REPORT TO THE REGION GEELONG REGION ALLIANCE NOVEMBER GEELONG LIBRARY AND HERITAGE PHOTO CAPTION CENTRE Image by Ferne Millen Photography

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1 GEELONG LIBRARY AND HERITAGE PHOTO CAPTION CENTRE Image by Ferne Millen Photography Image credit REPORT TO THE REGION GEELONG REGION ALLIANCE NOVEMBER 2015 G21 is an alliance of the government, industry and community organisations working to improve people s lives in the Geelong region.

2 G21 IS THE FORMAL ALLIANCE OF GOVERNMENT, BUSINESS AND COMMUNITY ORGANISATIONS, WORKING TOGETHER TO IMPROVE THE LIVES OF PEOPLE WITHIN THE GEELONG REGION ACROSS FIVE MUNICIPALITIES. G21 works as a forum to discuss regional issues across interest groups and municipalities 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 government. G21 is also the Strategic Planning Committee for the Geelong region and is responsible for leading the development and implementation of the region s strategic plan. In this role, we work closely with, and provide advice to, Regional Development Australia (RDA), the Regional Management Forum (RMF) and the State and Federal Governments on our region s needs and priorities. With the establishment of Regional Development Australia (RDA), a Federal Government initiative, G21 has been working closely with the RDA Barwon South West (BSW) Committee to further strengthen ties with all levels of government. 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 create sustainable regional communities. Our Alliance is made up of over 300 community leaders and specialists who are passionate about the future of the Geelong region and volunteer their time to be involved in G21 as Directors, Pillar members and within Working Groups. In addition to this, more than 8,000 people from across the region subscribe to G21 e-news, our online newsletter. It is this level of involvement by government, industry and the community that makes G21 a successful and influential process for the identification of key regional projects. 2 G21 is an alliance of the government, industry and community organisations working to improve people s lives in the Geelong region.

3 1.0 INTRODUCTION REPORT FROM THE CHAIR AND CEO G21 BOARD OF DIRECTORS FEATURE OUR SUCCESS STORIES SURROUND US YEAR IN REVIEW 7 JANUARY 7 FEBRUARY 7 MARCH 9 APRIL 11 MAY 12 JUNE 14 JULY 15 AUGUST 17 SEPTEMBER 18 OCTOBER FEATURE GRASP THE FUTURE BOLDLY G21 EXPANDS CANBERRA ADVOCACY PRIORITY PROJECTS G21 GEELONG REGION PLAN PRIORITY PROJECTS FEATURE AVALON FLIES HIGH GROW TACKLES DISADVANTAGE G21 PILLARS THE G21 PILLARS G21 PILLAR PROJECTS G21 PILLAR MEMBERS G21 STAKEHOLDERS WORKING GROUPS MEMBER ORGANISATIONS FEATURE FAMILY VIOLENCE - THE STARK REALITY G21 CONTACTS G21 OFFICE CONTACTS / PILLAR CONTACTS 47 HAYLEY S BOLLARD Health & Wellbeing Pillar s Spreading the Message project 3

4 1.0 INTRODUCTION 1.1 REPORT FROM THE CHAIR AND CEO It s a time to reflect on our recent achievements and a time to plan for new challenges and projects ahead. One such major event on G21 s horizon is the federal election. The election must be held in the next 12 months. Some are predicting it will be held sooner rather than later. G21 is unashamedly positioning to advocate strongly on behalf of the region, right up to election day. Advocacy is one of the core reasons G21 exists. But of course there s much more to G21. Taking a glance back over the last 18-months we see a big, busy period of G21 helping our region to achieve. The 2014 state election was almost one year ago. Eight of G21 s identified Priority Projects for the region were committed to, in some form, by the now Andrews Government. Those commitments included: funding to continue redevelopment of Northern Bay College $30 million towards GPAC s Stage 2 redevelopment agreement to acquire land and to begin work on schools in the Armstrong Creek Growth area funding to plan for a corridor linking the Geelong Ring Road across the Bellarine Peninsula the establishment of a Defence Procurement Office in the region funding for work on key elements of the Portarlington Safe Harbour the introduction of 20-minute off-peak daily train services to and from Melbourne, and a workable Western Distributor solution to traffic congestion for vehicles accessing Melbourne from the G21 region. Each project was the subject of concerted social media, conventional media and face-to-face campaigning by G21. We targeted politicians on all sides. We don t discriminate. Once a year at G21 we pause to take a collective deep breath. We aim to be equally successful at the coming federal election. G21 in partnership with Give Where You Live, earlier this year launched the innovative GROW project. GROW stands for G21 Region Opportunities for Work. Over coming years GROW will help tackle disadvantage and unemployment across our region. GROW brings a bold new approach to these crippling social issues. It will use the region s existing buying power to create opportunities for targeted local investment, ultimately translating to jobs for the most disadvantaged. In March, a delegation of G21 s Board travelled to Canberra to meet with Ministers and Shadow Ministers, advocating for the region s needs on a number of fronts. We had 18 meetings over two days, including with the Prime Minister and the Opposition Leader. The board s work was reinforced in July, by a delegation to Canberra of CEO s from G21 s member municipal councils. The CEOs met with key Departmental Secretaries and Deputy Secretaries. Both trips were significant in opening doors and opportunities on key projects. Both delegations reinforced to decision makers in Canberra that the G21 region is a vibrant, innovative, go-ahead region which deserves their attention. The fact that the region of five key municipalities presents with one voice was remarked on positively by a number of Ministers and officials. As part of our Health and Wellbeing work, the G21 Family Violence Forum was held in August this year. Former Deputy Premier Rob Hulls, now Director of the Centre of Innovative Justice, was a key note speaker at this timely forum. The forum explored research on world s-best-practice in family anti-violence initiatives. Attendees also heard about the wonderful work being done locally across our region. The forum was one element of G21 s farreaching health and well-being role across the region. Read about all of our work in the following pages of this Report to the Region. Your continued support for G21 is valued by the G21 Board and your feedback is always welcome. After all, you are the reason for G21 s existence. G21 was not the only body advocating for many of these projects. However, we can proudly claim to have played a key role in achieving each of the state election commitments. 4 Cr Darryn Lyons G21 Chairperson Elaine Carbines Chief Executive Officer

5 1.2 G21 BOARD OF DIRECTORS THE G21 BOARD OF DIRECTORS INCLUDES: FIVE COUNCILLORS REPRESENTING THE G21 MUNICIPALITIES FIVE COUNCIL OFFICERS REPRESENTING THE G21 MUNICIPALITIES FIVE DIRECTORS ELECTED BY G21 MEMBERS AT THE ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING. THE G21 BOARD OF DIRECTORS ENDORSE THE PRIORITIES IDENTIFIED BY THE G21 PILLARS. THEY EXPLORE METHODS TO IMPLEMENT THESE PROJECTS BY ENGAGING WITH G21 MEMBER ORGANISATIONS AND OTHER STAKEHOLDERS TO INFLUENCE POTENTIAL PROJECT FUNDING AND SUPPORT BODIES. BOARD APPOINTED OFFICER ELAINE CARBINES G21 - Geelong Region Alliance COUNCIL APPOINTED G21 DIRECTORS ELECTED G21 DIRECTORS CR DARRYN LYONS Mayor, City of Greater Geelong (Chairperson) KELVIN SPILLER Interim Chief Executive Officer, City of Greater Geelong BARBARA ABLEY AM Member, National Servicemen s Association CR ROSE HODGE Mayor, Surf Coast Shire KEITH BAILLIE Surf Coast Shire HENRY BONGERS Director, BDH Constructions CR FRANK BUCHANAN Mayor, Colac Otway Shire SUE WILKINSON Colac Otway Shire BILL MITHEN Chief Executive Officer Give Where You Live CR DES PHELAN Mayor, Golden Plains Shire ROD NICHOLLS Golden Plains Shire JASON TRETHOWAN Western Victoria Primary Health Network (Deputy Chair) CR BOB MERRIMAN Councillor, Borough of Queenscliffe LENNY JENNER Borough of Queenscliffe BERNADETTE UZELAC Executive Officer, Geelong Chamber of Commerce 5

