Councils poised for G21 reset

A NEW model for the G21 Geelong Region Alliance is expected to be finalised late next month.

Information about how the new-look body will function, how the work once completed by a dedicated staff will be divided, and what form advocacy for the region will now take, has been limited since the lobby group was gutted in June.

On Monday, Geelong mayor Stretch Kontelj said the City of Greater Geelong, one of the alliance’s five member councils, remained “firmly committed” to harnessing G21’s “collective strength to secure the region’s fair share of state and federal government investment”.

Earlier this month, he said, G21’s member councils agreed “in principle” to restructure the regional alliance.

“We acknowledge and thank the many individuals, councils and partners whose commitment has helped establish G21 as a collaborate force delivering tangible benefits to our region,” Cr Kontelj said.

“The City of Greater Geelong, alongside our fellow councils, is proud to build on this legacy by supporting a council-centric model that will further enhance cost efficiency and strategic direction.

“The proposed reforms will streamline governance and deliver improved value for our community.”

While the city has declined to comment on the reason for the lobby body’s restructure, as the group’s largest financial partner — and one that has made no secret of its own budget constraints — it is understood to be the driving force behind it.

Under the new arrangement, the mayors and chief executives from each council will continue to serve on the G21 board.

This board will meet regularly to “prioritise initiatives and guide regional strategy”.

“A dedicated G21 administration secretariat will also be introduced,” Cr Kontelj said.

The board is scheduled to meet in late October to formally consider and finalise the new model.