United push for Geelong recovery

LOBBY GROUPS LIST PRIORITIES

LEADING groups in Geelong have united for the first time to call on governments to fasttrack the region’s economic recovery.

A letter signed by leaders of key advocacy agencies puts forward a “road map to recovery” with a focus on supporting local industry and jobs as the city grapples with the fallout from coronavirus.

The proposal was endorsed by chairs and chief executives of the Committee for Geelong, G21, Geelong Chamber of Commerce, Tourism Greater Geelong and the Bellarine, Geelong Manufacturing Council as well as the mayor and chief executive of the City of Greater Geelong.

G21 chief executive Elaine Carbines said a unified voice was vital in ensuring the region’s economic future.

“This document is a road map for economic recovery for our region,” she said. “We, as groups, have been criticised in the past for having different priorities. We’ve listened to criticism and are determined to work together.”

Among the proposals were calls to expedite the $370 million Geelong City Deal and duplication of rail between South Geelong and Waurn Ponds, financial support for Deakin University, stimulus for local manufacturing and tourism, as well as greater support for major transport hubs like Port of Geelong and Avalon Airport. The letter also asked that government contracts focus on local procurement to help support the region’s businesses and jobs.

Committee for Geelong chair Clive Pugh called the move a “historic” day for collaboration.

“I saw opportunity for unified leadership to identify priorities for recovery,” he said.

“I approached the chairs and CEOs from local organisations to discuss and establish what priorities should be submitted to both federal and state governments during this time.”

Victorian Liberal Senator Sarah Henderson commended the organisations for “collaborating on its funding priorities for the region”. She pointed to $183.8 million in Federal Government support for the Geelong City deal and the funding agreement allowing projects to be brought forward, fast rail funding commitments and announcements around stage one of the Waurn Ponds rail works.

“A number of the projects are in the planning and design phase, which is the responsibility of the State Government and local council,’ she said.

“Our government remains focused on delivering these projects, including the Geelong convention centre, as soon as possible.”

A State Government spokesman said the new building works program was “fasttracking shovel-ready projects that will get thousands of people back to work”.

“We’re delivering important local projects like upgrades at the Queenscliff ferry terminal and Portarlington Pier, and not wasting a moment on the landmark Geelong City Deal,” he said.

It’s understood Regional Development Victoria is exploring opportunities to bring Geelong City Deal project timelines forward.