6 2.0 FEATURE 2.1 OUR SUCCESS STORIES SURROUND US GEELONG LIBRARY AND HERITAGE CENTRE Image by Ferne Millen Photography NEW BUILDING A SPECTACULAR ADDITION TO GEELONG S ARCHITECTURAL AND CULTURAL LANDSCAPE It is with a sense of delight that we closely watch the redevelopment of the Geelong Library and Heritage Centre, which will be open before the end of the year. It is a project we unashamedly lobbied for back in And now, here it is, courtesy of $25 million from the State and Federal Governments. The modern and unique dome design was created to complement rather than compete with the existing heritage buildings in the precinct. As construction of the impressive dome building has slowly taken place, it has become obvious that this is a spectacular addition to Geelong s architectural and cultural landscape. Geelong has long cried out for a landmark building. Well here is it. It has nine levels, is 5 star environmentally sustainable and will house up to 100,000 collection items. The centre sits proudly in the heart of Geelong s Cultural Precinct alongside the Geelong Gallery, the Geelong Performing Arts Centre and the former Courthouse building. This isn t the only burgeoning development that excites us. In the G21 region we are surrounded by our success stories. Portarlington Safe Harbour is in the middle of its stage one development, which will support the Bellarine Peninsula s growing aquaculture industry and boost local economic development. Simonds Stadium, whose lights are a beacon across Geelong, is now up to its Stage 4 & 5 development. Works continue on Princes Highway West and the Great Ocean Road, while corridor planning for the Geelong Ring Road s extension to the Bellarine is underway. All of these projects have been G21 Priorities at some stage. All now funded and progressing. Development surrounds us. All of it evidence that the work G21 does is useful and important. And that the G21 region is becoming a better place to work and live. 6

7 3.0 YEAR IN REVIEW JANUARY PORTARLINGTON PIER WORK TO BEGIN Construction commences on the $15 million stage 1 Portarlington Pier redevelopment. The development of a Portarlington Safe Harbour is a G21 Priority Project. The project will support local jobs during construction, with more to be created as the full master plan is realised. Portarlington is the home of Port Phillip Bay s thriving aquaculture industry. The new 175-metre pier will boost the mussel farming industry, allowing for increased access and vehicle load limits. NEW TRUST TO MANAGE SIMONDS STADIUM The State Government announces it will fast track the elevation of Simonds Stadium to trust status so a landmark $70 million redevelopment of the ground can start. Former Premier Steve Bracks will lead a committee providing advice to government on the formal establishment of the Trust. Upon its formation, Mr Bracks will be appointed the inaugural Chair of the Trust, overseeing the stadium development. Redevelopment (stages 4 and 5) of Simonds Stadium is a project supported by G21 through its Economic Development Pillar. G21 BOARD WELCOMES NEW DIRECTOR G21 welcomes Keith Baillie, incoming Chief Executive Officer of the Surf Coast Shire to the G21 Board. Keith, who has extensive experience in local government and the private sector, looks forward to working in the wider community. He notes, I know the region well and look forward to working with the Councillors, staff and community to achieve the region s priorities. FEBRUARY LAND 400 PROJECT MOVES TO NEXT PHASE The LAND 400 defence project, a G21 Priority Project, jumps a major hurdle when the Federal Government commits to investigating options to build a new generation of armoured combat vehicles for the army. This First Pass Approval allows the Department of Defence to investigate options to replace the aging Australian Light Armoured Vehicle (ASLAV). Australian industry have the opportunity to participate in both the acquisition and support of LAND 400 Phase 2, as a request for tender opens, giving companies or consortia four months to submit a detailed tender outlining their plan to build the vehicles. EDUCATION & TRAINING PILLAR RECOGNISES REGION S DIGITAL LEARNING REQUIREMENTS The Education and Training Pillar adopts a new Pillar Project that will address the digital needs of secondary students in the region. The Geelong Secondary Schools & Community Digital Learning Hub will use Australia s Academic and Research Network (AARNet) to provide world class high-speed access to digital learning and cloud-based resources to students and teachers in the G21 region. A Business Case is being completed to confirm government funding required to deliver a high-speed learning platform to each partner location. GEELONG CBD TRUCK TALKS PROVE POSITIVE Consultation with transport operators and industry representatives takes place to inform an economic assessment on the different options to reduce regional freight traffic through Central Geelong long-term. This includes investigating the impacts on transport industry, commercial activities and the local community. Eliminating or reducing the volume of heavy transport traffic in the Geelong CBD is an important objective within the G21 Central Geelong Revitalisation Priority Project. GEELONG REGION ARTS ATLAS LAUNCHED The Arts & Culture Pillar celebrates the launch of the Geelong Region Arts Atlas, an online promotional tool for the arts community. The Arts Atlas serves as a useful resource for artists, arts workers and the community, providing an extensive online directory of events, jobs and professional development opportunities. It also features a comprehensive register of arts, cultural and heritage assets, which importantly quantifies the G21 region s arts capital. TRANSPORT PILLAR WELCOMES NEW PROJECT The Transport Pillar adopts the upgrade of the Surf Coast Highway / Beach Road intersection as a Pillar Project. A State Government commitment of $ 620,000 is required to install traffic lights at this intersection. This intersection generates high traffic volumes all year round. Recent traffic counts (taken outside peak period) indicate that the traffic easily meets the practice design standards of 3,000 vehicles per day to warrant traffic signals. 7

8 3.0 YEAR IN REVIEW FEBRUARY (CONT..) EDUCATION & TRAINING PILLAR MEETS WITH STATE GOVERNMENT MINISTERS The Education and Training Pillar welcome Deputy Premier and Minister for Education, James Merlino and Minister for Training and Skills, Steve Herbert to a Pillar meeting. The Pillar present on key issues impacting skills, education and training in the G21 region. This includes an overview of the G21 labour market, new Pillar Project the Geelong Secondary Schools and Community Digital Learning Hub and the urgent funding requirements of The Geelong Project. Both Minister Merlino and Minister Herbert address the Pillar, outlining the immediate priorities for the State Government. FEEDBACK SOUGHT ON G21 REGIONAL TENNIS STRATEGY A draft strategy that will provide a framework for the development of tennis participation and facilities throughout the region within the next 10 years is released for public comment. The draft G21 Regional Tennis Strategy aims to grow tennis participation across the G21 region by providing clear direction for all stakeholders in key areas such as structure, participation, facilities, club support, development and delivery. RIVERFRONT, JOBS AND TOWN CENTRE FOCUS OF GROWING WINCHELSEA A draft plan for Winchelsea s future growth that focuses on building a mixed economy and maximising the town s Barwon River frontage is released for public exhibition. Growing Winchelsea, a Planning and Services Pillar Project, will seek to build on Winchelsea s rich cultural heritage and country village feel while providing opportunities for sustainable jobs, housing growth and future community facilities. COLAC S CENTRAL RESERVE UPGRADE STEPS FORWARD Colac Otway Shire pushes ahead with a proposed redevelopment of Colac s Central Reserve and calls for tenders to design a staged upgrade. Upgrading Central Reserve is an important element of the G21 Addressing Disadvantage Priority Project. Failing to attract State Government funding (to match a $2.5 million Federal Government grant), the redevelopment is broken into smaller elements, with tenders calling for detailed designs and costings for each component separately. THE EDUCATION & TRAINING PILLAR MEET WITH VICTORIAN MINISTERS L-R Elaine Carbines, the Hon Steve Herbert MP, Gayle Tierney MP, the Hon James Merlino MP, Prof Liz Johnson, Chris Couzens MP 8

