Local G21 forum the best yet

THE Geelong Regional Alliance (G21) held another successful stakeholder forum at the RACV Torquay Resort on Friday.

The regional lobby group that represents five local council areas (Colac Otway, Golden Plains, Greater Geelong, Queenscliffe and Surf Coast) organised an impressive list of speakers for the event, including state political leaders Premier Daniel Andrews, Opposition leader Matthew Guy and Greens leader Samantha Ratnam.

The day opened with a Welcome to Country from Corrina Eccles and Norm Stanley and was followed by speeches from G21 chair Bill Mithen and chief executive officer Elaine Carbines.

Premier Daniel Andrews addressed the assembled crowd of about 280 people in the morning, noting his government’s local achievements and commitments to date and outlining his vision for Geelong into the future, which included an election commitment made earlier in the day to duplicate the rail line from South Geelong to Waurn Ponds.

Mr Guy and Ms Ratnam spoke after lunch, with Mr Guy outlining a vision for Geelong that wasn’t just for the “next election but for the next generation”, and reiterating a commitment to install a Minister for Geelong (South Barwon MP Andrew Katos) should the Coalition win government at November’s election.

Ms Ratnam spoke at length about the issues of sustainable growth that confronts not just the region, but the state.

But the day wasn’t all about what the politicians had to say.

G21 chief executive officer Elaine Carbines described it as the best stakeholder forum the organisation had held and made special mention of keynote speaker and ABC journalist Julia Baird’s talk about respect in the digital age.

“This year we went with a bit of a different theme with speakers outside the politicians. Everyone was so impressed with Julia Baird and the way she spoke about the lack of respect that is growing in social media and media commentary in general.

“Many people commented about how great her speech was.”

Ms Carbines also noted that retiring Deakin Waurn Ponds vice-chancellor Jane den Hollander’s talk was met with an impromptu standing ovation and Victorian Heritage Council chair Eleanor A Bourke gave a “very reflective address” about the treatment of Aboriginal people since white settlement as steps are taken at state level towards a treaty.

“Overall it was our best forum yet. We were even trending on Twitter!”