G21 to deliver important region shaping policy despite being deserted by Geelong council

The region’s advocacy body is determined to continue 20 years of its work, despite its largest funder Geelong council choosing not to back the “important” organisation.

G21 CEO Giulia Baggio in Geelong. Picture: Mark Wilson

Advocacy body the G21 Geelong Region Alliance, responsible for development of city- shaping policy, will continue its work “without” input from the City of Greater Geelong council, the G21 chief executive says.

Geelong council, G21’s major funder, voted last month to cull its $500,000 per year contribution to the region alliance in light of budget pressure that’s seen some community projects put on hold.

Sources have told the Geelong Advertiser G21’s remit sits above politics and is an important buffer between the state government and Geelong council, a relationship that’s become increasingly tense in recent time.

The impact of council’s funding decision won’t kick in until April next year.

G21, responsible for some of the advocacy that’s delivered $500m Geelong City Deal that will deliver a 10-year program of region-shaping infrastructure, represents five local government areas – Colac Otway, Surf Coast, Golden Plains, Queenscliffe and Greater Geelong.

In an email to members, obtained by the Geelong Advertiser, G21 chief executive Giulia Baggio said the G21 board wanted to continue its major projects.

“Our current projects include the launch of the G21 Integrated Transport Strategy, the development of the 2050 Region Plan which is well underway, and the annual G21 Stakeholder Forum on July 28,” Ms Baggio wrote in the email.

“The board has also begun a process to consider options for the future of G21 and its important work.

“G21 will also continue to advocate with a strong regional voice on important priorities.”

G21 developed a plan for the region in 2007 which canvassed health, sustainability and economic development.

The credibility of the plan has seen Victoria’s other regional partnerships use its model for their own regional plans.

The G21 recently met federal politicians in Canberra and state politicians in Melbourne to push for change within the region on transport and other policy areas.

When Geelong council announced it would withdraw and stop funding G21, acting corporate services director Bryce Prosser said council would continue to take its advocacy role for the broader region seriously.

“We’ll be putting in place low-cost and no-cost mechanisms to collaborate with our neighbouring councils so that we have strong relationships and can work together to achieve our shared interests,” Mr Prosser said.

“We’ll also look at strengthening the organisation’s own advocacy and government relations function, and fully harnessing memberships of bodies that represent regional cities.

“We are members of both Regional Capitals Australia and Regional Cities Victoria, which are alliances of cities that have similar challenges and opportunities to Geelong.”

Sources with knowledge of advocacy work have told the Addy that Regional Capitals Australia and Regional Cities Victoria are filled with competitors to the Geelong region’s interests, and don’t speak for its interests.

Ms Baggio wrote: “G21 will be making a submission to the City of Greater Geelong’s draft budget, highlighting our collaborative achievements and value to the community.”

City of Greater Geelong council mayor Trent Sullivan and council’s acting chief executive Kaarina Phyland have both resigned from the G21 board.

Originally published as G21 to deliver important region shaping policy despite being deserted by Geelong council