9 3.0 YEAR IN REVIEW MARCH G21 BOARD HEADS TO CANBERRA A G21 board delegation travels to Canberra to push the region s priority infrastructure and community development projects with Federal politicians and their advisors. The delegation delivers messages to politicians about the challenges our region faces and about the opportunities to invest in key projects which will stimulate employment in the region. The trip provides the perfect opportunity to meet with then Prime Minister Tony Abbott and Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Infrastructure and Regional Development Warren Truss to ensure G21 s needs are at the forefront of thinking when budgeting and planning decisions are made. G21 s 15 Priority Projects are the main focus of discussions during the two day trip, which also includes meetings with Opposition Leader Bill Shorten and Shadow Minister for Defence Stephen Conroy among others. With an election most likely in the second half of next year, now is the right time to be telling our politicians of the projects we in the region believe are most important to our future economic and social wellbeing. NEW DEFENCE PROCUREMENT OFFICE OPENS The Geelong Defence Procurement Office, which will market the skill and capability of Victorian manufacturers to the largest defence contractors in the world, opens at Deakin University s Waurn Ponds campus. The dedicated Procurement Office will help grow the manufacturing and defence industries, and will be instrumental in the G21 region s bid to secure some of the Land 400 defence work in the future. The headquarters will combine strengths with Deakin University s defence research and industry development office at Waurn Ponds, identifying opportunities for growth and helping connect businesses with local and global defence supply chains. FEDERAL FUNDING HELPS SUPPORT JOBS OF THE FUTURE Geelong s Backwell IXL is awarded a $205,000 grant that will help support manufacturing jobs of the future. As a supplier to the Australian automotive industry, the funding, from the $20 million Automotive Diversification Programme, will help the company diversify out of the domestic automotive manufacturing sector. It will support the manufacture of components for new generation heating, venting and lighting units as well as other non-automotive parts. THE G21 BOARD AT THEIR CANBERRA DELEGATION L-R Rod Nicholls, Cr Des Phelan, Henry Bongers, Federal Advisor, Cr Darryn Lyons, Sen the Hon Stephen Conroy 9

10 3.0 YEAR IN REVIEW MARCH (CONT..) GROW PROJECT S NATIONAL AWARD RECOGNITION The G21 Region Opportunities for Work (GROW) project is recognised in The Search, a prestigious national social impact award. GROW is one of only 11 projects to be shortlisted across Australia. GROW is based on significant international evidence that the best way to reduce areas of persistent disadvantage in a community is to reduce unemployment rates in those areas. Being short-listed in The Search is strong validation for the framework being used to bring the Geelong community together through the GROW project. OLD BEECHY RAIL TRAIL OFFICIAL OPENING The Old Beechy Rail Trail enhancement, one of the trails recognised under the G21 Adventure Trails Priority Project, is officially opened. The 50 kilometre trail follows sections of the old rail line, offering a safer and more enjoyable experience to a wide variety of people, from cycling enthusiasts to bird watchers, historians and nature lovers. THE SEARCH JUDGE VISITS GROW TEAM L-R Liz Everist, Lesley Lightfoot, Elaine Carbines, Judge Seri Renkin, Bill Mithen, Lenny Jenner FORREST MOUNTAIN BIKE STRATEGY ADOPTED The vision for future development of the Forrest mountain bike trails is clear after the Colac Otway Shire adopts a strategic plan for the network. The trails are an important element of the G21 Adventure Trails Priority Project. The plan includes a number of recommendations that will enhance riders experience and help attract more users in the future. The 66 kilometre network of trails attracts approximately 22,000 riders per year, and has been instrumental in the economic and social transformation of Forrest and its surrounding areas in recent years. APOLLO BAY HARBOUR REDEVELOPMENT CLOSER Redevelopment of the Apollo Bay harbour is a step closer after the Colac Otway Shire approves a planning scheme amendment for the precinct. Redevelopment of the harbour is a G21 Priority Project. The next step is the creation of a development plan which will outline in more detail the future possibilities for the harbour. Central to the project is to maintain the harbour as a working port, and enhance the precinct for both locals and visitors. 10

11 3.0 YEAR IN REVIEW APRIL DEAL TO KEEP JETSTAR AT AVALON FOR 10 YEARS The State Government guarantees the future of Avalon Airport, signing an agreement with Jetstar that secures operations for the next 10 years and expands passenger services. The landmark partnership will save up to 200 jobs and prevent the airport from ceasing passenger services. Securing the future of Avalon Airport is a G21 Priority Project. The new agreement marks a strong partnership with Jetstar that will secure the future of Avalon and its workers for the next decade, and see the airline increase operations and expand to new routes to grow patronage. GEELONG MALL PROJECT AIMS FOR SAFE SPACE G21 s Regional Justice Reference Group releases a collective plan that will help the community feel safer in central Geelong. The Central Geelong Mall Project aims to make the mall a better place by improving its physical environment and by preventing crime. The project will introduce the #SoYouKnowGeelong initiative to promote socially acceptable behaviour for all mall users. An increase in community activity will be encouraged, with performers, food trucks, holiday activities, street art workshops and commercial promotions, while an integrated approach to crime control will be implemented, including CCTV monitoring and uniform and plainclothes police patrols. NEW PROPOSAL TO REDUCE WEST GATE CONGESTION The Western Distributor, a road project proposed by Transurban that delivers a motorway alternative to the West Gate Bridge and moves trucks off local roads in Melbourne s west, progresses to stage three of the State Government s market-led proposals guideline. G21 VOLUNTEERING FORUM A HUGE SUCCESS The Volunteer Strategy Working Group organise the Volunteer Promotion A Q&A on Effectively Engaging Your Audience Forum. Over 60 people from a range of community groups across the G21 region attend the forum to discuss diverse and effective strategies to promote volunteering. The Forum recognises that volunteering is fundamental to a healthy and inclusive community for its future wellbeing and sustainability. JETSTAR SIGNS ON AT AVALON L-R David Hall, Justin Giddings 11

12 3.0 YEAR IN REVIEW MAY $115M FOR NEW MAINTENANCE AND STABLING YARD The State Government will invest $115 million into a maintenance and stabling yard in Waurn Ponds, which will create more than 100 jobs during construction and about 30 ongoing jobs when finished. This is an element of the Regional Rail Connections G21 Priority Project. The new depot will also offer local education and training opportunities. The TAFE sector is developing programs for apprentices in the rolling stock industry, training future train and tram engineers. BOLD PROJECT TACKLES DISADVANTAGE IN G21 REGION Geelong MLA Christine Couzens launches the GROW Strategic Plan, marking the official beginning of a bold and ambitious long-term strategy for tackling disadvantage in the G21 region. G21 Region Opportunities for Work (GROW) is based on significant evidence that the best way to reduce areas of persistent disadvantage in a community is to reduce unemployment rates in those areas. GROW will create new job opportunities in areas within the region which have the highest levels of joblessness and persistent disadvantage. It will do this by targeting two significant means of job growth procurement and investment. SOLID BENEFITS FOR G21 REGION IN STATE BUDGET The State Budget recognises a number of key election commitments. These include: $70 million for Simonds Stadium (an Economic Development Pillar Project) $30 million for GPAC (a G21 Priority Project) $3.15 million for Queenscliff Sports Precinct over $30 million worth of upgrades and rebuilds across multiple G21 region schools $13.5 million for Portarlington Safe Harbour (a G21 Priority Project) $3 million for ManuFuture Geelong (an Economic Development Pillar Project) $3 million for the Leopold Community Hub. The region is also set to benefit from the $200 million Regional Jobs Fund, which is designed to help emerging industries. WORKSAFE GEELONG RELOCATION MOVES FORWARD WorkSafe calls for expressions of interest to design and build its new Geelong head office. This move will bring jobs and growth to the region, with the entire headquarters and majority of staff to be relocated. The expression of interest also explores the possibility of WorkSafe co-locating with the National Disability Insurance Agency. LAUNCH OF THE GROW STRATEGIC PLAN L-R Elaine Carbines, Lenny Jenner, Cr Darryn Lyons, Bill Mithen, Chris Couzens MP 12

