Geelong’s Victorian budget priorities revealed

There will be more focus than normal when the Victorian budget is handed down in late October or early November. These are the Geelong projects that should be prioritised for cash.

A COALITION of Geelong advocacy groups have revealed their priorities for the Victoria budget.

Upgrades to the road network servicing Geelong Port, and money for the 5th stage of the GMHBA stadium upgrade, Anam Cara House at Deakin University’s Waurn Ponds campus and the Northern Aquatic and Community Hub are part of the group’s wishlist.

Money to establish of the Great Ocean Road Coast & Parks Authority, upgrade the Bellarine Railway Track, improve the You Yangs Master Plan and deliver an Advanced Manufacturing Future fund also form requests from group made up of G21, Committee for Geelong, Geelong Chamber of Commerce, Tourism Greater Geelong & The Bellarine, and Geelong Manufacturing Council.

G21 chief executive Elaine Carbines said leadership from the peak organisations across the region is crucial.

“That’s why we are joining together to give clear guidance to the state government about projects and initiatives we in this region believe must be recognised in the upcoming budget to help us rebuild post COVID.

“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.”

The group said funding for a business package to deliver financial counselling and mentoring,

investments in start-ups and incentives for businesses to employ new staff was also needed.

As is more funding for co-working spaces because the COVID-19 pandemic had shown that people could work effectively in Geelong while being employed by Melbourne-based businesses.

Committee for Geelong chief executive Jennifer Cromarty said the COVID-19 pandemic provided an 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.

“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 (the state’s) economic future.”

The state budget is due to be handed down in late October or early November.

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Originally published as Geelong’s Victorian budget priorities revealed