YOU GET A CITY DEAL!
EXCLUSIVE: Hope for convention centre, local projects as PM flies in to sign accord with Vic Govt
THE Prime Minister and Victoria’s Acting Premier are set to sign a historic agreement in Geelong today, bringing a bevy of major projects closer to reality for the region.
The federal and state governments will sign a memorandum of understanding, which will pave the way for Victoria’s first City Deal to land in Geelong.
The City Deal will deliver a series of major projects that will boost jobs and improve infrastructure.
THE Prime Minister and Victoria’s Acting Premier are set to sign a historic agreement in Geelong today, bringing a bevy of major projects closer to reality for the region.
The federal and state governments will sign a memorandum of understanding, which will pave the way for Victoria’s first City Deal to land in Geelong.
The City Deal will bring together federal, state and local governments to select and deliver a series of major projects that will boost jobs, improve infrastructure and further advance the region.
The State Government has signalled it will use the deal to push for the funding of projects including the Geelong Convention and Exhibition Centre, the Shipwreck Coast Master Plan, Geelong Waterfront Safe Harbour Project, the Revitalising Central Geelong Action Plan and more.
“This is a major step towards a better deal for Geelong and communities right along the Surf and Shipwreck coasts,” Acting Premier James Merlino said. “It will boost jobs and make the Geelong region an even better place to live, work and do business.”
Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull said the City Deal would be used to improve transport links in the region, revitalise the CBD, ensure the Great Ocean Road reaches its full potential, position Geelong as a “leading digital economy” and support innovation and growth of knowledge industries.
“A Geelong City Deal will help to deliver new jobs and make the area an ever better place to live and work with world-class infrastructure projects and a tourism offer that is second to none for Victoria’s second city,” Mr Turnbull said.
All levels of government will now work to finalise a City Deal to form part of 2018-19 State and Commonwealth Budget considerations.
Corangamite federal Liberal MP Sarah Henderson said the City Deal would be a “huge boost” for the region.
“This is the result of much positive collaboration,” Ms Henderson said. “I am excited about working with Cities Minister Paul Fletcher, state and local governments, and other key industry and community groups to develop one plan and vision which will guide future investments.
“A City Deal will help drive the investment required, including in faster rail, better roads and more community infrastructure, to support more local jobs and growth into the future.”
Lara state Labor MP John Eren said the State Government wanted to see the Geelong and Surf Coast regions reach their full potential.
“A City Deal that builds on the one of the nation’s top tourism assets and grows jobs will do just that,” Mr Eren said.
It will be the Australia’s fifth City Deal, following those in Launceston, Western Sydney, Townsville and Hobart.