G21 to restructure, ceases staff operations

THE G21 Geelong Region Alliance has announced a significant change to its operating model, as budget constraints hits its local government partners.

In a letter to its members today (Tuesday, June 3), chair Melissa Stephens confirmed the lobby group would alter its operating model “to ensure viability” and would no longer employ a body of staff nor continue to “facilitate the various pillars that have been the engine room of many projects over the years”.

This means chief executive Giulia Baggio’s position at the helm of the alliance has been made redundant.

The board, however, will remain the same, while a subcommittee, to be comprised of existing board members, will be formed. The subcommittee’s members are still to be confirmed and its role will be to decide the body’s next steps.

“The board strongly believes G21 has an important ongoing role advocating for vital outcomes for our region but will need to operate differently as we go forward due to significant budget constraints affecting all member councils,” Ms Stephens said.

“The alliance has many assets which will continue to be of benefit to the region, including a respected brand and a strong network of relationships.

“The board will ensure that these are put to good use in supporting regional outcomes.

“Our objective remains the same: to collectively drive investment in high quality, region-shaping infrastructure and sensible planning to maintain liveability.”

It is unclear at this stage how the new-look alliance will achieve these objectives and if additional costs will be involved, as its local government partners assume the advocacy work that until now has been handled by the lobby group’s small but purpose-built team.

The announcement follows a meeting between G21 board members on Friday, amid speculation the City of Greater Geelong, the lobby group’s largest financial partner, was reconsidering its membership. While the city has, so far, declined to comment on the change, it is understood to be the driving force behind it.

Indeed, the city appears to be rapidly charting its own course forward, last week entering into formal alliances with the neighbouring City of Wyndham and Tasmania’s Devonport City Council as it seeks to leverage the existing links between the two cities to bring more tourism, jobs and economic opportunities to the region.

The Borough of Queenscliffe, meanwhile, withdrew its four-figure funding commitment from G21 earlier this year, but has since remained tight-lipped about the decision and what it means for the small township.

On Wednesday, chief executive Martin Gill acknowledged the “significant contributions” of the G21 Geelong Region Alliance to the region over the past two decades, stating the borough understood the importance of regional collaboration and would continue to support initiatives “that promote sustainable growth and the liveability of our communities”.

Surf Coast Shire mayor Mike Bodsworth said G21 had provided “great value” to the region.

“Surf Coast Shire council believes it’s important that there continues to be a while of region approach to advocacy and future planning,” he said.

“The outcomes of G21’s advocacy have left a strong legacy, which we hope [we] can continue to benefit from, as we consider the regional advocacy model for the future.”

These sentiments were echoed by federal member for Corangamite and former shire mayor Libby Coker who said she had witnessed first-hand the alliance’s effectiveness in advocating for the region.

“The model for G21 was unique and engaged with all levels of government in a very different way that helped deliver jobs, regional investment and legacy infrastructure,” she said.

“Some of the legacy projects are being delivered today, including the Nyaal Banyul Geelong Convention and Event Centre, the Armstrong Creek Sports Centre and the Barwon Heads Road upgrade.”