The Geelong waterfront is a vibrant recreational and tourism precinct located on Corio Bay. Its unique north facing aspect  restaurants and cafes activities and public art is recognized as being an iconic destination for the wider community and visitors to experience.

The waterfront offers:

• inclusive all ages and abilities activities
• high-quality unique visitor experiences
• public events
• employment opportunities
• visitation hospitality and accommodation options
• recreational opportunities public art award winning internationally recognized famous bollards
• an attractive active and safe pedestrian environment linking the waterfront to central Geelong.

Periodically the City of Greater Geelong seeks applications from suitable operators to provide leisure activities based at the waterfront. Activities can include:

The waterfront masterplan recommends that Fisherman’s Basin be used for small scale marine and fishing businesses including seafood retailing. These types of activities would be supported and encouraged to operate from suitable floating facilities.

Retail activities such as pop up markets take away food and beverage services are not supported under this application. These activities are considered periodically through a separate advertised process.

Licence to operate

All agreements to operate a business activity are issued as a Licence under the under the Crown Land (Reserves) Act 1978.

Activities that require a permanent or fixed structure to operate are not generally supported.

Licence tenure is generally for 12 months and fees can be negotiated with successful applicants at commercial rates. For outstanding proposals licences will be considered for activities to operate tri annually.

The sale of the operators business does not necessarily mean the licence will be automatically transferred to the new owner. A new owner will be required to demonstrate that they have the capacity ability and commitment to meet the requirements within the existing agreement. These transfers may be subject to a 3-month trial period.

We seek quality and consistent services to meet customer expectations.

Selection criteria

All applications must clearly address each of the selection criteria. We will review applications against the applicant’s response and ability to meet the following selection criteria.

We will only consider applications from individuals/organisations who can demonstrate that they have the necessary capacity to provide a quality service.

We reserve the right not to proceed with any application. Applications received for similar or like businesses will be invited to tender at our sole discretion.

All applicants must have access to email which is the communication method we use for all aspects of the application and licence process and the ongoing management process.

Compatibility with other businesses

The existence of identical and similar businesses/activities to the proposed application will be determined before granting approval.

We may provide permits to similar businesses if it is deemed that more than one operator is required to provide an appropriate level of service.

Environmental impact

Operators are required to outline how they will minimise noise water air and land pollution and prevent damage to our assets.

Permits and approvals

Successful operators will be required to provide all current regulatory permits and approvals relevant to the safe and legal operation of the business. These may include but are not limited to:

• Marine Survey for vessels
• License to drive vehicles
• Registration of vehicles
• Worksafe permits.

Safety and Risk Management

The operator must demonstrate a commitment to public and employee safety. Applicants will be required to provide a suitable Safety Management Plan that details:

• an assessment of potential risks (identified risks)
• mitigation measures for identified risks
• prepared responses to any hazards or risks.

Insurance

• All operators must hold a current public liability insurance to the minimum of $20 million. The policy must indemnify the City of Greater Geelong.
• A risk assessment of the proposed activity may require a higher amount of insurance cover.
• All plant and equipment must have relevant insurance as applicable.
• Operators selling ‘products’ (as distinct from ‘experiences’) will also require $20 million Products Liability Insurance.
• All insurance policies must be held with an approved insurance underwriter. A list is available on the Australian Prudential Regulation Authority (APRA) website for details of insurers authorised to conduct new or renewable insurance business in Australia.

Disruption

The proposed activity will be assessed on its impact on:

• water traffic
• vehicular traffic
• car parking
• pedestrian movement.

Vehicle parking is not provided to businesses. Parking restrictions apply.

Industry accreditation and membership

Businesses that have relevant accreditations and have achieved quality assurance standards within their industry. Membership of the following organisations will also be viewed favourably:

• Tourism Greater Geelong and The Bellarine
• Victorian Tourism Operators Association
• Australian Amusement Leisure and Recreation Association.

Hours of operation

We are committed to the provision of consistent services. Successful applicants will be required to operate for an agreed minimum amount of days and hours per week during the peak season (November to April inclusive).

The Geelong waterfront is a iconic and internationally recognized destination attracting internationally  national and state and community events. We reserve the right to request that an operator does not operate within the Waterfront precinct during an event or special activity.

Previous activity

Operators will be assessed on:

• previous relationships with Council
• business history
• quality of business references.

Information to be provided

Applications should contain the following:

• a completed Application form (available to download below)
• a brief outline of the proposal with supporting materials that assist with illustrating the proposal
• how the business meets the selection criteria
• proposed operating hours
• cost to users of the service.

Area of operation

The waterfront precinct is defined by Corio Bay Garden Street Gheringhap Street and Brougham Street.

See our Waterfront map for area and locations of existing and past activities.

Submission requirements

1. Applications can be lodged by email to hobeirne@geelongcity.vic.gov.au
2. Applications must be sent as one single document including supporting materials.
3. Applications containing multiple files and attachments will be considered non-conforming and will not be viewed.
4. Should a closing time be specified we have no obligation to consider any submission lodged after the closing time.

Assessment and shortlisting

• Applications will be acknowledged by email
• If multiple submissions are received for similar activities applicants may be invited to tender for the service
• Applications will be assessed against the Selection Criteria and shortlisted
• Shortlisted applicants will be interviewed and if deemed suitable fees and tenure will be negotiated
• Ministerial approval may be required for certain licenses requiring a Planning Permit
• Trial periods may be imposed to allow all parties to assess the logistics and market viability of the proposal
• Unsuccessful applicants will be notified by email or postal.  

Confidentiality

Please refer to our privacy page for confidentiality and privacy information.

Telephone enquiries can be made to Helen OBeirne on 03 5272 4804.

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Documentation

• Download our activities and events conditions and application form