On Sunday, 14 June, the Geelong region celebrated yet another milestone in road
infrastructure development, with the opening of stage 3 of the Geelong Ring
Road. Premier Brumby, along with federal Labor member of Parliament Darren
Cheeseman, officially opened the stage 3 section of the ring-road. The opening
was also witnessed by all local Labor members of Parliament.
Commuters and road freight alike can now travel from Melbourne
to Waurn Ponds without encountering a single red light. The opening is a
stunning six months ahead of schedule, and it is only six months since the last
section of the ring-road was opened.
It was fantastic to see a massive number of local community
members at the opening. Torquay resident Mr Spencer Leighton, who made history
by being the first to drive Geelong’s newest stretch of road, was ecstatic to
have had that privilege, saying:
- The ring-road is of such importance to the Surf Coast and it’s going to
change our lives.
As well as the many community members in attendance there were
a number of community leaders present, including the City of Greater Geelong
mayor, Cr John Mitchell, who was reported by the Geelong Advertiser as saying:
- It’s a great day, this is something Geelong has needed for a long time.
The Surf Coast Shire Council mayor, Cr Libby Mears, said that:
- … the opening of the ring-road would encourage more weekend tourists and
visitors by making a short break more convenient.
This is a great piece of infrastructure which will not only
strengthen the local economy of the Geelong area but further open up the economy
of western Victoria.