13 3.0 YEAR IN REVIEW CITY IN A PARK GREENING GEELONG PLAN RELEASED The City in a Park plan, which aims to transform Central Geelong into an attractive, high amenity environment is released. Revitalisation of Central Geelong is a G21 Priority Project. The 15-year plan involves the implementation of 26 greening and streetscaping projects. These include changes to create more efficient traffic flow around the CBD, the creation of dedicated bike lanes in the city and a $30 million expansion of Johnstone Park to create 2.3 hectares of public parkland and pedestrian space within the CBD. STUDY INTO LPG AUTO INDUSTRY FOR GEELONG The State Government provides $60,000 towards a demand study for an LPG vehicle production plant in Geelong. The four month study will assess the establishment of large-scale dedicated vehicle manufacturing and conversion facilities and evaluate the benefits of setting up a centre of excellence for research and innovation in auto LPG technologies. ALCOA ANGLESEA TO CLOSE Alcoa announces the closure of the Anglesea coal mine and power station at the end of August. The power station previously supplied approximately 40 percent of the power needs for the Point Henry smelter in Geelong. It had been on the market since Point Henry s closure; however failed to find a buyer. BOOST FOR NORLANE THROUGH NEW INTEGRATED HUB The Federal Government grants $7.25 million towards development of a Norlane integrated community hub under the National Stronger Regions Fund. The $40 million Baptcare project will play an important role in the rejuvenation of Geelong s northern suburbs. This much needed facility is consistent with the broad objectives of the GROW project. The investment will strengthen communities in Norlane and Corio by improving economic growth, boosting productivity and creating employment opportunities. G21 BOARD ENDORSES NEW PRIORITY PROJECT The G21 Board endorse a new Priority Projects at the recommendation of the Education and Training Pillar. Geelong Secondary Schools & Community (GSSC) Digital Learning Hub The Geelong Secondary Schools and Community (GSSC) Digital Learning Hub will deliver world class, high-speed internet access through Australia s Academic and Research Network (AARNet). Hub partners; G21 region secondary schools, Deakin University, The Gordon and Geelong Regional Library Corporation, will share infrastructure and resources that will provide a high-speed platform for innovation, education, research, collaboration and e-commerce. CITY IN PARK RELEASED Conceptual image of Project 3, Johnstone Park extension 13

14 3.0 YEAR IN REVIEW JUNE NEW JOBS, INFRASTRUCTURE FUND FOR REGIONAL VICTORIA The State Government officially launches the $500 million Regional Jobs and Infrastructure Fund. The Fund will address key challenges and opportunities to unlock regional Victoria s growth potential, focusing on creating jobs, improving the liveability of regional towns, building critical infrastructure and boosting productivity and innovation to support new and emerging industries. NORTHERN ARC HOME TO BARWON HEALTH NORTH A $33 million Barwon Health North facility will be built in Norlane as part of the Northern Arts, Recreation and Community (ARC) Health and Wellbeing Hub. The Northern ARC has undergone master planning and also includes the development of a new integrated aquatic and leisure centre, a new Corio Library and enhanced outdoor paths and spaces. Implementation of the master plan is a key element of the G21 Addressing Disadvantage Priority Project. Co-location of facilities in the Northern ARC will integrate high quality healthcare with other community facilities and promote better health and wellbeing in general for residents in Geelong s north. Rural Australians for Refugees: The first thing Imtiyaz Minty Saberi told Yahoo7 was that If I wasn t in Geelong In celebration of refugee week. #G21RefugeeWeek Australia I would probably be dead. #G21RefugeeWeek #G21REFUGEEWEEK CELEBRATES REFUGEES THROUGH SOCIAL MEDIA For the second consecutive year, G21 coordinates a social media campaign in support of Refugee Week, promoting the positive contribution refugees and asylum seekers make in the G21 region. Using #G21RefugeeWeek, the week celebrates the important roles refugees and asylum seekers play within the G21 region. It also promotes local resources and services that support refugees and asylum seekers in the community. FUNDING FOR THE GORDON SUPPORTS SKILLS & JOBS Two innovative programs at The Gordon will receive $6 million in State Government funding to help more than 3300 people skill up for jobs in the growing construction and health care industries. The Gordon will work with industry and providers to focus on areas where there are skills gaps and develop training which leads to jobs. BAANIP BOULEVARD TO OPEN AHEAD OF SCHEDULE The $90.4 million upgrade to Baanip Boulevard between the Surf Coast Highway and Ghazeepore Road officially opens six months ahead of schedule. This important road link, an element of both the Geelong Ring Road connections and Armstrong Creek Urban Growth Area Priority Projects, will provide a more direct route for freight and commuters travelling to and from Melbourne via the Geelong Ring Road. Deakin Refugee Week begins today. Remember it s not illegal to seek asylum, even when arriving by boat. #G21RefugeeWeek G21 Region Do you work with refugees, or want to? Interested in training opportunities? #G21RefugeeWeek Elaine For those who come across the seas, we ve boundless plains to share. Our national anthem! Meet a young passionate refugee with a disability. Inspiring! #G21RefugeeWeek Barwon Did you know our health service runs various programs to support refugees in our region? #G21RefugeeWeek 14 Surf Coast Film screenings in #Torquay this Saturday 2pm & 7:30pm to raise money for refugee support #G21RefugeeWeek Let us salute the courage of opinion piece #G21RefugeeWeek

15 3.0 YEAR IN REVIEW METRO-STYLE TRAIN SERVICES FOR GEELONG Services on the $3.65 billion Regional Rail Link commence, adding 200 services every week between Geelong and Melbourne. This includes weekday train service every 10 minutes during peak periods and every 20 minutes off-peak. Improved and increased rail services were a key element of the G21 Regional Rail Connections Priority Project, and were a recommendation of the G21 Region Public Transport Strategy (2014). New bus networks in Geelong and the Bellarine Peninsula coincide with the Regional Rail Link opening, providing more extensive, frequent, reliable and direct bus services, coordinated with trains. G21 AND AFL BARWON REGIONAL STRATEGY RELEASED The average community football and netball club in Victoria makes an annual economic contribution of $630,000, and returns a social value of $4.40 for every dollar spent. That s according to the G21 and AFL Barwon Regional Strategy, adopted by G21 after ratification by its five member councils. The strategy identifies the key issues and opportunities affecting the development of football and club-based netball across the region to guide future development. JETSTAR TO FLY AVALON-GOLD COAST DAILY Jetstar announces that it will commence daily return services between Avalon and the Gold Coast. The Avalon-Gold Coast service is the result of an agreement signed between the State Government and Jetstar that secures operations for the next ten years at Avalon Airport and expands passenger services. Increasing both domestic and international flights to and from Avalon is a key objective under the G21 Avalon Airport Priority Project. This new development is good news for local industry, tourism and jobs. JULY SPREADING THE MESSAGE RESOURCE KIT LAUNCH G21 launches the Spreading the Message resource kit, which is designed to help community, health and education organisations replicate an innovative cultural arts project that strengthens relationships between Aboriginal and non-aboriginal people. The launch, which also celebrates NAIDOC week, includes a Welcome to Country, smoking ceremony and traditional dance. Spreading the Message involved Aboriginal students sharing their stories by designing and painting timber bollards. The artwork shows the diversity of young Aboriginal people, their understanding of their culture and their connection to family and community. LAUNCH OF SPREADING THE MESSAGE RESOURCE KIT 15

