Former Geelong mayor abstains from vote to end G21 funding

A surprising revelation in the divided council vote to stop $500,000 of advocacy funding has emerged. See the detail.

Geelong councillors Anthony Aitken, left, Kylie Grzybek, centre, and mayor Trent Sullivan were asked if they voted to end G21 funding.

City of Greater Geelong councillors were split during a secret vote to torpedo its $500,000 per year contribution to the G21 Geelong Region Alliance advocacy body.

Sources have told the Geelong Advertiser councillors voted with a six-to-three majority to end its long-running support of G21.

G21 draws on input from subject matter experts to advocate to state and federal governments for major projects on behalf the region’s five councils.

But concerns have emerged about its efficacy.

Councillor Belinda Moloney was on leave at the time of the vote at the April council meeting in the confidential section.

It is understood one former City of Greater Geelong council mayor abstained from the G21 vote and another former mayor voted to continue funding.

Sources said councillors were advised ending the city’s financial support of G21 was prudent because of a conflict of interest in having the city’s mayor and chief executive in senior G21 board positions.

It is understood some councillors, not convinced about the merit of the advice, wanted to explore how council could continue involvement with G21 without council members holding senior board positions.

City of Greater Geelong mayor Trent Sullivan, the most recent G21 chair, and acting city chief executive Kaarina Phyland both resigned from G21 around the time of the council vote.

Mr Sullivan, and councillors Anthony Aitken and Kylie Grzybek did not directly respond when asked if they voted to end council’s funding for G21.

All said their vote should remain confidential.

G21 was responsible for some of the advocacy that delivered the $500m Geelong City Deal, a 10-year program of region-shaping infrastructure.

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

It is working on a regional transport strategy and a regional plan about what the city should look like in 2050.

A source who has lived, worked and observed G21’s function for years said while it had developed strategies for the region, implementation was problematic.

The source said the City of Greater Geelong should focus on improving the council area to better the region.

Surf Coast Shire Council chief exectuvie Robyn Seymour said G21 was well regarded for its

strategic planning capability and cohesive regional voice.”

“It has had much success in advocating for the needs of our community.

“Among its recent achievements are the Geelong City Deal, Great Ocean Road upgrade and G21 Social and Affordable Housing Strategy.

“Council took part in a G21 delegation to Canberra in March and this was a valuable opportunity to further our region’s advocacy on housing affordability and key worker accommodation, including a concept to extend working holiday maker visas.”

“Council recognises the value of G21’s work and has allocated continued funding in 2023-2024 as part of our draft budget.”

In an email to members last week, G21 chief executive Giulia Baggio said its board was considering how the organisation could continue its “important work”.

But there are concerns the end of Geelong council’s funding of the organisation in April next year could be terminal for G21.

Senior sources within the Geelong community with strong knowledge of the workings of the city are divided on G21.

Managing director of developer Hamilton Group, Cam Hamilton, said G21 was an effective apolitical advocate for the region.

“Among other key projects, (G21 has advocated for) the Geelong City Deal with funding secured for the convention centre, ferry terminals and tourism destinations,” Mr Hamilton said.

“Considering the incredible value G21 helps deliver to the region, it’s a very worthwhile investment.

“Geelong and the region has a lot going for it at the moment, and it’s groups like G21 that have helped put us in this position.

“With a booming population, increasing investment, the upcoming Commonwealth Games and growing tourism opportunities; it’s important that we make the most of these opportunities.”

Originally published as Former Geelong mayor abstains from vote to end G21 funding