Report to the Region

Report to the RegionFebruary 2012

Bellbrae Estate Winery Photo supplied by Surf Coast Shire

PagE 2 g21 - gEElong REgion allianCE - REPoRT To THE REgion 2011

g21 is the formal alliance of government, business and community organisations, working together to improve the lives of

people within the g21 region.

geelong Port Photo supplied by City of greater geelong

g21 - gEElong REgion allianCE - REPoRT To THE REgion 2011 PagE 3

Contents

About G21 - Geelong Region Alliance 4

G21 and Regional Development Australia 5

G21 Pillars 6

2011 achievements 8

The issues 26

Prioritising the projects 30

G21 Region Priority Projects 32

2011 Pillar Projects 36

G21 Member Organisations 40

G21 Leadership Group 42

Report from the CEO and Chairperson 43

G21 Pillar Members 44

Engaging the community 50

G21 contacts 51

Deakin University Photo supplied by City of greater geelong


G21 - Geelong Region Alliance (G21) is the formal alliance of government, busi-ness and community organisations working together to improve the lives of people within the G21 region across five municipalities – Colac Otway, Golden Plains, Greater Geelong, Queenscliffe and Surf Coast.

G21 works as a forum to discuss regional issues across interest groups and mu-nicipalities resulting in better coordinated research, consultation and planning. We support the delivery of projects that benefit the region across municipal boundaries and are a platform to speak with one voice to all levels of govern-ment.

G21 is also the Strategic Planning Committee for the G21 region and is respon-sible for leading the development and implementation of the region’s strategic plan. In this role, we work closely with, and provide advice to, Regional Develop-ment Australia (RDA), the Regional Management Forum (RMF) and the state and federal governments on our region’s needs and priorities.

Our Alliance is made up of over 300 community leaders and specialists who are passionate about the future of the G21 region and volunteer their time to be involved in G21 as Directors, Pillar members and within Working Groups.

As a not-for-profit organisation, the majority of G21’s financial support comes from the five councils it represents, along with government grants and its mem-bership base.

g21’s geelong Region Plan - the region’s strategic plan‘The G21 Geelong Region Plan – a sustainable growth strategy’ is the founda-tion of all G21 activities and projects. The plan was the result of a consultative process undertaken across our region in 2006 and was launched in 2007. It is the most comprehensive, up-to-date and widely supported strategic plan in regional Victoria.

The plan looks towards 2050 and addresses the challenges and opportu-nities the G21 region will face in the areas of envi-ronment, settlement, land use, community strength and the economy.

about g21 - geelong Region alliance


g21 Pillar groupsOur Pillar Groups are at the heart of G21. There are eight Pillar Groups based on our region’s key priorities: Arts & Culture, Economic Development, Education & Training, Environment, Health & Wellbeing, Planning & Services, Sport & Rec-reation and Transport. Pillars are made up of key decision makers and experts within the Pillar categories, who meet on a regular basis and work towards implementing ‘The G21 Geelong Region Plan’.

G21 also has several Working Groups and Taskforces to address key issues con-fronting our region. Examples include G21 National Broadband Network (NBN) Taskforce, Disadvantage Taskforce, G21 Regional Growth Plan Project Steering Group, Bicycle Infrastructure Group and the G21 Climate Change Taskforce (re-fer to page 49 for a full list). These groups include Pillar and non-Pillar mem-bers.

g21 Pillar Projects & Priority ProjectsPillar Groups identify projects that will benefit the G21 region and implement ‘The G21 Geelong Region Plan’. These are known as Pillar Projects and G21 currently has 54 Pillar Projects. Of these, Pillar Groups identify projects that are of great importance to the whole region and submit these to the G21 Board for approval. These endorsed projects are known as ‘Priority Projects’ and become the key focus of G21’s activities. G21 currently has 15 Pillar Projects that are endorsed by the G21 Board as Priority Projects.

g21 and Regional Development australiaWith the establishment of Regional Development Australia (RDA), an Austra-lian government initiative, G21 has been working closely with the RDA Barwon South West (BSW) Committee to further strengthen ties with all levels of govern-ment.

‘The G21 Geelong Region Plan’ and our Priority Projects, along with that of the Great South Coast, are the foundation of the RDA BSW Committee’s work to cre-ate sustainable regional communities.

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Barwon South weSt Victor ia ’s region of opportunity


The g21 Pillars

For more information about recent g21 Pillar and project activity, visit www.g21.com.au

The G21 Arts & Culture Pillar’s vision is to foster artistic creativity, cultural leadership and involvement, as well as recognition and utilisation of heritage assets. It does this by supporting regional efforts to:

• Promote culture for all by engaging the community

• Develop artists, ideas and knowledge

• Build creative industries

• Acknowledge, celebrate and create places and spaces

• Promote cultural leadership.

The Pillar continues to support and advocate for the Future Cities Priority Project, which successfully received $15 million State Government funding and $10 million Federal Government funding towards its Geelong Library and Heritage Centre in 2011.

The Pillar delivered the Regional Arts Directory project, which collated artists, groups and organisations through the G21 region, and also contributed to the G21 Economic Development Strategy.

The G21 Economic Development Pillar works collaboratively to improve the region’s prosperity by:

• Encouraging our region to become a globally significant competitor in industry sectors of high comparative advantage

• Generating and attracting skilled workers and business investment within a sustainable business environment.

The Pillar supports activities that expand current industries, foster new and emerging industries, build enabling infrastructure, develop a capable workforce and market the region.

There has been major funding success for many of the Pillar Projects during 2011. The Geelong: Cruise Ship Destination project received $30k to develop a project Business Case, while Avalon Airport had funding commitments to create a rail link to the Airport, an aviation fuel pipeline from Avalon to Shell, and to progress development of an Airport Precinct Master Plan.

The G21 Economic Development Strategy is progressing well. The research and literature review is complete, and consultation with business, government and industry stakeholders is underway.

The G21 Education and Training Pillar’s vision is to work collaboratively to raise the profile of education and training as key drivers of the region’s economic and social prosperity.

Their objectives are to:

• Strengthen the links within and between education, training, industry and employment sectors and build links to the health and wellbeing sector

• Promote a community culture which values lifelong learning

• Advocate for multiple and accessible learning opportunities and career pathways.

In 2011, the Pillar completed its Integrated Education / Health Strategy for Armstrong Creek, which aims to ensure that education and health facilities and services provide maximum benefit to the developing Armstrong Creek community.

The Pillar has held a strategic planning session that assembled key education and training stakeholders to identify emerging issues and to recognise strategic work which could become a Pillar priority in 2012.

The G21 Planning & Services Pillar works collaboratively to integrate activities to ensure sustainable development of the G21 region.

They support efforts to:

• Monitor land supply throughout the G21 region (Industrial and Residential)

• Assess anticipated climate change impacts on the region and coordinate planning response

• Ensure strategic regional infrastructure provision for designated growth areas of the G21 region.

The Regional Growth Plan is progressing well, with key stakeholders providing input into developing draft principles for growth, and assisting in identifying possible growth scenarios for the region. Input has been sought from key local and state government organisations, agencies, businesses, residents and community groups in the G21 region, relating to a range of regional housing, agriculture, environment, economic and infrastructure issues.

In 2012, the Pillar will continue to identify and develop projects that focus on sustainably implementing future urban growth.

g21 gEElong REgion allianCE - REPoRT To THE REgion PagE 7

The g21 Pillars feature members with professional expertise, experience and influence in their specified areas of interest. See pages 44-48 for a list of current Pillar Members.

For more information about recent g21 Pillar and project activity, visit www.g21.com.au

Improving health and wellbeing is achieved by not only improving health services but also by improving the overall standard of living through adequate housing, accessible transport, employment and education opportunities as well as supporting positive connections with the natural environment and within our community.

The Health & Wellbeing Pillar has worked to strengthen the range of services in the health and community services system whilst influencing initiatives that will positively impact the community’s health and wellbeing.

The Pillar has successfully delivered a range of health promotion and service coordination projects valued at $500k. The Regional Research and Information Centre Priority Project is progressing well in partnership with the Alfred Deakin Research Institute, whilst a G21 regional framework for improving mental health and wellbeing is in development.

The Pillar continues to lead cross-Pillar collaboration to address disadvantage, social and health inequities and sustainability with the establishment of the Disadvantage Taskforce.

The G21 Transport Pillar supports efforts to:

• Grow the region’s reputation, capability and capacity as the leading transport hub for south east Australia

• Improve community and visitor access to services, educational and vocational opportunities and lifestyle activities

• Improve the amenity and safety of transport infrastructure, and reduce the environmental impact of transport activity.

2011 has been another successful year for the Transport Pillar.

The Pillar has met with several senior state government officers to discuss local transport issues, and the Regional Rail Link project.

The State Minister for Public Transport and Roads has endorsed the Pillar’s decision to embark on a new G21 Regional Public Transport Strategy 2010/14, which will become the Pillar’s priority in 2012.

The Pillar will also update the G21 Regional Road Transport Plan and further develop a number of new regional transport projects identified.

The G21 Environment Pillar provides a forum for participating interest groups to discuss important regional sustainability and environmental issues, with a view to developing strategies and project plans to address them.

In 2011, the Pillar has had major success, with the G21 Climate Change Taskforce receiving $600k to support communities in the Barwon South West region prepare for climate change impacts.

The Pillar also met with the Minister for Environment and Climate Change. Key discussions involved environmental issues facing the region and the work being completed to make our region more sustainable.

The G21 Board endorsed the Scenario III – Phase 1 project, and the Pillar has commenced cross-pillar briefings to provide visibility of the Pillar’s vision of the region.

The Environmental Leadership, Environmental Impacts and Natural Resources and Assets Working Groups have been established to drive aspects of the Pillar’s objectives. Towards the end of 2011 these Working Groups and the Pillar will undertake project definition work.

The G21 Sport & Recreation Pillar’s vision is for the G21 region to be Australia’s most active region. It does this by working collaboratively to foster wellbeing through active participation and improving sport and recreation assets to:

• Focus on the big picture

• Deliver projects that benefit the region

• Provide a platform for the sport and recreation sector to speak with one voice.

During 2011, the Pillar has undergone a strategic planning process, that identified the Pillar’s core objectives and purpose, provided a framework and terms of reference for on-going Pillar operations, identified key regional partners and defined core roles, responsibilities and available resources.

The Pillar has completed the draft G21 Region Football (Soccer) Strategy, and adopted the Beechy precinct as a Pillar Project. A Regional Trails Network BSW Working Group has been established and is working in conjunction with the Pillar to develop a G21 Region Implementation Plan.


g21 in action

2011 achievementsFebruary 2011

nEW BUS SERViCE FRoM gEElong To ColaCPublic Transport Minister, Hon Terry Mulder MP, announced a new evening bus service between Geelong and Colac.

Advocacy for, and support toward the successful delivery of the regional trans-port connections is one of the G21 Transport Pillar Projects.

Starting as a 12-month trial, the new weekday bus service fills a vital gap in the existing timetable, allowing Colac residents an early evening public transport option from Geelong.

nEW PRioRiTY PRoJECT - gEElong CRUiSE SHiP DESTinaTionThe G21 Board officially adopted Geelong: Cruise Ship Destination as a Priority Project for the G21 region at the recommendation of the G21 Economic Develop-ment Pillar.

The new Priority Project includes the development of a purpose built cruise liner facility to accommodate visiting cruise ships, naval vessels and tall ships. The facility will include Australian Customs Service and Australian Quarantine and Inspection Service facilities; as well as commercial, hospitality and trans-port services.

The development will also include floating infrastructure that will allow for ex-pansion of the Royal Geelong Yacht Club. This will increase its capacity and the Club’s opportunities to secure major sailing events over the yacht racing season and grow the marina capacity over the entire year. This aligns with the Yacht Club’s strategic plan and the Central Geelong Waterfront Masterplan.

g21’S FoUR nEW PillaR PRoJECTSThe G21 Pillar Groups identified four new projects that were endorsed as G21 Pillar Projects. The new Pillar Projects include:

Economic Development Pillar

Northern Gateway - The range of existing and proposed infrastructure assets in Geelong’s Northern Gateway will allow government and the private sector to attract development opportunities from anywhere in the world.

Surf Culture - This project will capitalise on the significant opportunities Torquay has in its surfing culture through the development of events, activities and business.


Environment PillarClimate Change Taskforce - A collaborative project to coordinate climate change responses at the local level across the five G21 municipalities.

