New Victorian opposition leader visits Greater Geelong

Greater Geelong Mayor Stretch Kontelj OAM and Committee for Geelong chief executive Michael Johnston have welcomed the new Victorian Leader of the Opposition Jess Wilson MP to Geelong today.

With less than a year remaining until the 2026 Victorian election, the visit allowed for the City and the Committee to present the region's key priorities to the opposition, with the Geelong Chamber of Commerce and other business leaders in attendance.

Ms Wilson was also joined the newly-appointed Opposition Leader in the Legislative Council, Bev McArthur MLC.

The top priorities for the region for the 2026 election are Central Geelong revitalisation, including the establishment of a Special Economic Zone (SEZ), investment in Avalon Airport's employment precinct, the establishment of a Regional Infrastructure Fund, and transportation investments, including the Geelong Ring Road Extension (Bellarine Link). 

The Greater Geelong LGA encompasses the electoral districts of Bellarine, Geelong, Lara, and South Barwon, and it is expected that a number of these seats will be in play at the election. The Western Victoria region in the Legislative Council is also expected to be closely contested.

Mayor Kontelj said it was important that Council spoke to as many candidates as possible.

"I want to welcome Jess Wilson to Geelong, and I appreciate the opposition's willingness to hear about our priorities so that we can seek as many commitments as possible for 2026," Mayor Kontelj said.

"We have a busy year of advocacy ahead, but I'd like all the candidates to commit to our priorities so that residents have the confidence in knowing that they'll be delivered regardless of the election outcome.

“Every commitment we can reach is a step closer to a better central Geelong, investment in Avalon Airport, better funding for the regions and improvements in transport.”

Committee for Geelong chief executive Michael Johnston said it was terrific to have Jess Wilson prioritise coming to Geelong so early in her time as Opposition Leader.

“Her visit sends a strong signal of the importance of our city to the opposition,” Mr Johnston said.

“We welcomed the opportunity to engage with her and convey the needs of our city and region, and her receptiveness was welcomed.”

“It was particularly pleasing to have such a unified voice representing Geelong, with the Committee, the City, the Chamber, and key business leaders across a range of industries coming together with a common message. We are clear about what Geelong needs to continue to thrive- revitalisation of the CBD, investment into the Avalon employment precinct, and a regional infrastructure fund to support key transport initiatives- and we look forward to further joint advocacy opportunities between now and the 2026 State Election.”