Lobby groups welcome Geelong spending in budget, call for more

GEELONG’S lobby groups have welcomed the 2025-26 Victorian budget’s spending on issues such as cost of living and healthcare, but are still arguing the need for Geelong-specific investment.

In its response to the budget, Committee for Geelong (CfG) noted the budget contained funding towards some projects that benefited the Geelong region, including recycled water projects in the Barwon region, redevelopment of the Children’s Emergency Department at University Hospital Geelong, $11 million of operational funding for Nyaal Banyul Convention and Event Centre, a share of an extra $6 million for regional food charities, and ongoing investment into Gordon TAFE’s Disability Services Hub.

“The Economic Growth Statement is funded in full, with $240 million being invested to progress all 40 of its initiatives,” CfG stated. “Given the Avalon Employment Precinct is called out as a priority within the statement, we would expect to see funding flow towards Avalon.”

CfG admitted “expectations were fairly low for any significant announcements for the Geelong region” ahead of the budget’s release.

“While broader funding opportunities are welcomed, we need to see specific investment in our region to support its continued growth and economc development,” it said.

Geelong is the fastest growing region in the state, CfG stated, so it was crucial that it continues to attract meaningful investment.

“There is a reality that the ongoing investment into the Suburban Rail Loop is going to absorb a considerable amount of Victoria’s infrastructure spend for years to come. In a period of budget repair, where does that leave Geelong?” it asked.

G21 chief executive officer Giulia Baggio said the commitment to the Melbourne Airport rail link was vitally important for delivery of more frequent V/Line train services to Geelong.

“Turning Sunshine into a major rail interchange will, finally, enable a dedicated Metro line to Wyndham Vale and free up V/Line trains for their intended purpose with faster, more frequent services for people travelling along the Geelong corridor and into the wider region,” she said.

She said a bus review for Geelong and the Bellarine was also very welcome, but agreed that investment into Avalon was vitally important.

Geelong Chamber of Commerce CEO Jeremy Crawford said funding for schools, hospitals and skills development was welcome “but let’s be clear; these are baseline commitments, not game-changing investments”.

“Major economic drivers such as the Avalon Airport freight and innovation precinct, or big growth-driving initiatives, are missing in action,” he said.

“Small businesses, the heart of our regional economy, need more than light-touch regulatory reform.”

Victorian Treasurer Jaclyn Symes said the government decided to deliver a smaller forecasted operating surplus next financial year to fund more cost-of-living measures and service delivery, including $31 billion for health.

– WITH AAP