Health & Wellbeing Pillar

Healthy Parks, Healthy People - This project will aim to bring more people into our parks and reserves, participating in the natural environment. Funded by Medibank Community Fund a number of key partners are working with G21 on a range of nature based projects that also have a focus on volunteers.

March 2011 g21 REgion BEnEFiTS FRoM $1 Billion REgional DEVEloPMEnT FUnD

The Federal Government announced the $1 billion Regional Development Aus-tralia Fund, which will significantly benefit the G21 region.

The fund will provide between $500,000 and $25 million for projects that will boost economic development, create local jobs and lift the quality of life in local communities and regions.

Allocation of funding will be competitive, merit-based and only applications that are consistent with ‘The G21 Geelong Region Plan’ and have the backing of the Regional Development Australia Barwon South West (RDA BSW) Committee will be considered.

g21 HoSTS FoRUM: aDDRESSing DiSaDVanTagE

The G21 Health & Wellbe-ing Pillar hosted the ‘G21 Addressing Disadvantage’ forum in Geelong.

The forum’s aim was to:

• Identify current strat-egy and level of invest-ment across govern-ment, business and community sectors aimed at addressing disadvantage

• Identify how to build on the good work already taking place

• Plan for the most sustainable approach to working for positive change in our communities.


The workshop was structured to test what and where the strategic opportuni-ties, and any relevant constraints, exist.

The forum received positive media coverage and was attended by 24 organisa-tions from across the G21 region. It proposed five strategic goals to address disadvantage in the G21 region relating to employment, education and health. These goals were presented to the G21 Board for endorsement.

g21 SUBMiSSion on iSSUES PaPER: a SUSTainaBlE PoPUlaTion STRaTEgY FoR aUSTRalia

G21 completed a submission on the Issues Paper: A Sustainable Population Strat-egy for Australia on behalf of the G21 region, after the Federal Government called for all Australians to have their say on Australia’s changing population.

G21 worked with key stakeholders from the Borough of Queenscliffe, City of Greater Geelong, Colac Otway Shire, Golden Plains Shire, Surf Coast Shire, Bar-won Water and Corangamite CMA to complete the submission.

The submission answered 14 questions on sustainable growth and its impact to the local economy and environment.

CElEBRaTE DiVERSiTY, CHallEngE DiSCRiMinaTion CaMPaign

The G21 Freedom from Discrimina-tion Action Group launched its ‘Celebrate Diversity, Challenge Discrimination’ campaign at the 2011 Pako Festa.

Visitors to the Pako Festa were invited to join in an awareness raising activity that celebrates the diversity of people living in our community by completing a hand written message.

The activity produced over 100 photos which formed part of a community arts exhibition.

The G21 Freedom from Discrimina-tion Action Group has membership from Barwon Health, GP Association Geelong, Wathaurong, Diversitat, Department of Justice, City of Great-er Geelong and BATFORCE.

2011 achievements


g21 FREEDoM FRoM ViolEnCE – PRoMoTional ViDEo RElEaSED

A promotional video was created to increase the awareness and participation in this year’s G21 Freedom from Violence – Month of Action. The video followed the steps of a choir of women who sang on the streets of Geelong to mark the be-ginning of the 2010 G21 Month of Action. It also contains important facts about the prevalence of violence against women in our community.

g21 BRiEFS MiniSTER CREan on THE g21 REgion’S PRioRiTY PRoJECTS

G21 were amongst a delegation that met with Hon Simon Crean MP, Minister for Regional Australia, Regional Development and Local Government and briefed him on G21 and the G21 region’s Priority Projects.

The briefing was hosted by the Colac Otway Shire and included guests from the Colac Otway Shire, RDA BSWR, Department of Planning and Community Develop-ment, Great South Coast and Australian Rural Roads Group.

april 2011‘oUR PlaCE - THE g21 REgion MagaZinE’ laUnCHED

The inaugural ‘Our place - the G21 region magazine’ was launched and distributed to over 20,000 individuals and organisations. The 90-page glossy coffee-table magazine was distributed with the Geelong Advertiser newspaper.

The magazine was a joint project be-tween G21 and the Geelong Advertiser and was targeted at the people that live, work and study within the G21 region.

It celebrated our unique lifestyle and highlighted what makes this region so special – including stories of seachang-ers and treechangers, and generations of families deeply rooted within our region.

g21 BRiEFS MiniSTER WoolDRiDgE on oUR HEalTH anD WEllBEing PRoJECTS

G21, together with the G21 Health & Wellbeing (HWB) Executive, met with Hon Mary Wooldridge MP, Minister for Mental Health, Minister for Women’s Affairs and Minister for Community Services.


Organised by the Member for South Barwon, Andrew Katos MLA, the group included representatives from municipalities, state agencies and service provid-ers within the G21 region.

G21 staff provided the Minister with an overview of G21 and HWB projects, spe-cifically the Addressing Disadvantage Priority Project as well as the Freedom from Violence, Freedom from Discrimination and Refugee Health initiatives.

The meeting went very well and positive feedback was received regarding the health and wellbeing initiatives being completed within the G21 region.

g21 BRiEFS MiniSTER MUlDER on THE g21 REgional PUBliC TRanSPoRT STRaTEgY

G21 led a delegation to brief Hon Terry Mulder MP, Minister for Public Transport and Roads on the proposed G21 Regional Public Transport Strategy 2011 – 2014 and to discuss the State Government’s Regional Rail Link project.

The delegation included Ed Coppe, Chairperson of G21; Lenny Jenner, Chair of the Public Transport Reference Group and David Hannah representing the G21 Transport Pillar.

$25 Million FoR g21 PRioRiTY PRoJECT – STagE 3 SKillED STaDiUM REDEVEloPMEnT

The State Government announced that Skilled Stadium would receive $25 mil-lion towards the completion of its Stage 3 redevelopment.

The G21 region will benefit from improved spectator facilities and amenities in-cluding the installation of lights, and an increased ground capac-ity of around 3,500 to approxi-mately 34,500.

The Stage 3 Redevelopment will also deliver a community wellness and education centre, improved food and beverage facilities and a large member’s lounge/function room.

The additional positive eco-nomic impact to the region will be $288.82 million over the next decade.

The project is expected to be completed by April 2013.

2011 achievements


HEalTHY PaRKS HEalTHY PEoPlE (HPHP) STaKEHolDER FoRUM

G21 and Parks Victoria hosted a forum with key stakeholders about the HPHP Physical Activity Program that is being trialled within the G21 region later this year.

The forum’s agenda included:

• The key importance of parks and green spaces in relation to the environ-ment we live in, the physi-cal health, mental health, culture and economic wellbeing of the community

• The prevalence of health issues and the use of parks as an effective tool to counter the trend of increasing levels of preventable disease

• Details on the HPHP Physical Activity Program being trialled in Geelong in 2011

• The history, social and cultural significance of the Barwon River Parklands area.

An advisory group to oversee the HPHP Physical Activity Program pilot in the G21 region was established.

May 2011 g21 PRioRiTY PRoJECTS BEnEFiT FRoM STaTE BUDgET

The State Budget announced its 2011-12 budget which included funding and support for several G21 Priority Projects:

Princes Highway West Upgrade

$15 million allocated to overtaking lanes on the highway west of Colac and $5 million to plan highway duplication between Winchelsea and Colac.

Stage 3 Skilled Stadium Redevelopment

$25 million allocated to Skilled Stadium to help redevelop the Doug Wade Stand and contribute to a new Community Wellness and Education Centre.


geelong Future Cities

$15 million allocated towards the new Geelong Library and Heritage Centre on its existing site.

avalon airport

$5.7 million to progress development of the Avalon Airport Master Plan and to contribute towards a jet fuel pipeline for the Airport.

Several other G21 projects also directly or indirectly benefited from the 2010/11 State Government budget allocations.

FEDERal BUDgET – iMPaCT on THE g21 REgion

Key funding announcements for the G21 region in the 2011-12 Federal Budget included:

Transport links to Melbourne

$448 million allocated to the Regional Rail Link Project

Princes Highway West Upgrade

$110 million allocated to complete the highway duplication between Waurn Ponds and Winchelsea and $7 million to plan the highway duplication between Winchelsea and Colac.

geelong Ring Road Connections to the Bellarine Peninsula and geelong Port

$50 million committed to modernise freight lines to the Geelong Port, which will support the increase in heavy transport along the Geelong Ring Road.

BRiEFing To MiniSTER SMiTH on g21’S EnViRonMEnT PRoJECTS

Members of the G21 Environment Pillar met with Hon Ryan Smith MP, Minis-ter for Environment and Climate Change to discuss the Working Groups and projects within the Pillar.

Key agenda items included the environmental issues facing the region, climate change funding opportunities and the work being completed to make our region more sustainable.

2011 achievements


The meeting received positive feedback regarding the environment initiatives being completed within the G21 region.

g21 lEaDing THE VolUnTEERing REVolUTion FoRUM

G21 and Volunteering Geelong hosted the ‘Leading the Volunteer-ing Revolution’ forum with key stakeholders.

Facilitated by Martin J Cowling, a leading philanthropic speaker, the forum identified the need for, and a commitment to developing, a Regional Volunteering Strategy.

Participants looked at the current status of volunteering in the G21 region, the trends and challenges that are facing volunteerism and identified where they would like to see volunteer-ing positioned in 2021.

As a result, an advisory group to oversee the development of a Regional Volunteer-ing Strategy has been established.

g21 PRioRiTY PRoJECT FEaTURED in VECCi’S REgional nEWSlETTER

VECCI featured one of G21’s Priority Projects, Geelong: Cruise Ship Destination, in its VECCI Regional Newsletter - ‘Regional Business, Your Business’.

The article welcomed the Geelong: Cruise Ship Destination project as the latest G21 Priority Project, outlining what is involved in the project and the funding commit-ment required from the State Government to make this exciting project materialise.

June 2011TRanSPoRT PillaR MEMBER REPRESEnTS g21 REgion on REgional Rail linK CoMMUniTY REFEREnCE gRoUP

Three members of G21’s Transport Pillar were selected to represent the G21 region on the Regional Rail Link Community Reference Group (CRG).

Ian Westerland, Community Development Access Officer at the City of Greater Geelong, is one of seven regional representatives who were selected based on their linkages with local people and ability to represent a broad range of views.

Also invited to sit on the group are representatives from the Regional Rail Link Authority, project contractors and relevant councils. Cr Andy Richards and Gen-eral Manager of City Services, Gary Van Driel, will do this on behalf of Greater Geelong.


The CRG has been established to support community involvement in the progress of the Regional Rail Link, and will

• Ensure effective communication and consultation arrangements are es-tablished with interested and affected residents, businesses and industry groups

• Ensure that individuals and groups affected by the project have opportunities to participate in its development

• Provide a local perspective on project issues, particularly in relation to mini-mising impacts on local communities

• Provide input for consideration into plans for managing construction im-pacts.

REliEF FoR gEElong-MElBoURnE CoMMUTERS WiTH BRiDgE UPgRaDE

Geelong commuters to Melbourne welcomed the opening of a fifth traffic lane in each direction on the West Gate Bridge, which will be operational in peak times.

The opening of the fifth lane will end peak lane closures, helping traffic conges-tion as well as delivering a more reliable journey between Melbourne and the G21 region.

PRioRiTY PRoJECT CElEBRaTES laUnCH oF inVESTMEnT aTTRaCTion STRaTEgY

Parliamentary Secretary for Regional Development, Damian Drum, launched the Geelong Ring Road Employment Precinct (GREP) prospectus, an invest-ment strategy highlighting the wealth of opportunities for industrial development in Geelong.

The prospectus promotes Geelong’s life-style, skilled workforce and proximity to Melbourne, GREP’s strategic location and access to road, rail, sea and air transport, the precinct’s competitively priced land and the range of infrastructure and serv-ices available to facilitate development.

The City of Greater Geelong has esti-mated when fully occupied, the GREP has the potential to generate up to 10,000 direct jobs and 12,000 indirect jobs for the region.

2011 achievements


July 2011$30,000 FoR CRUiSE SHiP DESTinaTion BUSinESS Plan

Minister for Regional Cities, Hon Dr Denis Napthine, announced a $30,000 com-mitment towards a Business Case to examine the opportunities in developing infrastructure that will establish Geelong as a cruise ship destination. The City of Greater Geelong, Tourism Victoria and Geelong Otway Tourism have also con-tributed towards the Business Case.

