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, the Avalon employment precinct, and water security.

The advocacy booklet proposes support for Barwon Water’s plan to build a new Alternative Water Grid – a transformative and next-generation network of recycled water infrastructure that could move large volumes of recycled water and treated stormwater across the region.

This grid would support investment in new housing, agriculture and horticulture ventures, and create healthier environments.

Under the water security priority, the ask includes 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.

“With our proximity to Melbourne, Geelong and Ballarat, Golden Plains Shire is experiencing unprecedented population growth – however our services and infrastructure need major investment to keep up,” Golden Plains Shire mayor Sarah Hayden said.

“Unlocking more housing through investment in service infrastructure and creating new jobs to sustain our local communities is all part of how we grow well and retain what people love about living in the Golden Plains.”

The joint priorities were identified by the region’s five 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.