Premier announces new TAC site in Geelong

09 Oct 2006

MEDIA RELEASE - 9 October 2006

The Premier, Steve Bracks today announced that the new Geelong headquarters of the Transport Accident Commission (TAC) would be built on the former Bowtruss site, next to the National Wool Museum.

Mr Bracks said the site – on the corner of Brougham and Clare streets – was located within easy walking distance of the Geelong station, the waterfront and Deakin University and would link the city’s education and retail precincts.

“The Geelong headquarters of the TAC will be a brand new state-of-the-art building, setting new standards in energy efficiency and environmental sustainability,” Mr Bracks said.

“It will consist of some 15,000 square metres of net lettable area and will also include car parking, retail, public spaces and other facilities.

“The design of the new building is sympathetic to the heritage overlay of its location and will provide a genuine catalyst for further growth and improved public amenity in the surrounding area.”

Mr Bracks said the construction of the TAC’s new Geelong headquarters and related business activity was expected to result in more than 850 new jobs.

“Most significantly, it is estimated that the relocation will provide an ongoing economic benefit to the Geelong region of $59 million per annum,” Mr Bracks said.

“It builds on the Government’s $502 million Moving Forward statement released in November last year and is further evidence of this Government’s commitment to growing the whole of Victoria.”

The TAC Minister, John Lenders said the building would achieve a 5-star energy rating and utilise the latest in ecologically sustainable design principles.

“Through the use of high quality, ‘low flow’ water devices, solar boosted hot water and under-floor air-conditioning systems, this building will set a new benchmark for clean, green energy use,” Mr Lenders said.

TAC Chairman, James MacKenzie, said the Wilbow Corporation – with builders Balderstone Hornibrook – had been selected to develop the new TAC headquarters after an extensive tender process.

“Ultimately, we chose the site and the building that would best meet the needs of our staff,” Mr MacKenzie said.

“Proximity to public transport, retail and other services, coupled with leading edge technology and facilities will ensure that the new TAC headquarters support our staff to provide the highest levels of service to Victorians injured on our roads.

“Equally, our new headquarters need to contribute to the Geelong community by integrating with the local environment and providing a stimulus for future growth.”

Mr MacKenzie said contracts had been signed for the project, with construction expected to commence in February of next year.

Mr Lenders said the TAC relocation followed a number of important projects to ensure Geelong remains a great place to live, work and raise a family.

He said other major contributions to the Geelong region from the Bracks Government included:

• $360 million for the Geelong bypass;
• $50 million for the Grace McKeller Centre redevelopment;
• $26.1 million for the upgrade of the Geelong Hospital Emergency Department;
• $18 million for the Geelong Hospital Radiotherapy Services – expanding and refurbishing the local cancer centre;
• $13 million for the construction of the new Reg Hickey Stand at Kardina Park;
• $5 million for the stage 2 replacement at Newcomb Secondary College;
• $3.26 million to modernise North Geelong Secondary College;
• $2.94 million to modernise Grovedale Secondary College;
• $2.83 million to modernise Manifold Heights Secondary College, and;
• $2 million for the development of a new aquatic centre at Waurn Ponds.