Creating a cruise ship facility in Geelong is a G21 Priority Project that would positively impact central Geelong, further boost the waterfront and grow the G21 region’s tourism market.

An initial study into the project has indicated that by 2025, Geelong could po-tentially accommodate 25 cruise ship visits, adding $25 million per year to the economy and creating more than 100 full time jobs.

The Geelong Cruise Ship Facility Business Case will:

• Review existing cruise industry data

• Review findings from a recent Geelong Cruise Ship feasibility study

• Review existing planning, design and cost information for the Yarra Street Pier

• Explore infrastructure requirements for the associated marina, cruise ship infrastructure and waterfront precinct

• Determine the economic benefits for Geelong and surrounding regions

• Identify a strategy to implement, manage and develop Geelong as Victoria’s cruise ship destination.


aPollo BaY HaRBoUR BEnEFiTS FRoM oVER $2.1 Million FUnDing

Minister for Ports, Hon Dr Denis Napthine, announced a $1.4 million commit-ment to purchase a new dredging vessel to service the Apollo Bay Harbour. This replaces the existing dredge, which is almost 70 years old. The new vessel will continue to enable the Colac Otway Shire to maintain a safe navigable depth at the entrance to the harbour.

The State Government has also allocated $780,000 to the Colac Otway Shire for operational costs and asset maintenance at the Apollo Bay harbour.

This funding will benefit thousands of recreational boaters who travel to Apollo Bay during the tourist season, and is vital to the Apollo Bay fishing industry, which is a significant employer in the town and worth $6.5 million to the local economy.

august 2011$600,000 FUnDing FoR a g21 EnViRonMEnT PillaR PRoJECT

G21, in partnership with the Great South Coast municipalities, successfully secured $600,000 through the Local Sustainability Accord program towards its ‘Climate Resilient Communities of the Barwon South West’ project.

The project will help communities in the Barwon South West region prepare for climate change impacts. It will establish a benchmark for mitigation, and will initiate the creation of a regional action plan and an assessment of regional vulnerability, with the ultimate aim of building community resilience and oppor-tunity.

SUCCESSFUl noRTHERn FUTURES inDUSTRY BREaKFaST

G21 in partnership with the Committee for Geelong, hosted the Northern Futures In-dustry breakfast, which featured speaker Nairn Walker.

Ms Walker has worked internationally, inform-ing thousands of pro-fessionals of Dr Ruby Payne’s ‘Culture of Poverty’ theory regarding the issues presented by economic disadvantage in our communities, schools and businesses.

2011 achievements


Ms Walker provided great insight into the different set of values and beliefs of those living with poverty, some of which could keep them trapped within that cycle from generation to generation.

Rail linE ConFiRMED FoR aValon

State Aviation Minister, Hon Gordon Rich-Phillips, has confirmed that a $250 million rail link will be built to Avalon Airport ahead of one to Melbourne Airport.

Minister Rich-Phillips justified building the Avalon Airport Rail Link first on the grounds it was easier and was a long-term investment, while routing a train to Melbourne Airport was complicated by surrounding urban development.

The State Government has committed $50 million towards the design and plan-ning, land acquisition, and preliminary construction of the $250 million Avalon Airport Rail Link. This announcement is significant for the continued develop-ment of Avalon Airport, a G21 Priority Project.

September 2011$20 Million FEDERal goVERnMEnT FUnDing FoR g21 PRioRiTY PRoJECTS

The Federal Government announced $20 million funding towards two of the G21 Priority Projects through its Regional Development Australia Fund (RDAF).

The Geelong Library and Heritage Centre received $10 million towards its re-development, while Skilled Stadium has also received $10 million towards its Stage 3 Redevelopment.

geelong library and Heritage Centre

The Geelong Library and Heritage Centre, part of the Geelong Future Cities Priority Project, will provide residents of the G21 region with greater access to historical, cultural and artistic resources. The project will create an additional 299 positions during construction and 17 full-time positions on completion in December 2014. It is expected to generate $7.46 in economic benefit for every $4.23 invested.

Stage 3 Skilled Stadium Redevelopment

The G21 region will benefit from improved spectator facilities and amenities including the installation of lights, and an increased ground capacity of around 3,500 to approximately 34,500. The Stage 3 Redevelopment will also deliver a community wellness and education centre, improved food and beverage facili-ties and a large member’s lounge / function room. The additional positive eco-nomic impact to the region will be $288.82 million over the next decade.


gEElong’S aCTiVE in PaRKS PRogRaM laUnCHED

Geelong’s Active in Parks - a Healthy Parks Healthy People program was launched by Hon Nick Wakeling MP, Parliamen-tary Secretary for Health. The program aims to con-nect people across the G21 region to parks and open spaces as a way of en-hancing their physical and mental health.

As part of the program, health professionals including doctors, maternal health nurses, and youth workers will prescribe park visits to improve the health and wellbeing of their patients and clients. The program will also offer a range of free or low cost activities for the general community. This pilot program is a joint initiative of G21, Parks Victoria and the People & Parks Foundation and its major sponsor is Medibank Community Fund.

g21’S HEalTH PRoMoTion anD CoMMUniTY STREngTHEning FoRUM – a HUgE SUCCESS

The G21 Health and Wellbeing team held a Health Promotion and Community Strength-ening forum celebrat-ing the work achieved across the region in 2010/11 under the collective banner of G21.

Over 80 practitioners, managers, CEOs, council and departmental staff from the five G21 municipalities attended the event held in Torquay. Key note speakers in-cluded Joan Kirner (Former Premier of Victoria), Paul Napper (CEO, Pathways) and Michal Morris (Manager Centre for Ethnicity and Health).

The launch of the G21 Freedom from Discrimination video ‘Know Me, Know My Story’ was a highlight of the forum.

2011 achievements


g21 BRiEFing To WaRREn TRUSS MP on oUR TRanSPoRT PRoJECTS

G21, together with members of the G21 Transport Pillar, met with the Shadow Minister for Transport and Infrastructure, Warren Truss MP. The group included representatives from municipalities, state agencies and service providers within the G21 region.

The G21 CEO provided the Shadow Minister with an overview of how the Trans-port Pillar functions within G21, and presentations were made about the im-portance in establishing Avalon Airport as an international airport, improving transport connections to the Port and the maintenance needs of road networks in ‘non-rateable’ areas such as the Great Ocean Road.

The meeting went very well and positive feedback was received regarding the transport initiatives being undertaken within the G21 region.

october 2011MiniSTER loVEll laUnCHES g21’S EaRlY YEaRS REPoRT

Minister for Children and Early Childhood Development, Hon Wendy Lovell, launched the ‘Growing up in G21: The health and wellbeing of children 0-8 years in the G21 region’ report.

The report recognises the importance of a child’s early years, and aims to build a regional picture of the challenges local children face, while recognising areas where they are flourishing.

Keynote speaker Dr Steven Allender, congratulated the members of the G21 Alliance on their achievement, noting that establishing a baseline of evidence would help influence policy decisions and to shape the services available to children aged 0-8 and their families.

Key findings from the report include:

• Children in the region are meeting or exceeding literacy benchmarks. • Kindergarten participation rates are above the state average across the

region, enhancing their development and better preparing them for school.


• A majority of parents say their region is a safe place to live. • The region has a relatively high number of one-parent families. • Immunisation rates are low compared to state levels, particularly for six year

old children. g21 SToP ViolEnCE againST WoMEn - MonTH oF aCTion

The G21 Health & Wellbeing team and partner agencies coordinated a month of action from 28 October to 25 November to raise awareness of preventing violence against women as a key factor to improving the mental health and wellbeing of women and children in the G21 region.

The G21 Freedom from Violence Action Group and the Geelong Family Violence Action Alliance held a number of events across the G21 region as part of the annual celebrations. The month commenced with ‘Reclaim the Night’, and included a variety of events before concluding with White Ribbon Day on 25 November.

november 2011$80 Million inVESTMEnT in noRlanE BUSinESSES, JoBS anD HoUSing

The State Government announced a four-year, $80 million housing project that will see more than 320 new public and affordable private homes built in Nor-lane.

The ‘New Norlane’ initiative will be one of the largest public and private hous-ing projects ever undertaken in Victoria, revitalising Norlane and attracting new investment through a partnership approach. It will also regenerate large areas currently dominated by social housing, which is recognised as a requirement in G21’s Addressing Disadvantage Priority Project.

Over the life of the project, 160 new private and 160 new public homes will be built on 200 blocks of land which are currently vacant.

The new housing will be built over four years.

2011 achievements


TWo g21 PRioRiTY PRoJECTS on STaTE goVERnMEnT’S 2011 inFRaSTRUC-TURE PRioRiTY liST

Two G21 Priority Projects were nominated on the State Government’s 2011 Infrastructure Australia priority list for funding consideration by Infrastructure Australia.

avalon airport (including international Terminal)

The Avalon Airport Rail Link (AARL) will offer high capacity and efficient public passenger services to Avalon Airport, allowing significant development opportu-nities for the Airport. Planning for the AARL will consider provision for:

• A rail connection off the Geelong to Melbourne rail line between Little River and Lara,

• Grade separations for the link to cross Old Melbourne Road, Geelong Road and Beach Road,

• A new rail station at Avalon.

Transport links to Melbourne

East West Link comprises a new 18 kilometre inner urban freeway connecting the Eastern Freeway and the Western Ring Road. This Link will ease congestion around the West Gate Bridge, allowing better linkages to the main service lines in Melbourne.

The submission has been developed using Infrastructure Australia’s ‘Reform and Investment Framework’ and takes into account Infrastructure Australia’s recent statements that it will only consider projects in excess of $100 million.

oUTCoMES oF THE 2011 g21 STaKEHolDER SURVEY

G21 conducted its annual Stakeholder Survey. The results of the 2011 survey were overwhelmongly positive with a slight increase on last year’s performance. Survey highlights include:

• All questions received a combined ‘very positive’ and ‘positive’ rating of 76.1% - 92.5%

• The highest ‘very positive’ ranking was recorded in relation to how well G21 communicates the G21 region’s priorities and activities to key stakeholders (52.9%, an increase of 13.5% from 2010 and 31.8% from 2009)

• There was a 5.6 % increase ‘very positive’ ranking in relation to how well G21 identifies and prioritises projects critical to the G21 region (37.2%, an in-crease of 5.6% from 2010 and 15.6% from 2009)

• There was a 3.8 % increase ‘very positive’ ranking in relation to how well G21 assists the development and funding of regionally important projects (30.6%,


an increase of 2.8% from 2010 and 17.4% from 2009)

The positive outcome reflects the great work G21 Directors, Pillar and Working Group members, Councils and staff have done throughout the year.

SUCCESSFUl g21 PRioRiTY PRoJECT CElEBRaTES oPEning

Geelong will be Victoria’s epicentre of excellence in bioscience education after the opening of the $4.4 million Victorian Bioscience Education Centre – BioLAB, a successful G21 Priority Project.

Officially opened by Minister for Education Martin Dixon, BioLAB is a specialised science education centre servicing the students across the G21 region. Hosted at Belmont High School, BioLAB has a number of programs targeted towards upper primary school through to middle secondary years students involving focus areas such as medical, sport, and health sciences, biotechnology, materials technology and biomechanics.

Four distinct laboratories are designed to help students learn about the different aspects of bioscience, including an outdoor field laboratory that will allow students to analyse the physics of a sport, and a human performance laboratory, where students will be able to use sophisticated testing equipment on site.

aRMSTRong CREEK’S EMPloYMEnT PRECinCT KiCKS oFF

A vital part of the economic future of Armstrong Creek, a G21 Priority Project, kicked off with the launch of the Keystone Business Park on the northern edge of Armstrong Creek. The Business Park, where over 8000 people will work, will positively benefit the economic and social development of the G21 region, attracting investment, employment and business activity.

The Business Park, which will provide for and accommodate all businesses, core and support services, deliberately supports industry clustering in precincts covering sectors such as trade supplies, health care, education,

2011 achievements


administration and retail. Leading-edge infrastructure including market-leading communications and utilities will provide up-to-the-minute broadband and recycled water technology.

While servicing the local area, initial indications are that Keystone will attract businesses from outside the region bringing investment and people into Armstrong Creek. This will have flow on benefits to the whole G21 region.

