Geelong Council Moves on Waterfront Overhaul as Budget Debate Heats Up

Geelong City Council approved a major planning amendment this week that clears the way for a $280 million mixed-use development along the Eastern Beach precinct, marking the most significant waterfront project since the Kardinia Park redevelopment a decade ago.

The decision, made at Tuesday's council meeting, allows developers to proceed with designs for residential apartments, retail spaces, and hospitality venues stretching from near the Geelong Performing Arts Centre toward Eastern Park. The project is expected to bring approximately 1,200 new residents to the inner city and generate an estimated 450 construction jobs over four years.

The vote came amid broader tensions over council's draft 2026-27 budget, which proposes a 4.2% general rates increase—roughly $65 more per year for the average residential property valued at $650,000. Council cited infrastructure maintenance costs and climate resilience projects as key drivers of the increase.

"The waterfront transformation represents a genuine opportunity to position Geelong as a competitive cultural and residential hub," a council statement released Friday indicated. However, the development greenlight failed to silence criticism from residents' groups, particularly those concerned about parking availability on nearby Gheringhap Street and increased traffic during peak hours.

The Geelong Residents Alliance submitted a formal objection to council, requesting independent traffic impact assessments before final approvals. The group has scheduled a public meeting for mid-July at the Geelong Library to discuss the development's local effects.

In other council business this week, the Roads and Infrastructure Committee recommended $4.8 million in funding for footpath upgrades across six suburbs, including Manifold Heights, Bellerine, and South Geelong. The works are expected to commence in August and continue through 2027.

Meanwhile, the council's Reconciliation Action Plan progressed to final consultation stage, with Wurundjeri and Dja Dja Wurrung representatives confirming their support for initiatives tied to storytelling and land acknowledgment protocols at council venues.

Separately, the Geelong Planning Scheme Review—a mandatory five-yearly assessment—entered its second phase of community engagement. Residents and business owners can provide feedback until July 28 via the council's online portal.

The full budget will return for final adoption at council's July 15 meeting. Ratepayers interested in submitting objections have until July 9 to lodge submissions with the council's Revenue Department.

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