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Geelong mayor Stretch Kontelj said no partnership had delivered for the region quite like the Geelong City Deal.<\/p>\n
“The Nyaal Banyul facility will have the greatest economic impact on this region by attracting more visitors and investment,” he said.<\/p>\n
If a “City Deal 2.0″ was on the table, Cr Kontelj said the city would push for a regional indoor sports and events centre as a flagship project, alongside an expansion of the Geelong Gallery and redevelopment of the Geelong Railway Station and Bellarine Arts Centre.<\/p>\n
Surf Coast Shire deputy mayor Tony Phelps said projects with broad regional benefits and alignment across all levels of government were the most likely to attract funding.<\/p>\n
He said the Geelong City Deal had been based on a visitor economy strategy connecting major destinations across the region.”<\/p>\n
From a Surf Coast Shire council perspective, we see the value of a complementary future program that invests in cultural attractions to supplement this network,” Cr Phelps said.<\/p>\n
This would include an upgraded Australian National Surfing Museum in Torquay.<\/p>\n
Corangamite Labor federal member Libby Coker said people in the Geelong region wanted the infrastructure, services and supports that underpinned a good life.<\/p>\n
“Whether it’s through a funding program or a grant opportunity, it’s responsible delivery that matters to people,” she said.<\/p>\n
“Whether it’s investment in infrastructure, health, education or skills and employment, we are helping to create an environment where people want to live and work.”<\/p>\n
Victorian Liberal Senator Sarah Henderson said the Geelong City Deal had been initiated by the former coalition government.<\/p>\n
“Without this leadership, Geelong would not have attracted such significant investment,” she said.<\/p>\n
Senator Henderson said the coalition’s proposed $5 billion Housing Infrastructure Fund could help unlock new housing opportunities in the Geelong CBD.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
THE showpiece of the Geelong City Deal is nearly complete, and political and business leaders across the region are beginning to consider what will follow the 10-year agreement. With the state and federal budgets handed down for this year, November’s Victorian election is seen as the next best opportunity to kickstart funding towards major infrastructure. […]<\/p>\n