December 2011$100,000 FoR g21’S iCT ClUSTER

The Minister for Technology, Gordon Rich-Phillips, announced $100,000 funding to support the activities of ICT Geelong – the G21 region information and communication technologies (ICT) cluster.

The funding will allow ICT Geelong to build on past achievements and assist the continuing development of the ICT sector in the G21 region over the next two years.

It will enable cluster operations to continue, promoting the region’s ICT potential, fostering collaboration and progressing key projects that will deliver economic benefits to the G21 region.

Major projects include the development of ICT research and investment opportunities, commercialisation of technologies (such as Radio Frequency Identification), and delivery of the annual Technology Entrepreneurship Forum and ICT investment pitching competition.

oPEn SEaSon FoR gEElong Ring RoaD SECTion 4a

The $125 million Geelong Ring Road Section 4A, linking the Princes Highway at Waurn Ponds to Anglesea Road, was opened, allowing travellers a quicker, smoother and safer journey. The road is expected to carry up to 10,500 vehicles a day.

Completion of Section 4A, along with the previous three stages – means motorists can now travel for more than 100 kilometres between Melbourne and Anglesea without confronting a single traffic light. This is a significant milestone that will support the G21 region’s population growth, generate jobs and drive investment.

Since 2008, the Federal and State governments have together invested more than $1.3 billion to build the new Geelong Ring Road and duplicate the existing Princes Highway to Colac.

Construction of the Ring Road’s current remaining piece, Section 4B, is currently underway and on track to be completed by mid-2013. at which time Section 4C will commence.


g21 in action

The issuesA priority setting process was undertaken in 2009 involving consultation with all levels and representatives of government, business and community sectors in the G21 region.

Although the review did not identify any gaps since the analysis completed for ‘The G21 Geelong Region Plan’, it did reveal that some priorities have altered due to environmental changes such as the Global Financial Crisis. The strengths, vulnerabilities and threats confirmed by the review have in turn generated opportunities that have given rise to new projects.

As is often the case, some of the identified issues can be considered from multiple perspectives. For simplicity, the high order issues are presented here in brief detail. The G21 Priority Projects that have been developed in response follow from page 32.

StrengthsDEaKin UniVERSiTY & THE goRDon inSTiTUTE oF TaFE

The presence of Deakin and the Gordon not only provide education opportunities for our community, but is also a source of economic and creative vitality. For ex-ample, the Geelong Technology Precinct and the Innovative Regions Centre drive the development and dissemination of innovative practices that will underpin our future economy. The new Medical School is training medical staff focussed on the special needs and demands of regional areas.

aValon aiRPoRT

This is a major infrastructure asset in the region, particularly given the success and growing importance of tourism as well as the sustained growth of the popula-tion of the region. However, the asset is underutilised and has been constrained in its efforts to expand the number and range of operators and flights using the facility.

PoRT inFRaSTRUCTURE anD DEVEloPMEnT CaPaCiTY

The Port of Geelong is Victoria’s largest bulk port. Expansion opportunities exist both in the port’s hinterland and in the Point Wilson area. This will service grow-ing demand from agricultural products such as wood chips, grain and fertiliser. Victoria will benefit from expanded port infrastructure. The Port of Melbourne is the nation’s major container port but is severely constrained for space and access is a growing problem given nearby residential development. The Port of Geelong can readily take up some of the non-containerised freight, thereby reducing this pressure and maximising the benefit from the deepening of the channel.


RESEaRCH CaPaBiliTiESThe presence of two CSIRO facilities, Deakin University and Barwon Health, en-dows this region with one of the highest per capita concentrations of research-ers in the country. This provides the intellectual horsepower to drive our future economy and help us understand and deal with issues such as climate change. It also provides us with a base of research capacity that can be readily expanded.

WeaknessesEnTREnCHED DiSaDVanTagEThere are pockets of entrenched disadvantage in our community (Corio, Norlane, Whittington and Colac). The underlying issues are many and complex. Displacement of workers in response to global pressures is exacerbating this.

HEalTH oUTCoMES

The region rates lower than the state average in some significant health-related indicators. Service providers note that mental health issues and substance abuse underpin much of the violence that in turn affects our health and justice systems. Obesity is among the highest in the country, particularly among our young people, underpinned by poor diet and inadequate exercise.

EDUCaTion oUTCoMESEducation levels are lower than the Victorian average in all but trades, with lower post-secondary qualifications and one in four children leaving school early. The region has attracted new jobs but many of these are in knowledge-based industries, requiring advanced skills and education. As a result, many of the new workers have to be imported while many of our young people or those displaced from existing industries find themselves ill-equipped to fill these new job opportunities.

linKS To MElBoURnEThe growth of the Geelong and Melbourne West corridor over the past decade has resulted in strained transport links, both road and rail, between Melbourne and the region. The quality, reliability and frequency of rail services are inadequate, placing added pressure on the road links and the West Gate Bridge. The linkages have become a serious barrier to our region’s growth and must be dealt with as a matter of priority.

PUBliC TRanSPoRTThe region’s population is growing rapidly and ageing due to the influx of older people seeking a Seachange / Treechange or simply attracted by our lifestyle assets, lower property costs and relative proximity to Melbourne. The region is also large, with many dispersed population centres; but with important community facilities such as hospitals located in a few major towns. These factors greatly increase demand for public transport when many parts of the region are already poorly serviced.


opportunitiesBioTECHnologY

This is an emerging source of quality employment for our region, based on the intellectual assets of bodies including Deakin University, Barwon Health and CSIRO. We already have a presence in this industry with companies such as ChemGenex establishing and expanding. With attention, focus and additional resourcing this could become our region’s main employment engine.

ToURiSM inFRaSTRUCTURE

Tourism is an economically important sector for the region and Victoria. It also generates many and varied jobs and can absorb many of the relatively less skilled workers being displaced by economic transition. Our coastline and access to the sea has provided us with an outstanding tourism opportunity which the region has successfully utilised with significant growth in tourism numbers, especially from the lucrative international sector. Maintaining and growing this important industry requires important but selective investment in infrastructure.

aqUaCUlTURE anD MaRinE inDUSTRY

The region’s extensive and relatively pristine coastline provides significant opportunities for the rapidly expanding aquaculture and marine industries. These assets also attract many tourists as well as providing important social and recreational opportunities for our growing population. Potential projects such as Portarlington Safe Harbour and Apollo Bay Harbour demonstrate the benefits of improving the underpinning infrastructure.

DEVEloPMEnTS aRiSing FRoM inFRaSTRUCTURE SUCH aS THE Ring RoaD

The Ring Road and upgrade of Princes Highway West will significantly improve road safety and enhance attractiveness of the region to residents and workers in Melbourne. The close proximity of road, rail, port and airport encourages development of intermodal facilities, which are a critical component of modern freight systems. The combination also brings significant opportunities such as distribution, logistics and new agricultural developments. This will create many new jobs and economic benefits.

gRoWing THE REgion in a SUSTainaBlE WaY

Offering a great lifestyle and opportunities is not enough. This needs to be communicated to those who might be attracted to invest or live in the region. Marketing the region is therefore critical to achieving the benefits that all of the above opportunities offer. This is already under way but needs to be expanded and continued. If this is achieved, it will benefit our region, and therefore the State, and reduce the population growth pressure on Melbourne.

The issues


ConnECTED-UP goVERnMEnT

Our region has had to deal with the challenges of an economy in transition and entrenched pockets of disadvantage for over three decades. We have become resilient, focused and connected. Over time, as we have evolved our community planning and advocacy responses to these issues we have discovered the complexity of working with the three levels of government to respond most effectively to our challenges. It is imperative that we find new ways to implement outcome-focused solutions, maximising the combined resources of all three levels of government.

ThreatsEConoMY in TRanSiTion

Since the 1970’s, globalisation, the rise of emerging markets and the reduction of trade barriers in Australia, has severely impacted our region’s employment base. These trends are intensifying and the loss of well-paid manufacturing jobs is now reaching deep into the fabric of our community. We need to respond to this challenge by encouraging further innovation and specialisation amongst our businesses, helping the small and medium enterprise (SME) sector exploit engineering opportunities, attracting new industries and assisting the displaced workers to improve their skills and develop new careers.

CliMaTE CHangE

Our climate is likely to be dramatically different in the near future, with varied impacts on agricultural enterprises, rising sea levels effecting coastal communities and water availability for urban, industrial and agricultural use. The volume and range of media commentary on these issues is producing uncertainty and inertia, as the community grapples to understand what it means for our region and what we can and should do in response. We need to understand these impacts at a regional level, where possible take steps to mitigate their effects and prepare for them.

CaRBon FooTPRinT

As we move to a carbon-constrained future, our carbon intensive industries (e.g. oil refining, aluminium refining and cement production) will come under enormous pressure. Because of its concentration of such industries, this region is among the most carbon intensive in the country and thus likely to be among the most heavily impacted by carbon pricing. The Low Carbon Growth Plan, ‘Future Proofing Geelong’ recognises this and warrants government support and investment.


g21 in action

Prioritising the projectsThe G21 - Geelong Region Alliance brings together the broadest possible range of government, business and community leaders to discuss the key issues and opportunities facing the G21 region. This network of regional leaders has the unique capacity to identify, develop and advocate for the implementation of proj-ects that will improve people’s lives in the G21 region.

G21 project consultation commences at community level, proceeding through the G21 Pillars for consideration by the G21 Board. As experts in their respective fields, G21 Pillar Groups continually identify, assess and deliver regional projects in their area of expertise and nominate their highest priority projects for “G21 Priority Project” status. To date, the G21 Pillars and Board have assessed more than 300 regional projects aligning with the objectives of ‘The G21 Geelong Re-gion Plan’ against criteria including:

• Regional, social, environmental and economic benefits

• Strategic alignment with the objectives of ‘The G21 Geelong Region Plan’

• Leadership and human resources

• External (all levels of government and / or private sector) support and fund-ing potential.

Some of the Priority Projects have been reviewed and updated to focus clearly on the next developmental phase, whilst other new projects are responses to emerging issues or opportunities.

The regional priorities have been identified and confirmed by collaborating with local government, pillar leadership and where appropriate, through relevant Taskforces or Working Groups to develop quality, sustainable projects that will take the region forward. More than 300 people are actively and regularly involved in G21 activities through participation in G21 Pillar Groups, Taskforces, Working Groups and Sub-Committees.

go to www.g21.com.au for further details of the achievements and priorities outlined in this Report to the Region.


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Protect and enhance our environment

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15G21 Geelong Region Alliance

Priority Projects

= Clear regional priorities forState & Federal Governments

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Create sustainable settlements

Strengthen our communities

Refocus our economy

Make it happenBaywalk Bollards, Artist Jan Mitchell

A sustainability plan that looks toward 2050 addressing the challenges the region will face in the areas of environment, settlement, land use, community strength, economy and the way we make things happen.

6/9/07 4:56:47 PM

G21 Board

300+ Projects identified

G21 Project Prioritisation Process

52 Pillar Projects(300+ active & expert members of Pillars, Taskforces, Sub-Committees, Working Groups)

(Directors: 10 x Council appointed, 5 x Member elected)

Agreed Vision for 2050 (more than 1000 people from more than 50 organisations)

Timber

Timber

Grain

PORTLAND

HEYWOOD

HAMILTON

PORT FAIRY

PORT CAMPBELL APOLLO BAY

LORNE

BALLARAT

WINCHELSEA

COLAC TORQUAY

GEELONG

WARRNAMBOOL

Grain

Grain

Dairy

LivestockMineral Sands

BSW RDA Committee(10 x Committee members)

Geelong RegionPriority Projects

13 8


g21 in action

The Priority ProjectsThese regional priorities have been identified and confirmed by partnering with local govern-ment, pillar leadership and where appropriate, through relevant Taskforces or Working Groups to develop quality, sustainable projects that will take the region forward.

addressing DisadvantageThe ‘G21 Health and Wellbeing Community Profile (2009)’ highlights that the G21 region is below the Victorian average in some critical indicators, with pockets of severe disadvantage in areas including Corio, Norlane, Colac and Whittington.

The outcome of socioeconomic disadvantage is that some families experience significant inter-generational poverty that adversely compounds their mental and physical health status and life opportunities through lower education outcomes and unemployment.

Funding is required to support the Corio Norlane Development Advisory Board implement strategies to regenerate large areas currently dominated by social housing, restructure educational facilities, improve access to public transport and childcare and expand health and wellbeing facilities.

