2022 is our region’s time to shine
THE dawn of any new year is generally a time for optimism. But with 2022 bringing with it both federal and state elections, as well as a raft of exciting new projects for the region, Geelong has good reason to look forward to the coming year.
We have already seen signs of what we might expect in terms of political promises and funding pledges, with both the howitzer deal sign-off and additional convention centre funding coming late in the year. Visits to the region from PM Scott Morrison, Opposition Leader Anthony Albanese, state Premier Dan Andrews and his opposition counterpart Matthew Guy – all within weeks of each other – also foreshadowed the interest in Geelong as we embark on an election year.
So now is our time to shine. A golden opportunity to let the powers that be know exactly what this region needs to maintain its place as a highly liveable and desirable destination, as well as to set us up for the burgeoning population influx over the next decade. After all, when better to seize the day than when all the attention is looking your way?
It is this spirit that we have asked some of our region’s leaders to share what was on their 2022 wishlist for the region.
Interestingly among the many important infrastructure projects mentioned, key social issues such as housing affordability and jobs ranked highly on many lists.
While the population boom presents much to be excited about, there is a very real danger that many are being completely priced out of our market as remote work opportunities and the wear and tear of lockdowns entices more Melburnians into the region. The balance of attracting new people and being able to provide opportunities for those who already call our part of the world home, will remain a delicate challenge for leaders in the coming months and years.
What we will need is strong leadership and continued advocacy from the leaders within our community to maximise the opportunities the next 11 or so months will bring. Our transport infrastructure is sorely in need of upgrades if we are to adequately provide for the growing — and geographically spreading — population, and there are still projects promised during the last election rounds that have hardly progressed, despite an obvious growth in need.
The coming year could be an exciting and prosperous one for our region if we play our cards right.
Ours is no longer a community in survival mode and we outgrew the Sleepy Hollow moniker a long, long time ago.
Rather, we are poised and ready for the tremendous growth that will see Geelong live up to and beyond its potential — as long as our leaders have the vision and support to help make it happen.