G21 regional leaders have joined forces ahead of this year’s federal election to spotlight the critical need for investment in “enabling” infrastructure to support urgently needed housing, expand industry and jobs in a dedicated precinct at Avalon and future-proof the region’s water supply.
The region’s Mayors, council CEOs, key public and private sector leaders and Committee for Geelong have identified joint priorities to meet socio-economic challenges and opportunities across all G21 communities as rapid population growth continues.
“We are 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. We need major investment from Canberra to keep pace with our communities. 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,” said G21 CEO Giulia Baggio.
“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.”
“As mayor I am determined to lead a united voice to Canberra on behalf of Geelong and the wider G21 region,” Mayor Stretch Kontelj OAM said.
“Our city and region have incredible untapped potential, and major government investment in our CBD, Avalon Airport and water infrastructure will drive industry growth and create crucial economic opportunities for future generations.
“For Geelong to truly achieve its potential as a major city and the second largest in Victoria, we need to revitalise its heart.
“A major infrastructure investment in central Geelong has the potential to unlock more than $1 billion in private sector investment, attracting new residents and improving the very cultural fabric of our CBD.
“A strong, vibrant CBD provides economic prosperity – not just for Geelong but also for our neighbouring municipalities in the G21 region.”
“We will continue leading the Geelong region’s advocacy efforts over the coming weeks as federal candidates seek support from voters in the lead up to the election,” Mayor Kontelj said.
Housing: Enabling infrastructure such as water, power and sewerage is essential to the delivery of new housing developments, with more housing urgently needed to deliver affordable living across G21 and drive population growth in Geelong’s city centre. Specifically, increased housing supply in Geelong’s CBD is central to strategies to attract much-needed retail, hospitality and business activity and streetscape improvements to enhance Geelong’s vibrancy and status as Victoria’s second biggest city.
Avalon employment precinct: 3.3 million people live within 60 minutes of the Avalon precinct which now houses national and international businesses, including Avalon Airport, Victoria’s second major airport. There is major industry interest and demand for investment in the employment precinct given its strategic location close to key transport and freight routes. The precinct requires funding for permanent and enabling infrastructure, especially transport improvements, to unlock productivity and economic opportunities for Victoria. This would attract deeper commercial investment, strengthen supply chains and facilitate trade, expand the Geelong region’s tourism gateway and secure the future of the Avalon International Airshow. Dedicated investment would generate significant new employment opportunities.
Water security: With a growing population and pressures on water supply, Barwon Water has developed plans for an innovative Alternative Water Grid to bolster supply. The grid would preserve the supply of clean, potable water while diverting large volumes of recycled water and treated stormwater for industrial, agricultural and environmental use. This additional supply would unlock investment in sustainable new housing, manufacturing, farming and horticulture ventures, and create healthier, less polluted natural environments. The grid would also supply water to the Avalon employment precinct, enabling industrial development and commercial green hydrogen production. A federal and state partnership would support the staged development of this essential infrastructure.
An advocacy booklet – Unlocking the future of G21– has been developed, detailing the funding required in each of the three priority areas.
The booklet has been distributed throughout the region and is being provided to local candidates contesting the federal election.
“It’s no secret that housing supply is urgently needed, and delivering more affordable living options in Geelong city centre is essential to boosting our supply. Increasing our housing supply in the city centre is also how we create a city where more of our population growth is happening in the city - which will have immense flow on benefits for business, hospitality and retail activity,” Committee for Geelong CEO Micheal Johnston said.
“Equally, 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.
“The Avalon Employment precinct and airport needs major infrastructure upgrades to attract investment and reach its potential as a global gateway to our region,” Mr Johnston said.
“We will continue leading the Geelong region’s advocacy efforts over the coming weeks as federal candidates seek support from voters in the lead up to the election,” said Cr Kontelj said.
Background
The selection of priorities has been informed by the following community-based research projects, undertaken by G21 Geelong Region Alliance and the Committee for Geelong:
The G21 Region Plan 2050 was recently co-designed by more than 1000 people in towns and communities across the G21 region and nearly 60 organisations. It is Victoria’s most comprehensive, community-based region plan, designed to guide long-term planning and investment. It was launched in 2023 and endorsed by the Barwon Region Partnership and Regional Development Australia.
Future Geelong was developed in 2022 by the Committee for Geelong membership and Tract Consultants. It envisages Geelong’s progress over the next 30 years with an innovative interactive map which can be found here.