PLAN TO MERGE ALL OUR LOBBY GROUPS
Lobby groups merger call
GEELONG’S legion of lobby groups would all be merged under a proposal to create a unified voice advocating for the city’s needs.
The “One Geelong” scheme is the brainchild of the Committee for Geelong — headed by Rebecca Casson — and will presented to Victorian Parliament today as part of the committee’s Winning from Second manifesto.
Proponents argue Geelong has missed out on government funding and major projects due to the din of different voices lobbying for disparate causes.
The plan is certain to be controversial, given the robust rivalry y among groups such as the Chamber r of Commerce (headed by Bernaa dette Uzelac), G21 Geelong Region Alliance (with Elaine Carbines at the helm) and the committee.
The Winning from Second report argues the region would benefit from “a co-ordinated approach”. The plan envisages other groups such as Enterprise Geelong and the Geelong Manufacturing g Council could also be pulled d under the supergroup’s banner.
“Pooling resources into an overarching ‘One Geelong’ entity would produce an efficient and effective economic development effort for Geelong,” the report states.
“This approach includes having . . . a shared vision and strategy, and an agreed list of priorities.”
It is understood one version of the plan could see G21, Committee for Geelong and Chamber of Commerce leaders take board seats on the mega-lobby — possibly alongside local government figures — and vote on who will chair it.
“In the short-term, it is important to begin negotiating towards this outcome with Geelong’s state and local government agencies, industry groups and research institutions,” the report states.
MPs have expressed frustration with Geelong’s divergent advocacy efforts and there are concerns politicians are being confused and overwhelmed by the revolving door of visitors to Spring St and Canberra.
Former Geelong mayor Darryn Lyons, who has become a critic of the multi-group approach since his time as chairman of G21, has slammed the “city of committees”.
“Geelong needs one voice, not a confused racket,” Mr Lyons said in a scathing Geelong Advertiser column.
Last night Corio MP Richard Marles also argued for a more streamlined approach.
“The more we co-ordinate our voice, the better,” Mr Marles said.
“It’s especially important at a time like this, when the Liberals are determined to ignore us. We need to make sure they hear us loud and clear.”
In 2014, then Victorian Premier Denis Napthine warned of mixed messages coming from the region, saying “a number of spokespeople from Geelong are championing different projects”.