16 3.0 YEAR IN REVIEW JULY (CONT) G21 MUNICIPAL COUNCIL CEOS HEAD TO CANBERRA A G21 delegation of the region s municipal council CEOs to Canberra advocates for key infrastructure and community development projects. The delegation meet with departmental secretaries and deputy secretaries to explain the challenges facing our region and promote opportunities to invest in key projects that will stimulate the region s economy. It is the first time G21 has marshalled a delegation specifically of municipal CEOs, and the first time G21 has so strategically targeted departmental secretaries. FAMILY VIOLENCE FORUM SUCCESS The stark reality of family violence and its tragic impacts on innocent women and children is the focus of the Health & Wellbeing Pillar s Violence Against Women & Children Partner Forum. Speakers Rob Hulls and Elena Campbell from the Centre of Innovative Justice, provide a comprehensive picture of the problem and emphasise the importance of early intervention to help reduce this growing social issue. Other speakers outline the magnitude of family violence issues within the G21 region and the great work being done locally across many and diverse organisations. G21 HELPS SHAPE VICTORIA AS THE EDUCATION STATE G21 through its Education and Training Pillar makes a submission to the State Government s consultation process on shaping Victoria as the Education State. The submission identifies targets that will help achieve the Education State vision. It also looks at strengths and challenges specific to the G21 region, such as the growing demand to improve digital learning access for students and teachers in the G21 region and the strong forum the Education & Training Pillar provides for cross-sector planning, discussion and coordination of education and training policy and practice. GOLDEN PLAINS PIPELINE STAGE 1 COMPLETE Barwon Water completes Stage 1 of an $11.78 million water pipeline that will supply secure, potable water to farm zoned land in Golden Plains. The Golden Plains Food Production Precinct, an Economic Development Pillar Project, produces 21% of Victoria s eggs, 11% of poultry, 5% of pigs, and 4% of Victoria s sheep and lambs. The water supply will lead to $160 million of further intensive agricultural development and 750 new jobs within 10 years. NEW PIER ADDS MUSSEL TO SAFE HARBOUR Minister for the Environment, Climate Change and Water, Lisa Neville opens Portarlington s upgraded pier in a boost for the local mussel and aquaculture industries. THE COMPLETED PORTARLINGTON PIER 16

17 3.0 YEAR IN REVIEW The new 175 metre pier section is the first of the upgrades delivered under the $15 million Portarlington Safe Harbour development (a G21 Priority Project). The works improve access and vehicle load limits for mussel and aquaculture businesses and their workers. WORK AND LEARNING CENTRE BENEFITS DISADVANTAGED The State Government funds Norlane s Work and Learning Centre, a scheme that aims to reduce ongoing joblessness. Work and Learning Centres offer tailored, individual support to local job-seekers to help them overcome vocational and non-vocational issues that may be barriers to employment. They also work closely with local employers to help clients become job-ready, win a job and keep it. This is consistent with the broad objectives of the recently-launched GROW project. AUGUST G21 APPEARS AT SENATE COMMITTEE HEARING G21 CEO Elaine Carbines appears before a Senate committee hearing into the future role and contribution of regional capitals to Australia. This face-to-face appearance allows G21 to explain the extensive planning undertaken in the Geelong Region Plan (2007), the G21 Regional Growth Plan and its Implementation Plan (2013), which aim to manage the inevitable growth of our region while also protecting our lifestyle. BRIDGE TO BETTER CONNECTIONS The Little Malop Street pedestrian and cycling bridge is set to be revitalised and a new public space created in a plan to better connect Central Geelong and Geelong West. New public gathering spaces will be formed on either side of the rail line, with landscaping, seating and public art, creating an attractive pocket park. This project was identified in the G21 Principal Bike Network and will be delivered through the Central Geelong Action Plan, a G21 priority under its Central Geelong Revitalisation project. BUILDING GEELONG AS A CENTRE OF INNOVATION The Federal Government will base its $14 million Advanced Manufacturing Growth Centre at Deakin University s Waurn Ponds campus. The Advanced Manufacturing Growth Centre aims to develop an internationally competitive, dynamic and thriving Australian advanced manufacturing sector. It will link local businesses with global companies to give the sector a technical edge world-wide. TRADERS FORUM TAKES NEXT STEPS TO IMPROVE MALL Central Geelong traders meet with local business and government groups to discuss the next steps required to address safety perceptions in Geelong s mall. The forum brings interested parties together to talk about traders experiences, and discuss how they can become involved in the actions to address the issues in the mall. LITTLE MALOP STREET PEDESTRIAN AND CYCLING BRIDGE Conceptual image 17

18 3.0 YEAR IN REVIEW AUGUST (CONT) GEELONG WELCOMES QUICKSTEP HOLDINGS Advanced manufacturing business Quickstep Holdings announces it will invest $13.9 million to set up a research and development function at Deakin s Geelong Technology Precinct, creating 20 jobs. Quickstep aims to make Geelong its automotive composites solutions centre and is also developing capability to be part of the defence industry supply chain, working with a range of businesses. The relocation reinforces Geelong s reputation as a growing centre for carbon fibre manufacturing technology. GROW FUNDING TO BENEFIT JOB SEEKERS G21 Region Opportunities for Work (GROW) receives $50,000 State Government funding to demonstrate the economic and social impact of increased social procurement activity and identify key opportunities for increased local and social procurement investment in the G21 region. Current data does not include procurement expenditure information beyond some high-level estimates. The GROW Regional Procurement Economic Modelling project will engage with more thean 100 businesses to garner a more accurate picture of planned procurement expenditure across the region. G21 S STAKEHOLDER FORUM GEELONG AUTHORITY TO FAST-TRACK MAJOR PROJECTS The State Government creates new planning authority, the Geelong Authority, to fast track major developments around Geelong. The Geelong Authority will oversee the planning for large-scale projects over 5000sqm in the CBD and areas to the east of the city, including Point Henry and the Moolap salt works. The authority, which is headed by Avalon Airport business manager Peter Dorling, will advise the State Planning Minister, who will expedite all planning decisions. Approved projects will be delivered by Places Victoria. SEPTEMBER G21 STAKEHOLDER FORUM STANDOUT SUCCESS Australia s political leaders speak to a sell-out audience of 250 people at G21 s annual Stakeholder Forum. Federal Minister for the Environment Greg Hunt MP, Opposition Leader Bill Shorten MP and Australian Greens Leader Richard Di Natale, speak enthusiastically about the importance of the G21 region at a federal level, outlining opportunities for investment that would develop the region, grow the economy and strengthen our community. Other keynote speakers include journalist and commentator Virginia Trioli, WorkSafe CEO Clare Amies and VCAMM CEO Brad Dunstan. 18

