability access, particularly to beaches and activities, and for including Indigenous representation in the waterfront design. Enhancing amenities was another common request, including more trees and shade, upgraded playgrounds, additional seating, and better maintenance. There were varied views on dog management, with some calling for more flexibility and others advocating for stricter controls.

Transport access and connectivity were also significant concerns, with a desire for better public car parking, improved pedestrian and cycling paths, and enhanced public transport links, including a better ferry service.

Finally, respondents emphasised the importance of creating a welcoming and family friendly environment with a focus on environmental quality, safety, and the integration of heritage into future designs.

Key themes

The community engagement process revealed several key priorities and themes that have shaped the draft master plan. Leisure and recreation were major points of focus, with requests for improved walking and cycling infrastructure,

Feedback has been integral in shaping the draft master plan. Stage 2 engagement will offer the community another opportunity to review and refine the draft plan before the master plan is finalised.

BACKGROUND DOCUMENTS

Strategic context and key documents

The draft master plan is informed by key strategic documents that guide Geelong’s growth, sustainability, and public space objectives, ensuring the waterfront’s development aligns with broader city goals and future needs.

Clever and Creative Future (2017)

· The Clever and Creative Future (2017) sets a long-term vision for a sustainable, inclusive, and innovative Geelong. It highlights the importance of high-quality public spaces, sustainable urban growth, and economic resilience. The draft master plan aligns with this vision by creating a connected, vibrant, and environmentally responsible waterfront that supports both the local community and visitor economy.

Council Plan (2025-2029)

· The Council Plan (2025–2029) sets our strategic direction over the next four years, and the key objectives are plan, deliver, manage and optimise core and critical infrastructure across our growing region; promote, advocate and deliver healthy, caring and equitable outcomes for our communities; lead efforts to revitalise and grow our diverse economic precincts; champion our unique heritage and cultural identity; protect and enhance our unique and beautiful natural environment; commit to the highest levels of integrity, financial stewardship and meaningful community engagement. The draft master plan contributes to these goals by improving public spaces, enhancing accessibility, and integrating sustainable design principles to maintain a thriving and inclusive waterfront.

Urban Forest Strategy (2015-2025)

· The Urban Forest Strategy (2015–2025) aims to increase tree canopy cover, enhance biodiversity, and mitigate urban heat. The draft master plan integrates green infrastructure, increases tree planting along key public spaces, and improves the ecological function of the waterfront, contributing to urban cooling, better air quality, and a more comfortable pedestrian experience.

Environment Strategy (2020-2030)

· The Environment Strategy (2020–2030) provides a framework for protecting and enhancing Geelong’s natural environment, focusing on climate adaptation, resource efficiency, and sustainable urban planning. The draft master plan incorporates water-sensitive urban design, enhances biodiversity, and considers environmental impacts such as sea level rise and coastal resilience.

Central Geelong Framework Plan (2023)

· The Central Geelong Framework Plan (2023) sets a long-term vision for growth, transport, and public space improvements. It emphasises better connections between the city and the waterfront, improved pedestrian and cycling infrastructure, and high-quality public spaces. The draft master plan builds upon these principles by strengthening city-bay links, improving pedestrian connections, and enhancing the waterfront’s role as an extension of the urban core.

Revitalising Central Geelong Action Plan (2016)

· The Revitalising Central Geelong Action Plan (2016) outlines key projects to transform the city into a more

attractive, accessible, and economically vibrant area. The draft master plan integrates with these revitalisation efforts, ensuring the waterfront remains a key destination and complements broader city-centre improvements.

Waterfront Basketball Court Options Report (2022)

· The Waterfront Basketball Court Options Report (2022) was developed in response to a state government commitment of $400,000 for an outdoor basketball court at Geelong’s waterfront. The draft master plan identifies a proposed location for the half-court, strategically linking it with other youth-focused activities such as skate facilities and play areas.

Bay Trail Revitalisation Feasibility Study (2020)

· The Bay Trail Revitalisation Feasibility Study (2020) examines upgrades to the 9km Bay Trail from North Shore to Western Beach Foreshore, focusing on improving access, safety, and integration with the coastal environment. The draft master plan incorporates these proposed upgrades, enhancing movement and connectivity along the trail.

Geelong Eastern Beach Reserve Conservation Management Plan (Draft)

· The Geelong Eastern Beach Reserve Conservation Management Plan (CMP) guides the protection and management of the Eastern Beach bathing complex and its surroundings. The draft master plan integrates heritage considerations outlined in the CMP, ensuring future upgrades balance public access, functionality, and preservation.

Geelong Waterfront Access Audit 2024

· The Geelong Waterfront Access Audit (2024) assessed seating, bins, bollards, bike racks, ground surfaces, tactile indicators, pedestrian and road crossings, parking, signage, stairs, and lighting. The draft master plan incorporates the audit’s findings to improve accessibility across the waterfront.

