Geelong’s economic success leads to bigger goals

SPEAKING at the Committee for Geelong’s (CfG) 18th Annual General Meeting (AGM) on Wednesday November 14, CfG chairperson Dan Simmonds took the opportunity to urge Geelong not to overlook the importance of industry and new business.

Despite steady growth, Mr Simmonds called upon business and community representatives to avoid any complacency that may come with recent local successes such as Avalon Airport.

“We need to continue to call for support and encourage new industries and businesses to come to Geelong, to drive future growth and stability,” Mr Simmonds said.

Crediting Avalon Airport’s new partnership with AirAsia, Mr Simmonds devoted most of his speech to discussing the significance of continuing to encourage and support established industries in the Geelong region.

“We have Avalon Airport just at our doorstep, which we will continue to advocate for, but the Port of Geelong also has important opportunities for growth,” he said.

“As outlined in our Proposed Second City Policy Framework, stronger freight connections, including rail, road and channel upgrades are required to underpin long-term growth in Victoria’s Second City.”

Guest speaker Brett Winter, CEO of one of Victoria’s major drivers in economic growth, GeelongPort, said the Committee’s Proposed Second City Policy Framework was essential to the future success of the Port of Geelong and Geelong’s economy.

“With approximately 12 million tonnes handled in this past financial year, and with Boral, Bass Island Line and Vestas projects underway, we have a strong pipeline of future projects to drive growth in Geelong,” Mr Winter said.

Having recently been named a finalist in the “Port or Terminal of the Year” category of the 2018 Australian Shipping and Maritime Industry Awards, Mr Winter believes the Port of Geelong is vital in ensuring economic growth.

“We need to strengthen road and rail links in our city-region, so that the Port of Geelong can continue to facilitate growth in trade and economic development,” he said.