19 3.0 YEAR IN REVIEW G21 BOARD ENDORSES NEW PRIORITY PROJECTS At its September Board Meeting the G21 Board endorses three new projects as priorities at the recommendation of the Sport and Recreation Pillar. Regional Motocross Facility There is a strong need for a motocross venue in the G21 region to provide a contained, safe and controlled facility for rider education, activities and events. McAdam Park motocross track will close in late 2015 following a four-year dispute between riders and residents. Once a preferred location is identified, funding will be required for land and amenities that meet the acceptable standard for a regional motocross facility. Armstrong Creek Regional Active Open Spaces Development of two regional size active open spaces in the Armstrong Creek Urban Growth Area is required to meet the immediate demands of this growing community. Development of these open spaces is recognised as an element of the Armstrong Creek Urban Growth Area Priority Project. Synthetic Soccer Pitch Development of a synthetic soccer pitch at the Corio Leisuretime Centre will tackle the high level of demand where soccer participation is growing at an unprecedented rate. It will also be vital in improving community health and wellbeing in one of the most disadvantaged target areas in the G21 region. This project is recognised under the Addressing Disadvantage Priority Project. NEW SCHOOLS IN G21 REGION FAST-TRACKED The State Government announces five new schools in the G21 region will open for Term 1, They are among 15 schools state-wide fast-tracked to deliver services to the quickest growing communities around Victoria. The schools are Armstrong Creek Special School and Armstrong Creek Primary School (a G21 Priority Project), Bannockburn P-12 School (an Education and Training Pillar Project), North Geelong Special Developmental School and Torquay North Primary School. GSSC DIGITAL LEARNING HUB BUSINESS CASE LAUNCHED The Geelong Secondary Schools and Community (GSSC) Digital Learning Hub Business Case is launched by Member for Geelong, Chris Couzens MP. The Business Case establishes how the GSSC Digital Learning Hub, a G21 Priority Project, could deliver world class high-speed internet access through Australia s Academic and Research Network (AARNet). The project asks for $4.7 million, a relatively small investment that will help strategically realign the G21 regional economy to become a leader in digital learning and vastly improve education prospects of our students. CELEBRATING THE LAUNCH OF THE GSSC DIGITAL LEARNING HUB BUSINESS CASE Includes Elaine Carbines, Chris Couzens MP, Cr Rod Macdonald and Project Champions. 19

20 3.0 YEAR IN REVIEW SEPTEMBER (CONT) GMC TO BOOST INNOVATION IN MANUFACTURING The State Government provides $185,000 to boost innovation in manufacturing businesses across the Geelong region. This funding will extend the Industry Innovation Program, which partners major companies in the region with researchers, to drive investment, create local jobs and commercialise new products. Since it started in 2011, the program has initiated 86 projects, of which 57 have been completed and 29 are currently underway. TEAM SENTINEL PICKS GEELONG TO HOME LAND 400 BID Team Sentinel formally announces it will establish operations in Geelong if it wins the Land 400 military vehicle manufacturing contract. Team Sentinel s bid, primed by Elbit Systems of Australia, is one of four consortiums bidding for the multi-billion dollar project. The bid would deliver major benefits for Geelong s economy, and comprises more than 60 per cent confirmed Australian local content. The bid centres around Geelong becoming the national hub for armoured fighting vehicle development and integration starting with the Land 400 solution. GEELONG CONVENTION CENTRE Conceptual image OCTOBER SIMONDS STADIUM UPGRADE NOW UNDERWAY Construction works that will lift iconic Simonds Stadium s capacity to 36,000 commence. The $80 million redevelopment will create approximately 90 jobs, and 320 ongoing positions. The Brownlow and Jennings stands make way for a new grandstand, while new amenities will include a rehabilitation centre and community medical clinic. Already hosting Melbourne Victory A-league outings and KFC Big Bash teams, the upgrade will allow the Stadium to bid for more big events when complete. GEELONG AUTHORITY TO BOOST INVESTMENT The work of the Geelong Authority officially kick-starts to help drive investment in Geelong s CBD. The State Government identifies a number of projects that will keep them busy, including: the location of a Geelong Convention Centre (a G21 Priority Project) the location of WorkCover s head office development across Point Henry and the salt fields implementing Vision 2 objectives (a G21 Priority Project under Central Geelong Revitalisation) creating a wider variety of accommodation in the city centre (tourist and permanent). 20

21 4.0 FEATURE G21 STAKEHOLDER FORUM G21 Chair Cr Darryn Lyons 4.1 GRASP THE FUTURE BOLDLY THE G21 REGION HAS A STELLAR FUTURE, PROVIDED WE ARE BOLD ENOUGH TO REACH OUT AND GRASP IT. G21 s sell-out Stakeholder Forum brought together a dazzling array of politicians, business people and community leaders. Federal Minister for the Environment Greg Hunt, Opposition Leader Bill Shorten and Australian Greens Leader Richard Di Natale, each explained their vision for the G21 region and outlined opportunities for investment that would develop and strengthen the region. ABC journalist Virginia Trioli spoke about the despair she feels the general population have at the current status of politics in Australia, noting that in her experience, people were desperate for political reform. Other speakers delivered key messages to our region. Victorian Centre for Advanced Materials Manufacturing (VCAMM) CEO Brad Dunstan pointed to new manufacturing opportunities through cultivating innovation hubs. He said innovation hubs had four key success factors, all of which are present in the G21 region; an educated workforce, a supportive community, connection to a university and access to capital. Mr Dunstan said 60 years ago rich areas were the manufacturing centres, based around physical capital. Today human capital is the best predictor of success: education, ingenuity and skills. He said the G21 region had a window in which to grasp opportunities to become an innovation hub, but that we must move swiftly, as other regions in Victoria are positioning to seize these significant opportunities. WorkSafe CEO Clare Amies told the forum of her organisation s enthusiasm to relocate its headquarters to the region. Ms Amies said there was exciting collaborative potential of similarly-tasked organisations WorkSafe and the Transport Accident Commission, along with the National Disability Insurance Agency, developing a Geelong-based centre of excellence in the fields of insurance, injury and occupational safety. Thank you to the sponsors of the G21 Stakeholder Forum; Business Technology Specialists, the Barwon South West Regional Development Australia Committee, Transport Accident Commission and EvoLogic. 21

22 4.0 FEATURE G21 S CANBERRA DELEGATION L-R Cr Margot Smith, Cr Bob Merriman, Cr Frank Buchanan, Elaine Carbines, Cr Des Phelan Sarah Henderson MP, Cr Darryn Lyons, Prime Minister Tony Abbott 4.2 G21 EXPANDS CANBERRA ADVOCACY DELEGATION OF THE REGION S FIVE MUNICIPALITIES UNDER THE G21 BANNER CLEARLY DEMONSTRATES THE REGION S UNITY. Some say public service departmental heads are Canberra s real power brokers. Secretaries and deputy secretaries are the principal policy advisers to ministers and are therefore important influencers. Which is why it is crucial that the powerful Canberrabased department heads understand the G21 region s priorities when they are giving region-specific advice to their ministers. In July a G21 delegation of council CEOs met with departmental secretaries and deputy secretaries to explain the challenges facing the region and to promote opportunities to invest in projects to stimulate the region s economy. It is the first time G21 has marshalled a delegation specifically of municipal CEOs, and the first time G21 had so strategically targeted departmental secretaries. The high-level public servants were keen to hear what is happening on-the-ground in our region and provided useful advice and support. 22 The CEOs delegation followed on from the latest, very successful, full G21 Board delegation in March, which met with a wide range of ministers and shadow ministers. Investment opportunities was a central focus of the March delegation s messaging. The regional community is embracing new and innovative business development opportunities. G21 wants our political decision makers to be aware of, and supportive of, emerging exciting opportunities. The delegation explained that the changing complexion of the regional economy, while presenting challenges, is creating initiatives that need careful nurturing. Expanding opportunities in tourism, education, health and innovative manufacturing were all highlighted. The delegation was part of a long-term G21 strategy to reinforce the merits and importance of key projects with decision makers at all levels in Canberra. The success of G21 s delegations can only be assessed over future months and years. However, the aim was to ensure that our region s priorities are front-of-mind when key resource and expenditure decisions are being taken.

