G21 details region’s priorities ahead of federal election

THE G21 Geelong Region Alliance and its leaders have outlined the critical investment priorities the Geelong region needs in the lead up to this year’s federal election.

The new advocacy booklet “Unlocking the future for G21 communities” lists three areas “that will address our challenges and support our growth” and will be provided to all candidates contesting the election.

In no particular order, the three priority areas are:

• Housing supply – with the ask including a $150 million investment in central Geelong to unlock more than $1 billion in potential private sector spending by supporting the delivery of enabling infrastructure and improving urban amenity within the designated strategic development zone covered by the Central Geelong Framework Plan
• Avalon employment precinct – with the ask including a combined $221 million in investment in enabling infrastructure for utilities to leverage the site’s future as a flourishing employment precinct, permanent event facilities to attract major events, and a business case for transport infrastructure progressing a new rail connection and interim transport solutions, and
• Water security – with the ask including a combined $20 million to implement Surf Coast Hinterland Stage 2 to support agricultural and horticultural use of stormwater and recycled water, detailed designs to upgrade the North-West Water Recycling Facility, and a business case for the for the Northern Extension project.

“It’s no secret that housing supply is urgently needed, and delivering more affordable living options in Geelong city centre is essential to boosting our supply. Increasing our housing supply in the city centre is also how we create a city where more of our population growth is happening in the city – which will have immense flow on benefits for business, hospitality and retail activity,” Committee for Geelong chief executive officer Michael Johnston said.

“The Avalon Employment precinct and airport needs major infrastructure upgrades to attract investment and reach its potential as a global gateway to our region.”

The joint priorities were identified by the region’s mayors, council chief executive officers, key public and private sector leaders and the Committee for Geelong.

“We are at a critical moment in time. This is the fastest growing region in Victoria and Geelong is one of the fastest growing cities in Australia,” G21 CEO Giulia Baggio said.

“We need major investment from Canberra to keep pace with our communities. We call on all federal representatives to work with us during this election period to help deliver the funding and partnership needed to lock in decent living standards for the long term.

“We are advocating with a unified voice for much-needed housing supply across the region, especially in central Geelong to stimulate the city’s vibrancy; a dedicated, well-serviced employment zone at Avalon to boost our major industries and good quality jobs; and a modern water grid which will guarantee supply for homes, businesses, farms and wetlands as our environment becomes drier right across the southwest region.”

A date for the federal election has not yet been set, but the latest day a typical simultaneous half-Senate and House of Representatives election can take place is May 17.