LABOR WILL DELIVER FOR THE GEELONG REGION

A Shorten Labor Government will work with local councils and the State Government to deliver a City Partnership for the Geelong region, the benefits of which would be felt across Corio and Corangamite. 

 

This will build on the details of any City Deal which has been proposed by the current Federal Government for Geelong.

 

Geelong is a critical city, offering residents a stunning natural environment, a beautiful heritage centre, local employment opportunities and a strong sense of community.

 

However, it also plays an important role in supporting Melbourne’s growth, as many people choose to live in Geelong and commute to Melbourne for work.

 

At the same time, the changing face of the local job market, with a move away from traditional manufacturing, has been felt deeply across the Geelong region.

Additional infrastructure investment in areas such as Bellarine, Surf Coast and Golden Plains is also required to keep pace with rapid population growth. 

 

These competing factors, which demonstrate challenges and opportunities, make the Geelong region the perfect applicant for a City Partnership.

 

Currently the Geelong region is undergoing significant structural change and it is the responsibility of all three levels of government to work together to ensure this change is positive.

 

In July this year Labor announced its City Partnerships policy, which will foster more genuine collaboration between the three levels of government.

 

Labor will achieve this by transforming the existing top-down system into one in which councils are seen not as casual stakeholders, but genuine partners in urban policy.

 

The Major Cities Unit will be re-established within the independent Infrastructure Australia and will be tasked with recommending and assessing the progress of City Partnerships.

 

Cities that already have a City Deal, such as Geelong, will have the opportunity to work with the Major Cities Unit to deepen their agreement and deliver a true City Partnership. 

 

Already the City of Greater Geelong, the G21Regional Alliance and Committee for Geelong have demonstrated an enormous capacity to work together to build a positive vision for the region’s future.

 

Labor intends to support this vision by building on any proposed City Deal for Geelong.

 

This comes in addition to our proud record of infrastructure investment in the Geelong region.

 

The former Labor Government invested in the Geelong Ring Road, including the bypass, the Princes Highway West duplication and funded the Regional Rail Link.

 

Labor will also build on its investment in local communities. The former federal Labor Government invested in a number of local projects including the Geelong Stadium, the library and heritage centre redevelopment.

 

Labor will invest in cities to improve quality of life for all people.

 

We are committed to unlocking the potential of our cities by bringing together all levels of government, the private sector and community in a way that is meaningful so that our cities can be productive, sustainable and liveable well into the future.