23 4.0 FEATURE G21 S CANBERRA DELEGATION L-R Cr Margot Smith, Cr Frank Buchanan, Richard Marles MP, Cr Des Phelan, Cr Bob Merriman, Henry Bongers, Elaine Barbines Front: Cr Darryn Lyons, the Hon Bill Shorten MP G21 S CANBERRA DELEGATION L-R Lenny Jenner, Sue Wilkinson, the Hon Warren Truss MP, Rod Nicholls, Henry Bongers, Keith Baillie 23

24 5.0 PRIORITY PROJECTS 5.1 THE GEELONG REGION PLAN THE FOUNDATION OF PRIORITY PROJECTS BSW RDA COMMITTEE 10 x Committee Members G21 GEELONG REGION PLAN The G21 Geelong Region Plan is a strategic framework and agreed vision for the G21 region, looking toward The plan identifies and addresses the challenges the region will face in areas such as environment, settlement, land use, community cohesion and the economy. It represents the work and opinions of hundreds of people and organisations including G21 municipalities, the State Government, peak bodies and environmental, community and business organisations from across the region. It is a collaborative approach to longer-term regional challenges, developed by the people of our region. It creates new opportunities for delivering priority projects to ensure the future productivity, liveability and sustainability of our region. PRIORITISING THE PROJECTS G21 brings together a broad range of government, business and community leaders to discuss the key issues and opportunities facing the G21 region. 17 G21 PRIORITY PROJECTS = clear regional priorities for State and Federal Governments G21 BOARD Directors: 10 x council appointed, 5 GRADIENT x member elected GRADIENT This network of regional leaders has the unique capacity to 67 PILLAR PROJECTS identify, develop and advocate for the implementation of projects 300 x active and expert members of pillars, that will improve people s lives in the G21 region. GRADIENT taskforces, GRADIENT sub-committees, working GRADIENT groups The G21 consultation process commences at community level. The community identify and present projects through the GRADIENT relevant G21 Pillar, who establish whether the project aligns against the objectives of, and contributes to the implementation of The G21 Geelong Region Plan. If the Pillar considers the project to be of regional significance it becomes known as a Pillar Project PROJECTS IDENTIFIED GRADIENT As experts in their respective fields, the G21 Pillars assess each Pillar Project against the Priority Project criteria, including: social, environmental and economic benefits strategic alignment with the objectives of The G21 Geelong Region Plan THE GEELONG REGION PLAN leadership and human resources funding potential. If a project meets all criterions and has the support of a Pillar, it is then considered by the G21 Board for endorsement. If approved, these projects are known as Priority Projects and become the key focus of G21 s activities. These G21 Priority Projects are critical to the sustainable growth of the G21 region. 24 AGREED VISION FOR people from more than 50 organisations GRADIENT G21 PROJECT PRIORITISATION PROCESS GRADIENT

25 5.0 PRIORITY PROJECTS 5.2 PRIORITY PROJECTS The five directions of The G21 Geelong Region Plan are integral to our ability to respond to the challenges and opportunities the region faces. Each Priority Project aligns against one of these directions, and has been selected according to their economic, environmental and social importance as well as their likelihood of implementation. PROTECT & ENHANCE OUR ENVIRONMENT CREATE SUSTAINABLE SETTLEMENTS STRENGTHEN OUR COMMUNITIES REFOCUS OUR ECONOMY MAKE IT HAPPEN PROTECT & ENHANCE OUR ENVIRONMENT G21 ADVENTURE TRAILS The Growing Adventure Tourism s vision is for the G21 region to be recognised as Victoria s premier trail destination with routes that offer exceptional natural adventure experiences. The Great Ocean Walk, Surf Coast Walk, Forrest Mountain Bike Park and You Yangs Mountain Bike Park require funding to create leading trail experiences. Further investment will develop quality support trails and market the region as a trails based destination. CREATE SUSTAINABLE SETTLEMENTS ARMSTRONG CREEK URBAN GROWTH AREA The Armstrong Creek Urban Growth Area is one of 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. CREATE SUSTAINABLE SETTLEMENTS CREATE SUSTAINABLE SETTLEMENTS CREATE SUSTAINABLE SETTLEMENTS GEELONG RING ROAD CONNECTIONS Development of the Geelong Ring Road and Princes Highway West has allowed the region to cope with strong population growth and capture the benefits from developing industry. Key components of this infrastructure requires completion; constructing Bellarine Link (Ring Road extension) to the Bellarine Peninsula (planning underway), upgrading freight connections to the Port of Geelong and upgrading the Midland Highway to Bannockburn. REGIONAL RAIL CONNECTIONS Regional rail upgrades and extensions are required to provide improved connectivity in the G21 region as well as provide better linkage to the main line services to Melbourne. This includes an increase in public transport services on the Geelong Warrnambool rail line, rail line duplication between Geelong and Waurn Ponds Stations and the identification of a public transport corridor to Torquay. TRANSPORT LINKS TO MELBOURNE The single biggest barrier to the growth of the G21 region is the constraint of access to Melbourne. Upgrades to key transport connections will promote growth in the G21 region and improve regional liveability. It will also provide an efficient means to transport produce from the G21 region to the Port of Melbourne and Tullamarine Airport for distribution into wider domestic and international markets. 25

26 5.0 PRIORITY PROJECTS 5.2 PRIORITY PROJECTS (CONT.) ADDRESSING DISADVANTAGE STRENGTHEN OUR COMMUNITY Parts of the G21 region experience significant poverty. Funding is required in target areas to implement strategies that regenerate areas 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 implement G21 Region Opportunities for Work (GROW), an innovative project that aims to get people working. CENTRAL GEELONG REVITALISATION STRENGTHEN OUR COMMUNITY The revitalisation of Central Geelong as a strong, vibrant and thriving mixed-use centre is important for Geelong, the region and to the future growth of Victoria. The Central Geelong Action Plan is a 15-year plan that sets a direction for future priorities and investment. It aims to create a smart city centre that delivers employment opportunities and provide a lifestyle that makes people want to live in the city centre and visit often. GEELONG FUTURE CITIES STRENGTHEN OUR COMMUNITY The G21 region s cultural assets are limited, ageing and used to capacity. Redevelopment includes an expanded and refurbished Geelong Performing Arts Centre (stage two funded), expansion of the Geelong Gallery (Business Case completed), a new integrated Geelong Library and Heritage Centre (under construction), upgrade of the Old Courthouse building (completed) and work on the public realm. GSSC DIGITAL LEARNING HUB STRENGTHEN OUR COMMUNITY The Geelong Secondary Schools and Community (GSSC) Digital Learning Hub will deliver world class, high-speed internet access through Australia s Academic and Research Network (AARNet). Hub partners; G21 region secondary schools, Deakin University, The Gordon and Geelong Regional Library Corporation, will share infrastructure and resources that will provide a high-speed platform for innovation, education, research, collaboration and e-commerce. REGIONAL MOTOCROSS FACILITY STRENGTHEN OUR COMMUNITY There is a strong need for a motocross venue in the G21 region to provide a contained, safe and controlled facility for rider education, activities and events. McAdam Park motocross track will close in December 2015 following a four-year dispute between riders and residents. Once a preferred location is identified, funding will be required for land and amenities that meet the acceptable standard for a regional motocross facility. APOLLO BAY HARBOUR PRECINCT REFOCUS OUR ECONOMY The Apollo Bay Harbour Precinct Master Plan outlines potential improvement opportunities that develop a much-needed western coast safe harbour for commercial and recreational use. It identifies that Apollo Bay must capitalise on its unique location and develop in a way that will set it apart from other towns. This means maintaining its distinctive fishing village character, with a port that is a working harbour. 26

