Geelong
Friday, 23 November, 2012
Connecting people and communities
Phone: 5249 6700 Trades and Classifieds: 1300 666 808
Leaders back Shop Local campaign to create retail jobs
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POSITIVE: Premier Ted Baillieu and Mayor Keith Fagg promote the Shop Local Geelong message.
Picture: TOMMY RITCHIE 89955
Deakin site targeted DEAKIN University’s waterfront car park site is back in the sights of groups pushing for a convention centre in Geelong. Geelong’s peak tourism, business and lobby groups welcomed the possibility of the facility being closer to central Geelong rather than the previous council’s proposed site near Limeburner’s Point. They were responding to Mayor Keith Fagg’s call in last week’s Independent to review the proposed location. Cr Fagg said he wanted to establish a high-level central activ-
Convention centre call welcomed ities area taskforce to consider the convention centre alongside city revitalisation projects. Geelong Otway Tourism’s Roger Grant said industry backed the Deakin site. “A partnership with Deakin is really worth exploring. If Deakin can be put back on the table, by gee, I’d be first in line.” Mr Grant said the revitalisation of Geelong’s central activities area and the proposed convention centre had synergies. “The siting of the convention
centre is fundamental to the Vision II thinking for the city and it has to be considered within that context. “Life has changed a bit since announcing Limeburner’s Point, so it’s a matter of again entering into discussions. “We have got to get it right and it will take time to let those discussions take place. We need to go to the private sector with a commitment from all stakeholders on the site.” Geelong Chamber of Com-
merce executive officer Bernadette Uzelac said the location needed more thought and consultation with business and the community. “Limeburner’s has merits but there are issues with its distance and environmental impacts. The less we tamper with public open space, the better for the future.” Committee for Geelong executive director Peter Dorling said he supported any opportunity to talk to Deakin on the issue.
Developer Lawrence Elms, who proposed a land-and-waterbased development for Limeburner’s Point incorporating the convention centre, said a site review would not significantly affect his plans. “I’m happy to take the plan to the most appropriate site because the basic model, including financing, doesn’t change – it’s just a different location.” Deakin spokesman Andrew Birks said the university’s plans for its waterfront campus car park remain unchanged. Deakin has yet to reveal its plans for the site.
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THE LEADERS of Victoria and Geelong have thrown their weight behind a new campaign to support local retailers. Premier Ted Baillieu and Mayor Keith Fagg both praised Shop Local Geelong for encouraging shoppers to spend locally, creating jobs. “Good local business deserves strong local support and that’s what Shop Local Geelong is all about,” Mr Baillieu said. “Running a small business is always challenging and external economic challenges such as the high Australian dollar and online shopping are making the task even tougher for our local businesses. “By working together, government, businesses, communities and local media can help our local businesses to prosper.” Cr Fagg called Shop Local Geelong “a very positive initiative” “The more money people spend in Geelong, the more jobs for local people and investment back into our city,” he said. “With Christmas coming up, now is a great time to shop locally and show your support for our local businesses. The City is proud to support the Shop Local campaign and I urge everyone to get behind it.” The campaign, an initiative of the Independent, promotes the benefits of shopping locally rather than online or elsewhere. Shop Local includes a monthly customer service award, offering the winning retailer a $1000 advertising package covering the Independent and its EasyFinder business directory. Shoppers can nominate retailers by explaining in 50 words or less why they deserve to win and sending the entry to: Shop Local Geelong, PO Box 407, Geelong, 3220; editorial@geelongindependent.com.au; or fax 5249 6799.