Good collaboration is key to ensure our best future

When I accepted the role of Chair of the Committee for Geelong at the end of 2019, I could never have imagined the global disruption that would soon follow. The COVID-19 pandemic was not on my radar—but it quickly became the defining challenge of my early tenure.

Despite the uncertainty, I’m proud of how the Committee responded. We were engaged early and often by government, working alongside other local organisations to help navigate decisions that directly impacted our members and the broader community.

Our role was to provide advice, share insights, and ensure that Geelong’s voice was heard. It was a time of rapid change, and I’m immensely proud of the contribution we made to protect those who live and work in our region.

As the pandemic subsided, the focus shifted to recovery. Governments at all levels were tasked with rebuilding the economy, and the Committee for Geelong pivoted back to advocating for Geelong’s best future. That transition—from crisis response back to long-term vision—was one of the most important shifts during my time as Chair.

My greatest achievement has been ensuring the Committee remained at the forefront of advocacy. We’ve continued to be invited to contribute to planning and policy decisions by all sides of politics and all levels of government. That trust and recognition is hard-earned, and it’s something I hope continues well beyond my tenure.

I don’t claim credit for the major projects delivered in Geelong, but I’m proud to have supported their progress: the redevelopment of the Geelong Arts Centre, the completion of the Geelong Convention Centre, upgrades at Kardinia Park, additions to the Geelong Hospital, and housing growth under the Geelong City Deal. These are tangible signs of a city on the move.

Looking ahead, our biggest challenge is alignment. Geelong’s best future will be shaped by many voices—each with their own priorities. Some will conflict, others may not align with the vision of local, state or federal governments. But alignment is essential. As the Hon Catherine King reminded us, “there will be no project funded by government that does not have a well-developed business case and one that is supported by all levels of government and, where required, private enterprise.”

So where do we stand? I believe we’re closer than we think. Consider the shared aspirations:

• We want to “maintain what people love about living here”- Mayor Kontelj.

  
  

• The Geelong Manufacturing Council is focused on workforce development and technology leadership.

  
  

• The Geelong Chamber of Commerce envisions Geelong as a global centre of business and innovation.

  
  

• The Committee for Geelong is committed to designing our best future—a clever and creative international city.

  
  

• The City of Greater Geelong’s 2047 vision is for a forward-looking, adaptive city-region that cares for its people and environment.

  
  

• The State Government is focused on schools, healthcare, and cost-of-living relief.

  
  

• The Federal Government sees the challenge as accommodating growth without compromising the city’s advantages.

  
  

These aren’t competing visions—they’re complementary. The Committee’s strategic plan reflects this through our Future Geelong interactive map, which identifies key domains of Live, Move, Work and Play. It’s a blueprint for collaboration.

As I step away from the role, I do so with optimism. Geelong’s future is bright—but only if we continue to work together, stay aligned, and keep advocating for what’s best for our city.

Clive Pugh

Committee for Geelong Chair

2019 - 2025