Funding is also required to develop Colac’s ‘Beechy Precinct’, an all inclusive education, recreation and community facility designed to address the high levels of social disadvantage in the Colac area by providing an active, learning community.

WHaT WE nEED:• $84.3m funding for the regeneration initiative at Corio and Norlane to redevelop educational and health

facilities, create job opportunities, upgrade public transport and transport connections,

• $7.6m funding to redevelop the Beechy Precinct’s recreation facilities to help address health and physi-cal activity issues and consequently the development of chronic diseases.

apollo Bay Harbour PrecinctApollo Bay has experienced considerable growth in the past five years and currently has a permanent population of 1,200 which swells to 15,000 over the peak holiday season. Apollo Bay’s harbour is one of only three safe blue water havens in Victoria west of Port Phillip Bay. It is presently home to the local fishing industry with a fleet of 11, employing 35 people and generating an annual catch of $6.5 million. However, the harbour has limited facilities for blue water recreational boating enthusiasts or for enhanced tourism and leisure experiences.

The Apollo Bay Harbour Precinct Master Plan outlines potential development and improvement opportuni-ties for the Apollo Bay Harbour Precinct, including integrating the harbour and the town with new shared pathways and improved access with increased parking.

WHaT WE nEED:• $10.6m funding for Stage 1 public infrastructure development including a new sea wall, new port op-

erations base (for harbour management, boat repairs and sling berth for emergency access for marine rescue) and public board walk recreation space,

• Support for inclusion of funding for further implementation works in forward estimates.

armstrong Creek Urban growth areaThe Armstrong Creek Urban Growth Area is the largest contiguous urban development in Victoria and a critical element in dealing with continued strong population growth in the G21 region.

Implementation of civil and social infrastructure will develop a community that is sustainable economically, environmentally and socially and set new standards in best practice urban development.

WHaT WE nEED:• Continued strong support from State Government to complete the planning of the Armstrong Creek

Urban Growth Area,


• $387m funding to provide necessary infrastructure and services for the new growth area including, education facilities, community and health services, transport links and infrastructure and active public space.

avalon airport To support expanded domestic passenger operations and the development of Avalon Airport as an inter-national passenger airport by supporting it through the necessary regulatory hurdles. This could include developing and promoting Avalon Airport in its new international terminal application or by encouraging and supporting the various Border Agencies to provide international services.

WHaT WE nEED:Federal Government

• approval for Avalon Airport to become an international airport,

• funding commitment of $50m towards a rail link to Avalon Airport,

• funding towards an aviation fuel pipeline connecting into existing Geelong-Melbourne Shell pipe line infrastructure.

State Government support

• for the continuation and expansion of the Qantas heavy maintenance facility at Avalon,

• to develop the proposed Aviation Training Academy at Avalon,

• Avalon Airport as the host of the Australian International Airshow beyond 2012.

Convention and Exhibition CentreBusiness events currently attract in excess of $17.4 billion each year nationally. 16% of potential G21 region events are lost because of deficient facilities.

The Convention and Exhibition Centre will not compete with Melbourne’s facilities, rather it will complement the offering and stamp Victoria as a global and national competitor for business events. Business events may be lost to interstate competitors with regional offerings in Townsville, Newcastle, Mackay, Sunshine Coast, Cairns, Gold Coast, Alice Springs, Hobart and other locations.

Much more than just a tourist initiative, this is an opportunity for Geelong for real investment in the knowl-edge economy for the region.

WHaT WE nEED:State Government:

• support in re-designating Crown land to suit the purposes of the Convention Centre,

• funding commitment of $5m funding towards design and site development costs.

geelong Centre for Emerging infectious Diseases (gCEiD) Emerging infectious diseases (EIDs) are new diseases of humans that originate from animals, usually wild-life. Transmission of EIDs in humans may occur as the result of direct contact between humans and wildlife species or, commonly, via a chain of interaction through domestic animals, particularly livestock species.

The GCEID is a new collaborative enterprise that joins the Australian Animal Health Laboratory (AAHL) with collaborators at Deakin University and Barwon Health. Animal disease researchers will pursue an aggres-sive program of research and translational activities directed at reducing the impact of EIDs on human health and economic prosperity in Australia and its regional partners.

WHaT WE nEED:• $500k funding to establish the Centre (Year 1),

• $7.3m funding to cover ongoing costs of the Centre (Years 2-6).

geelong Future Cities ProjectThe redevelopment of the Geelong Arts Precinct is essential to the cultural, economic and social vibrancy of the wider G21 region. The Precinct will complement Melbourne’s cultural and artistic facilities and events.

It will include:

• A new integrated Geelong Library and Heritage Centre (funded),

• An expanded and refurbished Geelong Performing Arts Centre,


The g21 Region Priority Projects

• Expansion of the Geelong Gallery.

WHaT WE nEED:• $30m to redevelop the Geelong Performing Arts Centre (Stage 1). (Total estimated at $142.5m).

geelong Ring Road Connections To maximise the value from the major investment in the Geelong Ring Road and Princes Highway West by completing the following key components:

• Determining the corridor from the proposed Ring Road at Surf Coast Highway to the Bellarine Peninsula,

• Upgrading freight connections from the Ring Road to the Port of Geelong,

• Upgrading the Midland Highway to Bannockburn.

WHaT WE nEED:• Lock in corridor from Ring Road to the Bellarine Peninsula (Feasibility $300k, Full designation $3-4m),

• Upgrading freight connections from the Ring Road to the Port of Geelong (About $12-15m),

• Upgrading the Midland Highway to Bannockburn (Feasibility $300k, Full designation about $130-160m).

geelong Ring Road Employment Precinct (gREP) An employment precinct located in close proximity to Geelong Port, Avalon Airport, major rail lines, Geelong Ring Road and Princes Highway infrastructure. At full development, the GREP will create more than 10,000 jobs. The main barrier to development is primary road and drainage infrastructure.

All land use planning, infrastructure design, costing and feasibility testing is complete.

WHaT WE nEED:• Refinement of planning frameworks particularly with regard to lot sizes along the Ring Road frontage,

• $5.1m funding to rebuild Heales Road to required industrial precinct standards, catering for heavy freight traffic. (Total estimated at $11.5m),

• $3.7m funding for primary drainage infrastructure required to facilitate the development of land in the north Heales Road catchment. (Total estimated at $10.3m).

geelong: Cruise Ship DestinationA new Yarra Street Pier will operate as a cruise liner facility accommodating visiting cruise ships, naval vessels, tall ships, luxury yachts and other vessels. The Pier would include Australian Customs Service and Australian Quarantine and Inspection Service facilities. Other important benefits include the protection of the annual Festival of Sails yacht race and safe harbour for touring vessels, together with benefits provided to the wider region from increased tourism and employment.

WHaT WE nEED:• $25.7m funding to enable detailed planning, design and construction of the Pier facility.

great ocean Road UpgradeThe National Heritage listed Great Ocean Road is the critical underpinning infrastructure that supports the Great Ocean Road region’s $2.1 billion tourism industry. Regarded as one of the world’s greatest coastal drives, the Great Ocean Road also links the numerous tourism villages and destinations along the coast.

The Great Ocean Road requires both maintenance and improvement to maintain the structural integrity of this icon, creating a showcase that reflects the road’s important role not only as an international and domestic tourist destination and significant economic driver in the G21 region, but also out of respect for its status as the world’s largest war memorial.

WHaT WE nEED:

• $50m funding over five years to upgrade and improve the Great Ocean Road.


Portarlington Safe HarbourA developed Portarlington Safe Harbour will provide a much needed enhancement of the existing marine infrastructure at Portarlington, which currently comprises the pier, breakwater and berths.

It will create local employment and support the important aquaculture industry by adding value to the es-tablished mussel sector in Portarlington and opportunities for the emerging oyster industry.

WHaT WE nEED:• State Government support in securing a site for a mussel hatchery,

• $26m to implement Stage 1 of the Portarlington Safe Harbour. (Total cost $58 million).

Regional Research and information Centre The growing importance on making sound investment and allocating resources effectively has highlighted that there is not enough region specific information available for stakeholders to make informed decisions about long-term regional planning. While there is a vast array of existing databases it is difficult for those requiring information, especially at the regional scale, to navigate amongst the complex range of organisations who hold that data.

The Regional Research and Information Centre will lead an integrated regional data gathering and research ef-fort in order to inform regional planning and decision-making. It will facilitate data sharing amongst government agencies, RDA Committees and other public, not-for-profit and private sector regional stakeholders, providing high quality analysis and information based on existing datasets and new research. It will engage regional stake-holders, and act as an information broker and ‘thought leader’ on regional development issues.

WHaT WE nEED• $1.8m funding to establish the Centre and senior recruitment from industry bodies, university and

government over the first five years.

Regional Trails Master Plan implementationThe identification of the Great Ocean Road as a key destination in ‘Victoria’s Nature-based Tourism Strategy 2008-2012’ has highlighted the need to grow our existing network of trails which give access by foot, bike or horse to the coast, the Otways and Barwon River, capitilising on this valuable sector.

A large amount of work has been undertaken on these trails in response to an increase in public demand. However, individual trail developments have typically occurred in isolation from other trails across the region, resulting in a lack of physical and promotional linkages between trails and a range of trail construc-tion and maintenance standards, funding sources and governance arrangements.

WHaT WE nEED• $20m funding to implement the regional trails network through the G21 region,

• $12-15m funding to develop trails and parklands specific to the Barwon River Parklands.

Transport links to MelbourneThe single biggest barrier to the growth of the G21 region is the constraint of access to Melbourne.

Growth of the G21 region will reduce urban growth pressure on Melbourne. The proximity of the G21 region to Melbourne makes it an attractive ‘first step’ for Melbourne residents towards regional living.

WHaT WE nEED:• Development of the Regional Rail Link to Geelong,

• Upgrade of the Marshall Rail Station (Stage 2) and development of Grovedale West Railway Station (Stage 2) (Stage 1 funding allocated). Rail yards require relocation from Geelong CBD,

• Designation of a public transport corridor linking Torquay to Geelong,

• Reduce traffic blockages to Melbourne by constructing WestLink, a tunnel under the Maribyrnong River to connect the Western Ring Road to the Port of Melbourne,

• Implement a V/Line 20 minute off-peak service between Geelong and Melbourne.


g21 in action

Pillar ProjectsFollowing is an overview of current G21 Pillar Projects. This list excludes the 13 Pillar Projects that are endorsed as G21 Priority Projects (outlined in pages 32-35).

arts & CultureEConoMiC BEnEFiTS oF aRTS anD CUlTURE - A broader understanding of the economic impact and benefits of arts and cultural activity throughout the region will assist the industry to improve knowledge and awareness of the broader impacts and better inform and strengthen advocacy efforts. Prior to undertaking the Economic Benefits study, the Pillar is contributing to the development of the G21 Economic Develop-ment Strategy to ensure arts and culture are recognised as a major contributor to the economic sustain-ability, liveability and development of the region.

aRTS anD CUlTURE aSSETS REgiSTER - Art and cultural activities are a critical component of community strength and expression. A comprehensive assets register will quantify the G21 region’s art, cultural and heritage assets, while also serving as a useful resource for artists, arts workers and the community.

The project involves mapping physical assets including public art, memorials and spaces - both built and natural - for performance and exhibition, and will also provide an overview for future planning. The register will build on existing resources including the City of Greater Geelong’s Arts Directory and newly completed Memorial and Public Art Register and the Surf Coast Shire’s Public Art document.

aRTS EVEnT CooRDinaTion - This project aims to collate information about existing and potential arts and cultural events around the region, with a view to coordinating a schedule that optimises the objectives of each activity. Relevant events range from arts markets and festivals, to performance opportunities and platforms for new work.

Economic Developmentg21 REgional EConoMiC DEVEloPMEnT STRaTEgY - Development of a collaborative Economic Develop-ment Strategy identifying the region’s areas of natural advantage and outlining strategies for supporting regional growth and development that accommodates this anticipated growth.

gEElong MaRinE inDUSTRY PRoJECT - The Geelong Marine Industry Project will develop a marine indus-try precinct in the area of Osborne House to service recreational boating in Victoria. The project builds on the Osborne House Precinct Master Plan and Feasibility Report and aims to further strengthen Geelong as a boating capital while building on existing industrial and tourism advantages.

loW CaRBon EConoMY oPPoRTUniTiES - The G21 Regional Economic Development Strategy will identify low carbon economy opportunities in the G21 region. The strategy will provide a capability analysis of the region’s competitive advantages relating to alternative energy and carbon mitigation projects including technological knowledge, research /development capability, manufacturing capacity, capital infrastructure and natural resources. Action plans will be developed to assist the G21 region to increase economic output and employment in a low carbon economy.

