SPEAKING at the Committee for Geelong\u2019s (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.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe need to continue to call for support and encourage new industries and businesses to come to Geelong, to drive future growth and stability,\u201d Mr Simmonds said.<\/p>\n
Crediting Avalon Airport\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe 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,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
\u201cAs 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\u2019s Second City.\u201d<\/p>\n
Guest speaker Brett Winter, CEO of one of Victoria\u2019s major drivers in economic growth, GeelongPort, said the Committee\u2019s Proposed Second City Policy Framework was essential to the future success of the Port of Geelong and Geelong\u2019s economy.<\/p>\n
\u201cWith 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,\u201d Mr Winter said.<\/p>\n
Having recently been named a finalist in the \u201cPort or Terminal of the Year\u201d category of the 2018 Australian Shipping and Maritime Industry Awards, Mr Winter believes the Port of Geelong is vital in ensuring economic growth.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe 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,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
SPEAKING at the Committee for Geelong\u2019s (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 […]<\/p>\n