COMMENCEMENT DATE OF THE GEELONG WATERFRONT SAFE HARBOUR PRECINCT PROJECT BUILDING CONSTRUCTION CONFIRMED

I am pleased to announce the confirmation of construction for the Geelong Waterfront Safe Harbour Precinct Project (GWSHPP) Sailing School and OTB Building.

Whilst there have been significant delays in getting to this point, we are proud of the work that has been undertaken by a key group of members and staff to ensure that this important club and community project continues to become a reality.

I would also like to take this opportunity to thank the Members for their ongoing support of the GWSHP project throughout this process. 

Preliminary site works are scheduled to begin on Friday, November 3rd, 2023.

The Building contract has been signed and we are excited to welcome OTTO Construction Group as the confirmed builder for the project. 

The GWSHP project is a major milestone in the development of RGYC and the waterfront as a whole. As we transition part of our site to a construction site there will be a period of required adaptation and compromise to ensure the best result for the club.

There are some critical changes that will be taking place over the coming days that Members need to be aware of. 

• Relocation and storage of boats: There will be a reduction in space across the marinas on land area, placing greater requirements on the hardstand space. To maximize the space, we have developed a detailed plan. Individual boat owners whose boats need to be removed will be contacted with relocation plans in the coming days. 

• Removal of boats from the yard and hardstand: The reduction in space means a reduced capacity for storage of boats in the yard and hardstand. Boat owners who are required to vacate will be contacted in the coming days and will be required to do so no later than the close of business on Wednesday, November 1st, 2023.

• Impact on access to personal and club boats: Current planning is focused on providing storage options for all boats (both OTB and hardstand fleets). This will require some rationalization of the current hardstand allocation. Accessibility to boats will be affected minimally in an endeavor to maximize storage on site. 

• Loss of access to the eastern public car parking area: Due to the construction zone, parking will not be possible within this area. commencing Friday, November 3rd, 2023.

• Relocation of the eastern access gate: Due to the construction zone a temporary east access gate is being installed further east closer to the Ferris wheel. Further communications will be delivered on the logistics and impact of this change. 

• Eastern gate vehicle access: There will be no vehicle access for members. Access may be made under arrangement only, with further details to follow. 

• Eastern gate pedestrian access: Pedestrian access will be maintained and use of swipe cards will remain as is.

• Removal of Member-owned equipment from the construction site: We require all Member-owned equipment such as trailers, tenders, other on-water craft (i.e. kayaks, windsurfers, paddleboards), and any other equipment to be removed from this area by no later than close of business Wednesday, November 1st, 2023 in preparation for the buildings preliminary works. We will no longer have the capacity going forward for storage of these items. 

The next seven days are a crucial period of preparation ahead of construction commencing and we appreciate the understanding and cooperation of all members in this process. As we transition to a building site, we will see an increase in heavy vehicle movement, earthworks, and the movement of building materials.

In closing, I would like to once again thank Members for their ongoing support and patience in reaching this pivotal stage of the project and assure you that we are working hard to reduce disruptions while construction is underway. 

Roger Bennett
Commodore