Geelong Waterfront Tree Audit and Planting Plans 2024

· The Geelong Waterfront Tree Audit and Planting Plans (2024) evaluate existing tree species, locations, condition, and future impacts. The draft master plan integrates the planting plans to support long-term tree health, biodiversity, and shaded public spaces.

Victoria’s Mineral Springs Master Plan 2023-32

· Victoria’s Mineral Springs Master Plan (2023–2032) provides direction on the management of mineral springs across the state. Eastern Beach mineral springs recommends exploring site development options if deemed appropriate, including potential spa facilities to enhance visitor experiences and economic opportunities. The draft master plan considers these recommendations in planning for future uses and enhancements.

Greater Geelong and the Bellarine Tourism Development Plan 2019-22

· The Greater Geelong and the Bellarine Tourism Development Plan (2019-2022) identifies expanding cruise ship infrastructure at Cunningham Pier as a Tier 1 priority. This expansion aims to increase cruise ship visits, boosting tourism and local economic activity. The draft master plan incorporates this recommendation, considering the

necessary infrastructure within the Geelong Harbour Precinct’s future development. This approach ensures Geelong remains competitive as a cruise ship destination while balancing the waterfront’s diverse uses. These documents provide a comprehensive background and policy framework for the draft GeelongWaterfront Master Plan, ensuring alignment with broader city-wide objectives and informed by detailed site assessments.

Updated Sea-level projections for Victoria (November 2024)

· This report reviews the latest science from the Intergovernmental Panel on ClimateChange’sSixth AssessmentReport and provides future sea-level projections to support decision-making in Victoria. These projections are crucial for the master plan, as they inform necessary adaptations to address anticipated sea-level rise impacts on coastal infrastructure and public spaces.

Victorian Climate Projections 2024 - Technical Report (November 2024)

· This report presents the latest global and regional climate modelling simulations, detailing how Victoria’s climate may change in the future. This information is essential for the master plan to incorporate strategies that enhance resilience against projected climate changes, such as increased temperatures and altered rainfall patterns.

Tree Audit : Geelong Waterfront Tree Audit and proposed tree planting plan (2024)

We commissioned John Patrick Landscape Architects to conduct a comprehensive tree audit along the Geelong Waterfront. This audit serves as an update to the 2010 GeelongWaterfrontMasterplan, with the primary objectives of evaluating the species suitability and Useful Life Expectancy (ULE) of existing trees while considering environmental factors and constraints specific to each precinct.

The audit’s key goals included assessing the current condition of trees in the western, central, and eastern precincts, excluding the Eastern Beach Reserve. The suitability and ULE of these trees under both current and future environmental conditions were determined. Conducted over five days from April 29 to May 3, 2024, the audit employed a Visual Tree Assessment (VTA) methodology and the ArcGIS mapping system to record in-the-field data. This included details such as botanical and common names, location accuracy within five meters, canopy height and width, Diameter at Breast Height (DBH), and assessments of tree health and structure, as well as Useful Life Expectancy (ULE) categorisation.

Following the tree audit report, we engaged John Patrick Landscape Architects – Arboricultural Consultants. The planting plan is the second stage of a greater audit of trees within the waterfront precincts.

The planting plans take into consideration existing vegetation, as well as social, environmental, and future climate factors.

The intent of this document is to:

• Provide tree species recommendations to be considered

for planting within the Geelong Waterfront audit areas.

• Provide indicative planting plans for each precinct of the audit areas, detailing new, infill, or replacement plantings.

• Recommend timeline and priority of planting works.

Accessibility

audit: Geelong Waterfront Access Audit (2024)

Architecture & Access has been commissioned to provide access consulting services for GeelongWaterfrontAccess Audit. The scope of works includes the site between the Geelong Western Boat Yard structure to the Eastern Beach Promenade. The existing extent of the site includes the following features:

• seating

• bins

• bollards

• pedestrian Lights

• bike Racks

• banner Poles

• pedestrian Walkways and pathways

• toilets

• road crossings

• parking and drop-off zones

• signage and information.

The existing accessibility of the site and buildings has been assessed, relative to the current requirements of the Disability Access to Premises Standards, the National Construction Code/BuildingCode of Australia and relevant referenced Australian Standards.

The areas of the site and buildings reviewed include:

• car parking

• external paths of travel

• entrances

• statutory access related signage

• surface finishes

• street furniture

Compliant grades less than 1:20

Compliant grades between 1:14 and 1:20

Non-compliant grades steeper than 1:14

ULE - more than 20 years

ULE - between 10 to 20 years

ULE - between 5 to 10 years

ULE - less than 5 years and/or unsafe

Heritage Places and Objects (Victorian Aboriginal Heritage Register)

Heritage Places and Objects (Heritage Overlay and Victorian Heritage Register Places)

Archaeology (Victorian Heritage Inventory Places)

CITY OF GREATER GEELONG

PO Box 104

Geelong VIC 3220

P: 5272 5272

E: contactus@geelongcity.vic.gov.au www.geelongaustralia.com.au

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