G21 leaders spruik region in capitals

LOCAL government leaders from across the G21 region visited Canberra and Spring Street last month to lobby for increased support of priority projects and key issues.

CEO’s from the City of Greater Geelong, Golden Plains Shire, Surf Coast Shire, Borough of Queenscliffe and Colac Otway Shire, along with G21 CEO Giulia Baggio, travelled to the nation’s capital  to meet with department officials and speak about the region being one of the fasted growth areas in the country.

“There is deep understanding at the highest levels of government about the intensity of this region’s population growth and the challenges we are grappling with,” Ms Baggio said.

Over August 17 and 18, the delegation met with the Department of Climate Change, Energy, Environment and Water, Deputy CEO of the National Indigenous Australians Agency, Deputy Secretary of the Department of Social Services, Department of Education, Employment and Workplace Relations, Dep Sec Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development, Communications, and the Arts.

The region’s leading advocacy group has been stepping up its campaign to generate more discussion about associated issues from rapid growth, particularly ahead of November’s state election and the 2026 Commonwealth Games.

“All the big issues: housing, transport and worker shortages are front of mind for both the government and opposition in the lead up to 2026,” Ms Baggio said.

“Everyone is now working overtime to form up the best ideas into practical projects to meet the 2026 Commonwealth Games deadline.”

Ms Baggio also attended Victorian parliament last week to meet with mayors from each of the five councils, ahead of two days of meetings she described as “very positive” with 15 government ministers and opposition MPs.