WORKING TOGETHER

WITH PM PREMIER HAILS SHARED VISION

PREMIER Daniel Andrews expects to see quicker progress on the revitalisation of central Geelong in the next year, thanks to an improved relationship with the Federal Government.

Speaking at the G21 Stakeholders Forum in Torquay yesterday, Mr Andrews said greater support from the government under Prime Minister Scott Morrison would help deliver the $355 million City Deal projects.

“We are in a much better position with the Federal Government than we have (been) for a long time,” Mr Andrews said. “It is certainly more productive than has been the form over recent years.”

The comments reinforced the perception that the Labor and Liberal leaders share a pragmatic willingness to work together to meet the electorate’s inclination to reward governments that can deliver infrastructure projects.

The two tiers of government ended a long stand-off over the City Deal in March, when an extra $45 million was tipped in to fund $355 million in projects, including a $170 million convention centre at the Geelong waterfront.

Other projects include the revitalisation of central Geelong and the “Green Spine”, with $108 million allocated to the Shipwreck Coast master plan.

Mr Andrews said he would have hoped to have been further advanced on delivering the City Deal projects, but he expected significant progress over the next 12 months as they became a reality.

Mr Andrews’ comments on Mr Morrison led the G21 forum’s keynote speaker Patricia Karvelas to speculate the pair were two of the most pragmatic political leaders Australia had seen for a long time.

The journalist and presenter said Mr Morrison’s electoral success in May was due in part to mimicking his state counterpart’s approach, particularly the focus on local infrastructure.

“(Mr Morrison) has decided that if he delivers quietly, that he will be rewarded for it,” Ms Karvelas said.

She said that given this approach and the Federal Government’s light policy agenda, there might be more opportunities for the Geelong region to gain support for future projects.

About 300 people attended the annual G21 Stakeholders Forum, which had a focus on addressing environmental issues and included key discussions on the region’s water and waste recovery management.