REgional MaRKETing PRogRaM - Promote and raise the profile of the G21 region among targeted audi-ences through a coordinated and collaborative marketing approach. Specifically this includes marketing the G21 region state-wide, nationally and internationally; building G21 region pride within the region by commu-nicating to the community and attracting professionals to the G21 region.

SURF CUlTURE - As a vital cog in the world of surfing, Torquay has significant opportunities to capitalise on its surfing culture through the development of events, activities and business. Major improvements to the world famous Bells Beach Surfing Reserve are currently underway to better manage visitors and protect the fragile environment. Investigations into the implementation of interpretive links between Bells Beach, the specialised surf retail cluster at Surf City and the Torquay township are being undertaken. A potential upgrade of the Torquay Visitor Centre and the Surf World Museum is also being explored.

noRTHERn gaTEWaY - The unique range of existing and proposed infrastructure assets in Geelong’s Northern Gateway will allow government and the private sector to attract development opportunities from anywhere in the world. Supporting the region’s core industrial capacity, including Ford, Shell, Air Radia-


tors and MC Herd, the precinct is strategically positioned as a “gateway” between Geelong and Melbourne, Victoria’s Western district and wider domestic and international markets. Key assets include Avalon Airport, the Geelong Port, Geelong Ring Road, rail for freight and land for development.

Education & TrainingREgional WoRKFoRCE DEVEloPMEnT STRaTEgY - To strategically guide and shape the region’s work-force to match the needs of our evolving economy. The Pillar will assess the current directions in skills loss and investigate new employment opportunities to develop Workforce Plans for the region’s major industry sectors. Work has commenced to develop a BSW Health and Community Services Workforce Strategy under the leadership of a steering group that involves members of the Education and Training Pillar working with the Health and Wellbeing Pillar and other key stakeholders.

ViCToRian BioSCiEnCE EDUCaTion CEnTRE (BiolaB) - BioLAB is an iconic specialist Science / Maths Centre that will become synonymous with the study of BioScience in the G21 region. BioLAB will develop and deliver programs that engage and inspire students in new and emerging sciences using innovative technologies and techniques. The Pillar will continue to support this project through its involvement on the BioLAB steering group.

EnvironmentBioDiVERSiTY RiSK analYSiS - To conduct a biodiversity risk analysis of all land and marine species in the G21 region to incorporate into an Environmental Regional Action Plan.

BaRWon RiVER PaRKlanDS - To improve facilities along more than 30 kilometres of the Barwon river from Geelong across the Bellarine Peninsula to create the Barwon River Parklands. This project builds on the popular recreation opportunities of the existing trail network, and the Belmont Common, to create a place of great local and regional pride while protecting the natural environment.

FaRMing inCEnTiVE PRogRaM - To develop an incentive program for farmers to encourage environmen-tally sustainable practices such as eradicating pest plants and animals, increasing biodiversity, improving soil health and recycling water.

REgional EnViRonMEnTal ClEaRing HoUSE - To gather and analyse environmental data to create a profile of the G21 region. The profile would provide a baseline of environmental evidence, identify emerging regional needs and allow agencies in the region to better coordinate their activities and focus on the areas of greatest need.

REgional RoaDSiDE aDViSoRY CoMMiTTEE - To develop a high level Regional Roadside Advisory Com-mittee to provide advice on roadside management with respect to biodiversity, pests and fire management in a strategically coordinated way.

RESToRE THE MooRaBool RiVER - To develop a best practice plan for the Moorabool River that will improve the flow of the river and increase river biodiversity. This will restore it to its ‘natural’ standard and improve community access to, and recreational use of, the river.

SCEnaRio iii DEVEloPMEnT - To undertake and publish research concerning regional sustainability due to climate change, and review contemporary population and growth assumptions with a view to re-assessing regional capacity to support them. This research-based project is conducted in cooperation with the Alfred Deakin Research Institute.

CliMaTE RESiliEnT CoMMUniTiES - To help communities in the Barwon South West region prepare for climate change impacts. It will establish a benchmark for mitigation, and will initiate the creation of a re-gional action plan and an assessment of regional vulnerability, with the ultimate aim of building community resilience and opportunity. The Pillar has received $600,000 funding under the State Government’s Local Sustainability Accord program to undertake this project.

Health & Wellbeingg21 REgional HEalTH anD WEllBEing STRaTEgiC Plan - Implementation of the G21 HWB Strategic Plan 2009-2012 involves the five G21 municipalities and around 40 agencies, driven by four strategic direc-tions identified in the Plan.

The Plan supports additional strategies for chronic disease management, integrated health promotion, and service coordination and encourages working regionally to identify community issues and contribute to regional solutions.


HEalTHY PaRKS HEalTHY PEoPlE (HPHP) PHYSiCal aCTiViTY PRogRaM - HPHP explores the links be-tween nature and human health, and aims to harness the authority of health care professionals to actively refer individuals and groups to participate in tailored activity sessions in parks.

The program has established strong partnerships between the health, local government and parks man-agement sectors to enable a system-wide approach to supporting physical activity in parks, specifically the Geelong’s Active in Parks program.

inTEgRaTED HEalTH PRoMoTion anD CoMMUniTY STREngTHEning - Four strategic objectives have been developed to address mental health promotion in the G21 region; social connectedness, physical activ-ity, freedom from discrimination and freedom from violence. Action Groups reflecting these objectives have been established and a series of projects identified, to progress work in these key areas.

PRiMaRY CaRE REFoRM anD HEalTH WoRKFoRCE Planning PRoJECTS - National Health Reforms will continue to influence existing primary care partnership arrangements, specifically through the transition of the General Practitioners Association of Geelong to the Barwon Medicare Local agency for the G21 region.

Regional planning is underway to identify current regional workforce demands for the health and commu-nity services sector and opportunities to meet future workforce shortages as productively as possible. This will help position agencies within the G21 region to respond to future needs and funding opportunities that best meets the region’s requirements.

Sport & Recreationg21 REgion FooTBall (SoCCER) STRaTEgY - The ‘G21 Region Soccer Strategy’ addresses issues and challenges facing soccer in the G21 region, identifying opportunities for improved infrastructure and sports development programs.

It focuses on five key areas for improvement; alignment of football planning, participation pathways, facility management, club management and support and resourcing and partnering. Released for public comment in December 2011, a final Strategy is due for completion early 2012.

STagE 3 SKillED STaDiUM REDEVEloPMEnT - The Stage 3 Redevelopment of Skilled Stadium will strengthen Geelong as a sports hub for the region while building on existing commercial and tourism advantages. The Stadium will become a flexible ‘community’ space with the potential to deliver a broader range of sporting and community activities including 20/20 Cricket. The redevelopment will also provide local jobs, additional local expenditure and significant economic and social impacts.

Planning & ServicesURBan lanD SUPPlY inFoRMaTion - Information on the residential and industrial land supply in the G21 region has been collated for input into the State Government’s Urban Development Program, which moni-tors land supply in Melbourne and key regional areas.

g21 Pillar Projects

Children enjoying an ‘active in Parks (HPHP) activity at Barwon River Photo by Vanessa Wiggenraad


REgional gRoWTH Plan (RgP) - The G21 RGP will address the region’s short to medium-term (2016-26) land needs. The objectives of the plan are to develop a strategic land use plan for the G21 region that will provide land use planning and economic development direction to accommodate residential and employ-ment land needs and industrial / commercial / rural-agriculture development.

The Plan will identify the region’s social needs and environmental opportunities in planning for communi-ties, the pattern of settlement, and any community infrastructure requirements identified at regional / sub-regional level.

TransportBiCYClE iMPRoVEMEnT PRoJECTS - A range of projects have been identified to improve safety for cyclists.

ColaC Ring RoaD - Given the current upgrade of Princes Highway West to Colac, a corridor around Colac needs to be determined. Benefits of the road should be maximised without adversely affecting the town.

DUPliCaTion oF gEElong – MaRSHall Rail linE - Constraints on the Geelong-Marshall rail line have led to the need to duplicate the rail line.

EnHanCE USE oF WaRRnaMBool / gEElong / MElBoURnE Rail linE FoR FREigHT - A forecast in-crease in freight traffic in the region has identified the need to optimise the value of the Warrnambool train line.

gEElong Rail STaTion MaSTER Plan - A Master Plan for the development of the Geelong Rail Station precinct is being undertaken which will address a range of rail transport issues.

inTERMoDal FREigHT inTERCHangE - A feasibility study has identified a demand for an intermodal facil-ity to optimise the use of rail in the transport of freight and minimise secondary distribution by road.

PRinCES HigHWaY WEST UPgRaDE - Upgrading of the Princes Highway West from Geelong to Mt Gambier including duplication between Waurn Ponds and Winchelsea, Winchelsea and Colac, and safety improve-ments between Colac and Mt Gambier.

PUBliC TRanSPoRT CoRRiDoR lanD alloCaTion anD iniTiaTiVE PRogRaM - A program to ensure that land is reserved for public transport requirements beyond Armstrong Creek to the Surf Coast is required.

PUBliC TRanSPoRT STRaTEgY, PRoJECTS anD iMPlEMEnTaTion Plan 2011/14 - Following the imple-mentation of the G21 Integrated Public Transport Strategy (2006), a study is required to review its progress and identify new priorities. The Minister for Public Transport supports the study, and the Department of Transport will work with G21 in undertaking this project.

REgional TRaFFiC MoDEl DEVEloPMEnT - A regional traffic model is required to examine the impacts of development on the road network.

TRanSPoRT ConnECTionS PRogRaM - This public transport trial service, which connects districts not usually serviced by public transport, should be extended and targeted to areas that don’t interconnect.

g21 Regional growth Plan managing growth and land use issues from now until 2050

PagE 40 g21 - gEElong REgion allianCE - REPoRT To THE REgion 2011PagE 40 g21 gEElong REgion allianCE - REPoRT To THE REgion

g21 Member organisations 2012/2013

Borough of Queenscliffe

City of Greater Geelong

Colac Otway Shire

Golden Plains Shire

Surf Coast Shire

Adroit Insurance Group

Aerolite Quarries

Air Radiators

Alcoa of Australia - Point Henry

Allabout Tours & Travel

APP Corporation

Ashlorien Management

Austeng

Avalon Airport Australia

Back to Back Theatre

Barwon Adolescent Taskforce

Barwon Coast Committee of Management

Barwon Health

Barwon Medicare Local

Barwon Regional Waste Management Group

Barwon Sports Academy

Barwon Timber and Hardware

Barwon Water

Basford Brands

BDH Constructions

Bellarine Bayside Foreshore Committee of Management

Barwon Coast Committee of Management

Bellarine Community Health

Bendigo Bank

Bethany Community Support

BRACE Education Training Employment

Brax Window Treatments

BSW Adult Community Further Education (ACFE)

Bulla Dairy Foods

Centacare Catholic Family Services

Choc Chip Multimedia

Cockram Construction

Colac Area Health

The Colac Herald

Committee for Geelong

Conservation Enterprises Unlimited

Conservation Volunteers Australia

Corangamite Catchment Management Authority

Corio Waste Management

Costa Property Group

Coulter Roache Lawyers

Coumans Chartered Accountants

Country Fire Authority

Courthouse Arts

CREATE (Geelong)

CSIRO - AAHL

CT Management Group

David Hamilton Property Group

Davidsons

Deakin University

Design Stainless Industries

Diversitat

DWS Advanced Business Solutions

Dzign Diezel Group

Ecology and Heritage Partners

EnviroRisk Management

EPA Victoria

Epworth Healthcare

Evologic Technologies

Express Promotions

Fagg’s Mitre 10

Four Points by Sheraton

Friends of Geelong Botanic Gardens

Full Circle Occupational Therapy

Gartland Real Estate

Gateways Support Services

Geelong Advertiser Group

Geelong Cats

Geelong Cemeteries Trust

Geelong Chamber of Commerce

The Geelong Club

The Geelong College

Geelong Conference Centre

Geelong Gallery

Geelong Galvanizing

Geelong Grammar School

Geelong Greyhound Racing Club - The Beckley Centre

Geelong Manufacturing Council

Geelong Otway Tourism

Geelong Performing Arts Centre

Geelong Regional Library Corporation

Geelong Trades Hall Council

GeelongPort

Geelong Region LLEN

G-Force Recruitment

Glastonbury Child & Family Services

GMHBA

Godfrey Hirst Australia

Gordon McKay

Great Ocean Road Coast Committee

g21 gEElong REgion allianCE - REPoRT To THE REgion PagE 41g21 gEElong REgion allianCE - REPoRT To THE REgion PagE 41

