Geelong Australian Urban Infrastructure Boom
The unprecedented infrastructure transformation the region of Geelong is currently experiencing is mostly, if not all of it attributed to the $5 billion investments that have been injected by both the Federal and State government of Victoria. The much needed infrastructure boom for Victoria’s second largest city has also been seen to be driving commercial investments across the board as businesses view the regional upgrade of the transport networks, public and cultural spaces, and establishment of employment precincts as solid growth opportunities.
Civil constructions firms especially are paving the way for the region’s transformation mainly through the significant improvements within the transport and accessibility sphere. Travelling through Geelong is easier now and getting even better owed the investments made into transportation networks. For instance, the additional 8 kilometres of track added by civil contractors to the South Geelong to Waurn Ponds Duplication have made journey by train more efficient and reliable.
Much of the trenching and formation work behind projects like this is carried out using contractor-sourced excavator rental in Geelong, letting crews scale machinery up or down as each stage of the build demands. Coupled with the recent upgrades of stations such as the South Geelong and Marshall Stations have provided the foundation that is required to kick start the Fast Rail project which in essence, will reduce travel time to Melbourne significantly.
Apart from the rail lines, civil construction companies have also been ironing out road traffic issues throughout the region. The Barwon Head Road Duplication for example coupled with the Drysdale Bypass has managed to ease traffic in rapidly expanding suburbs such as Armstrong Creek. These transport network improvement projects coupled with the revitalization of the entire Geelong Port area which will establish the port as a primary freight and passenger gateway that would further ‘bump up’ the region’s economy.
Other infrastructure and commercial developments that are in tandem with these projects such as the Geelong Convention and Exhibition Centre is expected to attract thousands of visitors to the waterfront annually that would support the surrounding retail developments currently in progress. In essence, central Geelong will soon be an established tourism and business events hub that would rival Melbourne toe to toe.
To put it simply, the region is being redefined or rather being subjected to a major facelift owed to projects that are transforming central streetscapes which may be observed in Malop Street Green Spine. The roads in the area are being converted to pedestrian-friendly linear parks which are in line with the city’s status as a UNESCO City of Design.
According to city planners, the populace of Geelong will increase by more than 100,000 in the near future with most relocating within the boundaries of the Northern and Western Geelong Growth Areas. Thus, these long-term frameworks will ensure that the necessary civil infrastructure elements are in place to support the projected population increase.
From better roads, wetlands, and open spaces to local community hubs such as the Biyal-a Armstrong Creek Library will provide the new denizens with everything that they need to lead quality lives in the region. However, it is important to note that with everything that is currently happening in Geelong a balance must be struck between the developments and the climate resilience of the region.