A matter of priority: G21 reviews projects list

THE board of leading Geelong lobby group 21 is reviewing its priority projects list for advocacy purposes following the recent state and federal elections.

In a statement on their website, G21 says several of G21’s existing priority projects – such as the Geelong Convention Centre – had been funded through commitments made before the elections and no longer needed advocacy, while other projects worthy of G21’s attention and support were likely to emerge from the review.

“The success of G21’s efforts to gain a City Deal for Geelong and the Great Ocean Road and the funding of other significant regional projects underscores the importance of having a welldefined set of regional priorities.

“The Board’s review starts within the ‘engineroom’ of the organisation – the Pillars, or working groups.”

The eight Pillars cover arts, culture, economic development, education and training, planning, health and wellbeing, transport, environment and sport and recreation.

The pillars comprise about 300 professionals volunteering their time and expertise.

G21 says its list of G21 Pillar projects, along with other relevant external inputs, were considered by the board when updating its list of priority projects.

“That list then becomes the prime focus of G21’s high-level planning and advocacy work to government and elsewhere.

“In developing the list, the board assesses potential projects against social, environmental and economic benefits, strategic alignment with the G21 Geelong Region Plan, the availability of human and other resources for implementation, possible project leadership and their potential to gain funding.”