Greening Australia (Vic)

Greenline Engineering

GRVEC (Geelong Regional Vocational Education Council)

The Gordon

Hail Design

Harwood Andrews Lawyers

Hesse Rural Health Service

Hifert

Hoare Bros

ICD Asia Pacific

Industry Control Technology

Informatic Technologies

Insulpak

Integrated Automation

Ivy Street

Josie’s Transport Group

K&S Freighters

Kardinia Health

Karingal

Keystone Business Park

Kings Australia

L Bisinella Developments

Lake Imaging

Leisure Networks

Lorne Sculpture Exhibition

Lyondellbasell Australia

MacKillop Family Services

Marcus Oldham College

Maxwell Collins Real Estate

McManus Real Estate

Melbourne Institute of Business & Technology

Mental Illness Fellowship

Mentor Human Resources

Mercure Hotel

Moltoni Corporation

National Celtic Festival

OBI Group

Ocean Grove Community Enterprise

Opteon

Otway Health & Community Services

Otways Tourism

Pace Advertising

Parks Victoria

Pathways Rehabilitation and Support Services

Patrick Rowan & Associates

People Animals Nature

People at Work

Point Lonsdale Civic Association

PointNorth Consulting

Portarlington Business Development Association (PBDA)

Powercor

Prestige Jayco

Queenscliff Bowling Tennis and Croquet Association

Queenscliff Music Festival

RedStick Strategic Communications

Riordan Group

The Salvation Army Kardinia Network

Searoad Ferries

Select Architects

Senia Lawyers

Shell Refining (Australia)

Slattery Australia

SPE (Management)

SpringDale Neighbourhood Centre

Southern Cross Business Machines Geelong

St John of God Hospital

St Laurence Community Services

St Quentin Consulting

Standby Security Services

Strategic Investment Management

Telstra Country Wide

Third Ecology

Tract Consultants

Tradon Import Export

Transport Accident Commission

Tucker Funeral & Bereavement Service

Uniting Care Geelong

Victorian Centre for Advanced Materials Manufacturing (VCAMM)

Vehicle Modification Specialists

VicRoads

Victoria Farmers Federation, Geelong-Colac District Council

Victorian Regional Channels Authority

Vicwest Community Telco

VRC Property

Warne Marketing

Waypoint

Wesley Centre for Life Enrichment

Western Coastal Board

Wharf Shed Complex

Wilkore

Winchester Australia

WPC Group


g21 leadership group

CR GERALDINE FRANTz Mayor Golden Plains Shire

CR STEPHEN HART Mayor Colac Otway Shire

CR BRIAN MCKITERICK Mayor Surf Coast Shire

CR BOB MERRIMAN Mayor Borough of Queenscliffe

CR JOHN MITCHELL Mayor City of Greater Geelong

ED COPPE Director Strategic Investment Management

CR JAN FARRELL Councillor City of Greater Geelong

MICHAEL MALOUF Managing Director Barwon Water

JASON TRETHOWAN Chief Executive Officer Barwon Medicare Local

BERNADETTE UzELAC Executive Officer Geelong Chamber of Commerce

ELAINE CARBINES Chief Executive Officer G21 - Geelong Region Alliance

Council appointed g21 Directors

Board appointed officers

The g21 Board of Directors includes:

• Five Council CEo’s representing the g21 municipalities

• Five Council appointed directors (one from each council)

• Five Directors elected by g21 members at the annual general Meeting

The g21 Board of Directors draw upon the priorities identified by the g21 Pillars and explore ways to implement priority projects, largely by engaging g21 member organisations to influence potential project funding and support bodies.

ROB SMALL Chief Executive Officer Colac Otway Shire

MARK DAVIES Chief Executive Officer Surf Coast Shire

LENNY JENNER Chief Executive Officer Borough of Queenscliffe

ROD NICHOLLS Chief Executive Officer Golden Plains Shire

STEPHEN GRIFFIN Chief Executive Officer City of Greater Geelong

Elected g21 Directors


The G21 region has been well placed to benefit from the regional focus of both the State and Federal governments during 2011. Indeed our region has had much to celebrate this year!

Full funding has been secured for three of G21’s Priority Projects including the duplication of Princes Hwy West from Winchelsea to Colac, the redevelopment of the Geelong Library and Heritage Centre and the Stage 3 upgrading of Skilled Stadium.

Partial funding commitments have also been made towards other G21 Priority Projects including important infrastructure at Avalon Airport, Armstrong Creek and Apollo Bay Harbour. Our focus on addressing regional disadvantage has been assisted through funding to construct Trade Training Centres at Corio and Colac. Business case funding has also been provided for the Geelong Cruise Ship Destination project.

Throughout the year work has steadily progressed on two important regional strategies – the G21 Regional Growth Plan and the G21 Economic Development Strategy. We look forward to further working with our member councils, government departments, industry, business and the community to finalise these strategies in 2012.

We were proud in April, in conjunction with the Geelong Advertiser, to launch the inaugural Our Place magazine. Our Place showcased the excellent collaborative and innovative work taking place across the G21 region to improve the lives of our region’s residents.

G21 has been very pleased to host visits by State Ministers this year including Hon Mary Wooldridge, Minister for Community Services and Hon Ryan Smith, Minister for Environment. Both Ministers received comprehensive presentations from the relevant Pillar members.

The Early Years Report - ‘Growing Up in G21’ was launched by the Hon Wendy Lovell, Minister for Children and Early Childhood Development in October. This substantial report provides important data about the health and well being of children across our region.

G21 has also worked in partnership with the People and Parks Foundation, Parks Victoria

and Medibank Community Fund to launch the innovative Geelong’s Active in Parks Project. A range of activities have been scheduled to take place across our region aimed at encouraging people, including referrals from GPs to improve their mental and physical health by getting out into our magnificent parks and beaches.

G21 has been fortunate to have Tom Boarder, a Deakin intern, working with us this year. Tom has produced two confronting and informative videos for our Health and Wellbeing Pillar- Freedom from Violence and Know Me, Know My Story.

Over the course of 2011, our membership base has grown with 179 G21 region businesses, organisations and community groups supporting G21’s valuable work. We have maintained a substantial stakeholder database with almost 10,000 people from across our region subscribing to our electronic news bulletin, G21 e-News.

G21 benefits from the substantial involvement of influential people from across the G21 region. We would like to thank out-going G21 Board members – Cr Dean Webster, Cr Brian Crook, Cr David Cotsell, Anne-Marie Ryan and Janet Dore for their considerable contribution to our region.

2011 has also seen a number of staffing changes at G21. We would particularly like to thank Mark Brennan, Vanessa Wiggins and Richard Lunz for their contribution to our Health and Wellbeing team and wish them well in their new careers.

G21 staff have worked hard throughout the year to support our region and our thanks go to Anne Somerville, Claire Tehan, Marilyn Rae, Lauren Fanning, Martin Sweeney, Sue Noonan, Kate Smith, Naomi Madigan, Rebecah Watsford, Vanessa Wiggenraad and Narelle Watts.

We continue to be inspired by the over 300 people across the G21 region who volunteer their professional time working with our Pillars, Task Forces and Working Groups – their commitment is the key to G21’s success.

Report from the CEo & Chairperson

ED CoPPE g21 CHaiRPERSon

ElainE CaRBinES CHiEF ExECUTiVE oFFiCER


g21 Pillar Members

g21 arts & Culture Pillar Cr Cameron granger (leader) Councillor, City of Greater GeelongJanice lane (Deputy leader) Manager Community Development, Surf Coast Shire Cr Jenny Blake Councillor, Golden Plains Shire Elaine Carbines Chief Executive Officer, G21 - Geelong Region AllianceMark Davies Chief Executive Officer, Surf Coast Shire Julie Dyer Arts Development Officer, Surf Coast Shiregeoffrey Edwards Director, Geelong Art GalleryTim Edwards Manager Creative Communities, Regional Development Victorialuisa la Fornara Multicultural Arts Officer, DiversitatPatti Manolis Chief Executive Officer, Geelong Regional Library Corporationalice nash General Manager, Back to Back TheatreKaren Patterson COPACC Manager, Colac Otway ShireKaz Paton Manager Art & Culture, City of Greater GeelongCr Joe Remenyi Councillor, Surf Coast Shire Malcolm Sanders General Manager, Courthouse ArtsJill Smith General Manager, Geelong Performing Arts Centreleanne Stein Recreation, Cultural & Arts Access Officer, Borough of QueenscliffeSue Warner Director Education Enterprise - Creative Business, The Gordon

g21 Economic Development Pillar Ed Coppe (leader) Director, Strategic Investment ManagementTerry Demeo (Deputy leader) Manager Planning Strategy & Economic Development, City of Greater GeelongPeter anderson Regional Director, Dept of Planning & Community DevelopmentMike Barrow Manager Economic Development, Colac Otway ShireCr Frank Buchanan Councillor, Colac Otway ShireElaine Carbines Chief Executive Officer, G21 - Geelong Region AllianceCr libby Coker Councillor, Surf Coast ShirePeter Dorling Executive Director, Committee for GeelongTim gooden Secretary, Geelong Trades Hall CouncilRoger grant Executive Director, Geelong Otway TourismKeelie Hamilton Coordinator Economic Development, City of Greater GeelongJohn Hedditch Manager, Public Health & Regional Planning, Dept of HealthCraig Hill Cluster Facilitator, Geelong ICT ClusterMark Kelly Innovative Regions Facilitator, Innovative Regions CentrePeter lawson Acting Community Relationship Manager, Dept of Primary IndustriesCr Rod MacDonald Councillor, City of Greater GeelongCr Bob Merriman Mayor, Borough of Queenscliffeneil noelker Acting Senior Business Facilitator, Surf Coast ShireDavid Peart Executive Officer, Geelong Manufacturing CouncilJim Phillips Regional Manager - Geelong, Regional Development VictoriaDavid Spear Manager Executive Projects, Golden Plains ShireWayne Street Cluster Facilitator, Geelong Food Co-products ClusterBernadette Uzelac Executive Officer, Geelong Chamber of CommerceJeff Wall General Manager Corporate Services, City of Greater GeelongBarry White Regional Manager, Market Facilitation, Skills Victoria


g21 Environment Pillar Cr andy Richards (leader) Councillor, City of Greater Geelong

gareth Smith (Deputy leader) Chief Executive Officer, Corangamite CMA

Stewart anderson Environment Manager & Community Safety, Colac Otway Shire

Steve Blackley Executive Officer, Western Coastal Board

Enzo Bruscella Executive Officer, Barwon Regional Waste Management Group

Elaine Carbines Chief Executive Officer, G21 - Geelong Region Alliance

Cr David Cotsell Councillor, Golden Plains Shire

Bernie Cotter Executive Officer, Association of Bayside Municipalities

Ralph Cotter Project Manager, Dept of Primary Industries

Cr lloyd Davies Councillor, Borough of Queenscliffe

Richard Davies Chief Executive Officer, Great Ocean Road Coastal Committee

Cr John Doull Councillor, City of Greater Geelong

Darren gray Skill Centre Manager - Centre for Sustainable Innovation, The Gordon

Cr Stephen Hart Mayor, Colac Otway Shire

Rowan MacKenzie Manager Environment & Planning, Surf Coast Shire

gavan Mathieson Manager, Environment Protection Authority (SW)

andrew McKinnon Project Manager for Barwon River Parklands, Parks Victoria

Cr Simon northeast Councillor, Surf Coast Shire

Sue noonan Community Development Manager, Healthy Parks, Healthy People

amy o’Brien Climate Communities, Sustainability Victoria

Patrick o’Callaghan Executive Director, Conservation Enterprises

Tony Overman Coordinator Strategy & Sustainability, Barwon Water

Mark Sanders Managing Director, Third Ecology

gayle Seddon Environment & Climate Change Coordinator, Surf Coast Shire

Patrick Shaw Program Manager Climate Change & Sustainability, Dept of Sustainability & Environment BSW

