Past Achievements

As Mayor of Geelong in 2013, Darryn has always been a strong advocate for the community of Geelong. Helping to attract investment, infrastructure, tourism and major events and beautifying the region.

PAST STRATEGIC DIRECTION: GROWING THE COMMUNITY AND COMMUNITY WELLBEING

Christmas

At 25 metres tall Geelong has Australia’s largest outdoor Christmas Tree. Almost 250,000 people visited the waterfront and CBD over the 2014 Christmas period to enjoy the tree and the central Geelong activities. This generated an economic benefit of $18 million for the 14/15 Christmas Period. In the original Christmas tress first 2 weeks alone $200,000 in media coverage per day.

Visitor Economy

Tourism Greater Geelong and The Bellarine established in 2013 and New Tourism Development Strategy released in 14/15.
In 2014 – 2015
4.3 million visitors to Geelong & The Bellarine.
Greater Geelong received 10.25% off all domestic visitors to Victoria, 48.4% of Great Ocean road.
1.1 million domestic overnight visitors.
Visitors spent nearly 3.9 million nights in the region.
41,000 International visitors.
International visitors spent 654,400 nights in the region.
Greater Geelong received 3 Million day trips.
Tourism contributes almost 1.93 billion to the wider region annually ($728 million to Geelong and The Bellarine).

Cruise Ship

5 Cruise ships visited Geelong 2013/2014 bringing a potential $1 million to the economy each visit.

Vic Government, the City and the Royal Geelong are currently exploring opportunities for a Geelong Waterfront Safe Harbour.

The benefits would include:
Greater economic returns for the Geelong region and the State,
New jobs in construction and operation,
A larger segment of the growing cruise ship market,
A safe harbour within Corio Bay that would benefit all users.