Geelong’s state budget wish list revealed

A $20 million boost for an Aquatic and Community Hub and millions for upgrading roads to the Geelong port are just two of the projects on Geelong’s state budget wishlist.

A $20 million boost to the Northern Aquatic and Community Hub, a $15 million upgrade to access roads to the Geelong port, and bringing forward funding for the Geelong rail line duplication are projects on the wish list of five Geelong advocacy groups ahead of the state budget later this month.

While $5 million for Anam Cara House to build a hospice at Deakin University Waurn Ponds and $100,000 for a Geelong region transport strategy are also on the wish list of G21, Committee for Geelong, Geelong Chamber of Commerce, Tourism Greater Geelong & The Bellarine and the Geelong Manufacturing Council.

The group said funding the initiatives and projects at the November 24 budget would create more jobs in the region.

An artist's impression of how the Northern Aquatic and Community Hub could look. Picture: Submitted

G21 region alliance chief executive Elaine Carbines said the list would give “clear guidance” to the government.

“We in the region know our needs better than anyone. We call on the state government to listen to the region as it frames the upcoming budget,” Ms Carbines said.

Expediting all Geelong City Deal projects, and $3.40m for an upgrade to the Bellarine Railway to support The Blues Train and The Q Train are also among the group’s hopes for the Victorian Budget.

As are packages to support business, creative industries, and advanced manufacturing in the region.

Committee for Geelong chief executive Jennifer Cromarty said the COVID-19 pandemic provided a “significant opportunity” to position the region for sustainable growth.

“Interest in regional living, working and investment is increasing and we need to be ready to support our community to recover and prosper,” Ms Cromarty said.

“We now need support from the state government to help leverage this opportunity to ensure Victoria’s largest regional city continues to play a vital role in our economic future.”

Geelong Manufacturing Council chief executive David Peart said increased manufacturing should be funded at state budget.

“One positive pivot (following the outbreak of COVID-19) has been the move towards Australian made. Inherent in that is the recognition that we have the capacity to design, engineer and manufacture innovative products right here in Geelong with our innovative industry and University culture,” Mr Peart said.

Tourism Greater Geelong & The Bellarine said the budget provided an opportunity to support and develop projects for the region’s visitor economy.

Originally published as Geelong’s state budget wish list revealed