Rob Small Chief Executive Officer, Colac Otway Shire

Samantha Smith City of Greater Geelong

Dale Smithyman Natural Resources Officer, Golden Plains Shire

Kim Stanley-Eyles Team Leader Corangamite, Greening Australia

Rod Thomas Manager Environment & Natural Resources, City of Greater Geelong

Jacqueline Wilson Sustainability Coordinator, Borough of Queenscliffe

nick Wynne Project Manager Future Coasts, Dept of Sustainability & Environment

abalone Farm, Bellarine Peninsula Photo supplied by City of greater geelong


g21 Pillar Membersg21 Health & Wellbeing Pillarlenny Jenner (leader) Chief Executive Officer, Borough of Queenscliffe

James arnott Executive Manager Health Services, GMHBA

Dennis Barker Director Sustainable Communities, Surf Coast Shire

grant Boyd Chief Executive Officer, Bethany Community Support

Miranda Bruyniks Deputy Regional Director, Client Outcomes, Dept of Human Services


Kerri Erler Community Engagement Officer, Dept of Planning & Community Development

Jill Evans Director Community Services, Golden Plains Shire

John Fendyk Chief Executive Officer, Bellarine Community Health

Robyn Hayles Executive Director of Ambulatory Services, Barwon Health

John Hedditch Manager, Public Health & Regional Planning, Dept of Health

geoff iles Chief Executive Officer, Colac Area Health

Prof. David lowe Director, Alfred Deakin Research Institute

Rosemary Malone Chief Executive Officer, Gateway Support Services

Jenny McMahon General Manager Community Services, City of Greater Geelong

annie o’loughlin Assistant Regional Director, Early Childhood & Youth Services, DEECD

Cr lyn Russell Councillor, Colac Otway Shire

anne Somerville Director - Health & Wellbeing, G21 - Geelong Region Alliance

Jason Trethowan Chief Executive Officer, GP Association of Geelong

g21 Education & Training PillarCr David Cotsell (leader) Councillor, Golden Plains Shire

Mike Barrow Manager Economic Development, Colac Otway Shire

lou Brazier Executive Officer, Northern Futures Regeneration Project

Suzanne Brebner Assistant Principal, Moriac Primary School

Toni Burgoyne Director Corio Norlane Regeneration Project, DEECD


lynne Clarke Executive Officer, GRVEC

Cr Brian Crook Councillor, Colac Otway Shire

Peter Crossett Primary Principals Association

Chris Eddy School Improvement Manager, DEECD

geraldine Frantz Mayor, Golden Plains Shire

Pam Hargreaves Association of Independent Schools of Victoria

John Henry Director, Researching Futures

Paul Jamieson Manager Community Development, City of Greater Geelong

Sue Kilpatrick Pro Vice-Chancellor (Rural & Regional), Deakin University

Wanda Korndorffer Director Innovation, The Gordon

Patti Manolis Chief Executive Officer, Geelong Regional Library Corporation

Cr Brian McKiterick Mayor, Surf Coast Shire

Janet Park Executive Officer, Geelong Kindergartens Association

Jean Paul Manager Leaders for Geelong, Committee for Geelong

anne-Marie Ryan Executive Officer, Geelong Region LLEN

georgina Ryder Regional Manager, Adult Community & Further Education

Colin Sing Principal, Bellarine Secondary College

Robyn Stevens Manager Family & Aged Services, Surf Coast Shire


g21 Sport & Recreation PillarRob Small (leader) Chief Executive Officer, Colac Otway Shire

louisa White (Deputy leader) Community Development Manager, Golden Plains Shire



David Cross Facilities Manager, DEECD

Phil Currie Community Development Coordinator, Dept of Planning & Community Development

Cr Rose Hodge Councillor, Surf Coast Shire

Fran Horsley Manager Liveability Strategy, Parks Victoria

Paul Jane Manager, Sport & Recreation, City of Greater Geelong

Janice lane Manager Community Services, Surf Coast Shire

Rob McHenry Chief Executive Officer, Leisure Networks

Cr Bob Merriman Mayor, Borough of Queenscliffe

ian Seuren Manager Recreation & Culture, Colac Otway Shire

g21 Planning & Services Pillar Peter Bettess (leader) General Manager Economic Development & Planning, City of Greater Geelong

Joe adamski General Manager Strategy & Technology, Barwon Water

greg anders Director, Assets & Amenity, Golden Plains Shire

Peter anderson Regional Director, Dept of Planning & Community Development

grant arnold Statutory Planning Manager, Dept of Sustainability & Environment

Dennis Barker Director Sustainable Communities, Surf Coast Shire


Jack green General Manager Sustainable Planning & Development, Colac Otway Shire

Stephen griffin Chief Executive Officer, City of Greater Geelong

Cr Stephen Hart Mayor, Colac Otway Shire

lenny Jenner Chief Executive Officer, Borough of Queenscliffe

Cr Rod Macdonald Councillor, City of Greater Geelong

Kim Mcgough Regional Planning Manager, Dept of Planning & Community Development

Robin Miles Regional Director (SW Region), VicRoads

John Phillips Director Urban & Regional Planning, Dept of Planning & Community Development

Cr Dean Webster Councillor, Surf Coast Shire

Construction in the rapidly growing golden Plains Shire Photo supplied by golden Plains Shire


g21 Pillar Members

g21 Transport Pillar gary Van Driel (leader) General Manager City Services, City of Greater Geelong

David Hannah (Deputy leader) Manager Engineering Services, City of Greater Geelong

neil allen General Manager Infrastructure & Services, Colac Otway Shire

Craig Barrass Manager Transport Infrastructure, Regional Development Victoria

Sunil Bhalla Director Infrastructure, Surf Coast Shire


Bob Claffey Disability Advisory Committee


Craig Dickason Operations Manager Melbourne & Geelong, Kalari Transport

greg Fletcher Health & Community Services Manager, Colac Otway Shire

Deryck gall General Manager, Hoare Bros Pty Ltd

Stuart Hansen Projects & Contracts Engineer, Borough of Queenscliffe

Terry Hearne Senior Industry Development Officer, City of Greater Geelong

Peter Hibbert Building Bellarine Connections Facilitator, City of Greater Geelong

lenny Jenner Chief Executive Officer, Borough of Queenscliffe

David Kenwood Property Manager, Toll Logistics

Sergio lacchiana Deputy Director of Public Transport, Dept of Transport

Chuyung liu Manager Transport & Logistics, Dept of Business & Innovation

David lockett Branch Manager - Geelong / Ballarat, K & S Freighters

John McHarry Managing Director, McHarry’s Bus Lines

Cr Brian McKiterick Mayor, Surf Coast Shire

Ken Mcnamara Chairperson, Western Transport Alliance

Robin Miles Regional Director (SW Region), VicRoads

Zoanne Morrissy Stakeholder Relations & Research Manager, V/Line Pty Ltd

Peter nolan Manager, Benders Bus Service

Jim Phillips Regional Manager - Geelong, Regional Development Victoria

Cr andy Richards Councillor, City of Greater Geelong

Marianne Richards Senior Policy Planner, Dept of Transport

Fred Runia Chief Executive Officer, Josies Transport Group

Bob Scott Team Leader, VicRoads

Bryan Sherritt Manager Program Development, VicRoads

Richard Sloane Regional Manager, Dept of Transport

Kas Szakiel Commercial Manager, Victorian Regional Channels Authority

Cr Jim Tutt Councillor, Surf Coast Shire

Peter Valentine General Manager, Radio Cabs

Barton van laar President, Bike Safe

Tim Waller Acting Development Manager, Golden Plains Shire

Jane Wager Coordinator Community Development, City of Greater Geelong

Paul Westcott Secretary, Public Transport Users Association

ian Westerland Community Development Access Officer, City of Greater Geelong


other Working groups

Bicycle infrastructure group

Biogeelong

Diabetes Clinical network

Disadvantage Taskforce

Drug & alcohol action group

Early Years leadership group

Engineering network Cluster

Environmental impacts Working group

Environmental leadership Working group

Food Security action group

Freedom from Discrimination action group

Freedom from Violence action group

g21 affordable Housing Taskforce

g21 agribusiness Forum

g21 Climate Change Taskforce

g21 Economic Development Strategy Working group

g21 national Broadband network (nBn) Taskforce

g21 Public Transport Reference group

g21 Regional growth Plan Project Steering group

g21 Regional Marketing alliance

g21 Roads Working group

g21 Transport Connections Steering Committee

g21 Water Taskforce

Health Promotion & Community Strengthening leadership group

iCT geelong

natural Resources & assets Working group

Physical activity action group

Primary Healthcare Workforce & infrastructure Working group

Regional Data Centre Working group

Regional Volunteering advisory group

Scenario iii Phase 2

Service Coordination Working group

Social Connectedness action group

avalon airport Photo supplied by City of greater geelong


g21 in action

Engaging the community

At any given time more than 300 people are actively and regularly involved in G21 activities through participation in G21 Pillar Groups, Taskforces, Work-ing Groups and Sub-Committees. In addition to this, more than 10,000 people from across the region subscribe to monthly activity updates from G21.

G21 provides regular Council briefings, key event presentations, public forums and media releases to keep the G21 region informed of our activities.

The G21 website provides latest news, contact details and useful resources for people interested in the future of the G21 region.

IDENTIFY projects and issues

Identify projects and issues

PRIORITISE and address

projects & issues

MEASURE outcomes, REVIEW issues and

UPDATE growth Plan (4 year cycle)

IMPLEMENT priority projects

Engage, consult with and informGENERAL PUBLIC

Use the expertise ofG21 PILLARS & BOARD

InfluenceGOVT MINISTERS, ADVISORS

& BUREAUCRATS, LOCAL MEMBERS, COUNCILLORS,

PRIVATE SECTOR

Face-to-face meetingsSubmissions

SnapshotsPresentation events

MediaMembership participation

Communications Channels

Strategy

Pillar & Project meetingsBoard liaison

Website forumse-newsletters

Consultation eventsMedia

Surveys & petitionsMedia

e-Newsletters Website

Social NetworksEvents


g21 office Contacts

arts & Culture Cameron Granger Councillor City of Greater Geelong 0448 718 347 [email protected]

Economic Development Ed Coppe Director Strategic Investment Management 0419 568 338 [email protected]

Education & Training David Cotsell Councillor Golden Plains Shire (03) 5265 1058 [email protected]

Environment Andy Richards Councillor City of Greater Geelong 0408 321 344 [email protected]

Health & Wellbeing Lenny Jenner Chief Executive Officer Borough of Queenscliffe (03) 5258 1377 [email protected]

Planning & Services Peter Bettess GM Economic Development, Planning & Tourism City of Greater Geelong (03) 5272 4983 [email protected]

Sport & Recreation Rob Small Chief Executive Officer Colac Otway Shire (03) 5232 9454 [email protected]

Transport Gary Van Driel GM City Services City of Greater Geelong (03) 5272 4902 [email protected]

g21 Pillar Contacts

Chief Executive officer Elaine Carbines (03) 5227 4000 [email protected]

Executive assistant to CEo & Business Services Manager Claire Tehan (03) 5227 4000 [email protected]

Receptionist / office assistantNarelle Watts (03) 5227 4000 [email protected]

Marketing & Communications Manager David Finlayson (03) 5227 4014 [email protected]

Communications Support officer Lauren Fanning (03) 5227 4014 [email protected]

Chairperson Ed Coppe 0419 568 338 [email protected]

Director - Health & Wellbeing Anne Somerville (03) 5227 4016 [email protected]

Executive assistant to DirectorRebecah Watsford (03) 5227 4017 [email protected]

Health & Wellbeing Project Support Worker Naomi Madigan (03) 5227 4015 [email protected]

Health & Wellbeing Project Support Worker Kate Smith (03) 5227 4015 [email protected]

Healthy Parks Healthy People Community Development ManagerSue Noonan (03) 5227 4011 [email protected]

Healthy Parks Healthy People activities CoordinatorVanessa Wiggenraad (03) 5227 4028 [email protected]

g21 - geelong Region alliance ltd (03) 5227 4000 ground Floor, 199 Moorabool Street, geelong, Victoria 3220 www.g21.com.au

a message in support of the ‘g21 Celebrate Diversity, Challenge Discrimination’ campaign

Documents

Report to the Region