STAYING PUT: Shire backs G21 influence as alliance assesses future

THE Surf Coast Shire has supported the ongoing work of G21 despite the City of Greater Geelong’s decision to end its involvement in the lobby group.

But ongoing funding allocations from the council remain uncertain, with the regional alliance staring at a more than $500,000 hole in its budget beyond 2023/24 and its operating model under review.

The G21 board – which includes shire mayor Liz Pattison and CEO Robyn Seymour – unanimously voted last week to continue with a “business-as-usual” approach without the city.

A statement to members, which include other local businesses and organisations, indicated G21 had also “begun a process to consider options for the future of G21 and its important work”.

Under the recent resolution, Surf Coast is now the largest municipality signed up to the alliance, alongside the Queenscliffe, Colac Otway and Golden Plains local government areas.

Geelong was G21’s largest benefactor in recent years under the organisation’s charter, which includes funding from councils based on their population share.

Its $530,000 contribution last year accounted for about three-quarters of the councils’ input and a third of G21’s total budget. It has cut that contribution to $360,000 in 2023/24 and will remove it entirely the following year.

Surf Coast Shire presently pays around $70,000 annually.

Ms Seymour also did not rule out potential changes to the shire’s financial contribution towards G21.

“Council recognises the value of G21’s work and has allocated continued funding in 2023-2024 as part of our draft budget. Future funding contributions will be considered as part of future budget processes,” she said.

While non-committal on the future of G21, Ms Seymour said it had played a critical role in regional advocacy since it started 21 years ago.

“The G21 Regional Alliance is an incredibly valuable partnership, which is well regarded for its strategic planning capability and cohesive regional voice. It has had much success in advocating for the needs of our community,” she said.

“Among its recent achievements are the Geelong City Deal, Great Ocean Road upgrade and G21 Social and Affordable Housing Strategy.

“Council took part in a G21 delegation to Canberra in March and this was a valuable opportunity to further our region’s advocacy on housing affordability and key worker accommodation, including a concept to extend working holiday maker visas.

“This is a challenging economic environment and we understand the cost pressures that all parts of our community, including local councils, are facing.”

The city’s decision was made in a behind-closed-doors vote during planning for its 2023/24 budget, as the city searched for budget savings to counter dire financial forecasts.

G21 has indicated it will provide a submission during the budget’s consultation process (which closes on Wednesday, May 24) that addresses the decision and has encouraged its members to do the same.