Geelong Region Alliance (G21) members have united to present the region’s most pressing priorities to federal politicians ahead of the upcoming election.
On Tuesday (February 11) G21 regional leaders announced the “critical need for investment” from Canberra in infrastructure housing, the Avalon precinct and an alternative water grid to ensure water security.
The alliance of business, community and government organisations has also released an advocacy booklet, ‘Unlocking the future of G21’, detailing the funding requirements of the three priorities.
G21 chief executive Giulia Baggio said the announcement was happening “at a critical moment in time”.
“This is the fastest growing region in Victoria and Geelong is one of the fastest growing cities in Australia,” Ms Baggio said.
“We call on all federal representatives to work with us during this election period to help deliver the funding and partnership needed to lock in decent living standards for the long term.
“We are advocating with a unified voice for much-needed housing supply across the region, especially in central Geelong to stimulate the city’s vibrancy; a dedicated, well-serviced employment zone at Avalon to boost our major industries and good quality jobs; and an innovative alternative water grid which will guarantee supply for homes, businesses, farms and wetlands as our environment becomes drier right across the southwest region.”
Golden Plains Shire mayor Sarah Hayden said the region’s “unprecedented population growth” required “major investment” in housing supply.
“Unlocking more housing through investment in service infrastructure and creating new jobs to sustain our local communities is all part of how we grow well and retain what people love about living in the Golden Plains,” Ms Hayden said.
In developing the shortlist of priorities, G21 drew on its own Region Plan 2050 and the Committee for Geelong’s Future Geelong research, developed in conjunction with Tract Consultants.
Committee for Geelong chief executive Michael Johnston said while increased housing supply was “urgently needed”, water security and development at Avalon were equally important for the region’s future.
“Water security is an issue that will impact us all in the coming years, and an alternative water grid will ensure water is accessible and sustainable for future generations,” Mr Johnston said.
“The Avalon Employment precinct and airport needs major infrastructure upgrades to attract investment and reach its potential as a global gateway to our region.”
