Diana Taylor appointed chair of Geelong Authority

GEELONG business leader Diana Taylor has been appointed as the new chair of the Geelong Authority.

Established in 2015, the Geelong Authority advises Planning Minister Richard Wynne on strategies to attract investment to central Geelong and to fast-track major planning decisions, create jobs and drive growth in Geelong.

Ms Taylor, who has been a Geelong Authority member since 2017, brings experience including as a board chair, business owner and lawyer to the role.

She is the vice president of the Geelong Football Club, chair of Anam Cara House Geelong and GOTAFE and a Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre trustee.

Ms Taylor replaces Professor Roz Hansen, who finished her time in the role in December 2020.

“As a proud product of Geelong, I am thrilled to lead the Geelong Authority and to work closely with the City of Greater Geelong and the many visionary partners who are committed to Geelong,” Ms Taylor said.

“I look forward to continuing the good work of the Geelong Authority and driving economic, social and population growth within the city’s CBD.”

The Geelong Authority’s advice has helped implement the Revitalising Central Geelong (RCG) Action Plan, which has led to $400 million in projects being delivered.

Priority projects under the plan include the next stages of the Malop Street Green Spine, the Arts and Culture precinct; creating Laneway Breakthroughs, the review of the Central Geelong Framework Plan, improving accessibility in central Geelong, and project planning until 2026.

The authority will also support delivery of projects in the $382.48 Geelong City Deal between the Australian Government, Victorian Government and City of Greater Geelong.

“Ms Taylor’s wealth of experience and commitment to Geelong makes her well-suited to lead the Geelong Authority as it streamlines planning for major projects and fast-tracks investment and development in Geelong,” Mr Wynne said.

“I thank former Geelong Authority Chair, Professor Roz Hansen, for her dedication and expertise in helping shape a liveable and vibrant Geelong for future generations.”

For more information about the Geelong Authority, head to revitalisingcentralgeelong.vic.gov.au/about-us/geelong-authority.