27 5.0 PRIORITY PROJECTS 5.2 PRIORITY PROJECTS (CONT.) AVALON AIRPORT REFOCUS OUR ECONOMY Expansion of Avalon Airport provides the opportunity for regional and state growth through increased tourism, secondary airport opportunities and a logistics precinct with direct access to road, rail and port facilities. Support is required to expand domestic passenger operations and develop Avalon Airport as an international passenger airport. CONVENTION AND EXHIBITION CENTRE REFOCUS OUR ECONOMY Business events are a high yield component of the tourism industry and provide the opportunity to influence visitors to consider the G21 region as a great place to live and work. A Geelong Convention and Exhibition Centre will position the region as a viable, welllocated exhibition and event option that complements Melbourne and stamps Victoria as a global and national competitor in business events. CRUISE SHIP DESTINATION - YARRA STREET PIER REFOCUS OUR ECONOMY A new Yarra Street Pier will operate as a cruise liner facility accommodating visiting cruise ships, naval vessels, tall ships and other vessels. It will allow for expansion of the Royal Geelong Yacht Club, increase the opportunity to secure major sailing events and provide significant economic opportunities to the wider G21 region through increased tourism and employment. GEELONG RING ROAD EMPLOYMENT PRECINCT REFOCUS OUR ECONOMY The Geelong Ring Road Employment Precinct (GREP) will produce serviced industrial land that will create employment for the G21 region s extensive manufacturing workforce. The estate offers direct access to the Geelong Ring Road, highway, freight rail, Avalon Airport and port logistics. At full development, the GREP estate will create more than 10,000 jobs. LAND 400 REFOCUS OUR ECONOMY Geelong is the ideal location to base the design, engineering, manufacturing and maintenance of the LAND 400 combat vehicle. Geelong is a proven world-class source of innovative research in advanced materials and intelligent systems, and also has direct access to highway, freight rail, Avalon Airport and port logistics. This opportunity could transition Geelong s existing manufacturing sector, through the re-employment of trained industry workers. PORTARLINGTON SAFE HARBOUR REFOCUS OUR ECONOMY 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 established and growing mussel industry in Portarlington, and sustaining a growing oyster sector. An Implementation Plan is in development and Stage 1 is funded. 27

28 6.0 FEATURE A MEDIA THRONG SURROUNDS PREMIER DANIEL ANDREWS AT JETSTAR S BIG ANNOUNCEMENT 6.1 AVALON FLIES HIGH VALUE OF JETSTAR ANNOUNCEMENT CANNOT BE MEASURED. The State Government will spend $12 million over the next 10 years on a deal that will ensure passenger services continue at Avalon Airport. The new deal will see Jetstar expand its services from five to seven passenger flights a day, including to two new destinations. The landmark partnership will save up to 200 jobs and prevent the airport from ceasing passenger services. Passenger numbers will grow from 500,000 a year to 700,000 a year, which will pump around $80 million into the local economy annually. Importantly, the deal provides Avalon with enough stability to explore other business opportunities. It will lay the groundwork for a potential future expansion that will cement Avalon Airport as Victoria s second major passenger airport, including with future international carriers. This announcement is essential to the future of the G21 region. Avalon Airport is critical for jobs, tourism and our prosperity. Avalon Airport is a strategically vital asset to the G21 region not only as a passenger terminal but also as a freight centre. It provides the potential to export agricultural products like dairy, meat and seafood to an Asian market and has the opportunity to become a live export air freight hub, with access to suitable land to develop animal handling, quarantining and loading facilities. This would obviously provide great economic benefit to our local farmers in the Western District, who would have convenient access to a much broader market. Locally, it provides jobs in the G21 region, not only through those employed at the airport but those created through flow on to our booming tourism industry. Avalon is an important gateway to popular tourist destinations such as the Great Ocean Road and the Bellarine Peninsula. One-third of all arrivals in to Avalon are tourists and the extra services will see about 700 additional visitors per week arrive in the region, boosting the local tourism industry. 28

29 6.0 FEATURE LAUNCH OF THE GROW STRATEGIC PLAN Bill Mithen 6.2 GROW TACKLES DISADVANTAGE COULD YOU HELP TACKLE DISADVANTAGE IN THE G21 REGION? G21 Region Opportunities for Work (GROW) is based on significant international evidence that the best way to reduce areas of persistent disadvantage in a community is to reduce unemployment rates in those areas. GROW will therefore bring together philanthropic, business, government and community organisations across the G21 region with that single objective creating job opportunities specifically benefiting the most disadvantaged in our community. It s a long-term strategy that will benefit and strengthen the social and economic fabric of the entire G21 region. The GROW philosophy is that a prosperous community cares for the well-being of all of its members. Nothing like GROW has ever been implemented on this scale anywhere in Australia. GROW will create new job opportunities in areas within the region which have the highest levels of joblessness and persistent disadvantage. It will do this by targeting two significant means of job growth - procurement and investment. But how? GROW will support public and private sectors to direct their routine spend on local suppliers and products, creating new jobs which can potentially employ people from target areas. It will also encourage investment in SME s, allowing them to begin or expand operations within targeted areas, with a view to local job creation. And it will link jobs and jobseekers through demand-led brokerage, providing incentives for the employment of suitably trained people from targeted areas. GROW will focus on places of greatest disadvantage within the G21 region those with the highest levels of unemployment. Colac, Corio/Norlane and Whittington will be the initial focus; where unemployment is at double-digit levels, and well above regional and state averages. In future years, GROW will expand to take in other areas within the region. Sound exciting? You could help. Think about what you could do to be a part of real change in our community. And give us a call. We d love to hear from you! 29

30 7.0 G21 PILLARS 7.1 THE G21 PILLARS The G21 Pillar Groups are central to all of G21 s work. Made up of key decision makers and experts within each category, Pillars work towards generating projects that will contribute to the implementation of The G21 Geelong Region Plan. ARTS, HERITAGE & CULTURE PILLAR The G21 Arts, Heritage & Culture Pillar s vision is to foster artistic creativity, cultural leadership and involvement, as well as recognition and utilisation of heritage assets. It supports 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 Geelong Future Cities project is progressing well. The unique dome of the Geelong Library & Heritage Centre is nearing completion and will open late 2015, while detailed design works for GPAC are underway. The Geelong Art Gallery Business Case resulted in the City of Greater Geelong endorsing Option 4, where the Gallery doubles its current footprint by expanding into the driveway east of the Gallery through to the City Hall annex. The Concept stage is now underway. Funding of $40 million will be required. An Economic Benefits of Arts and Culture Study is still being considered to provide economic impact data for arts and cultural activity as a major contributor to sustainability, liveability and development. It would provide an 30 evidence base for further advocacy in arts investment in the G21 region. The Pillar made a submission to the Senate Inquiry into the Impact of 2014/2015 Commonwealth Budget decisions on the Arts. The submission noted that the absence of funding certainty makes the arts sector vulnerable, with many businesses unable to withstand major shifts in government policy. It called on the Senate to increase arts funding, recognise the risk current decisions have on small arts companies and recognise the impact that non-consultative decisions have on the arts sector. The Pillar also made a submission to the Victorian Creative Industries Strategy, which encouraged Creative Victoria to recognise local government s extremely significant contribution to the arts sector. Early in 2015, the Geelong Region Arts Atlas was officially launched. The Arts Atlas serves as an exciting resource for artists and the community, providing an online directory of events, jobs and opportunities. ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT PILLAR The G21 Economic Development Pillar works collaboratively to improve the region s prosperity by becoming 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 AND FOSTER NEW AND EMERGING INDUSTRIES BUILD ENABLING INFRASTRUCTURE DEVELOP A CAPABLE WORKFORCE MARKET THE REGION. The biggest news for the Economic Development Pillar this year is the announcement of Jetstar s 10-year commitment to Avalon. A $26 million deal with the State Government and airport owner Linfox will secure the future of Avalon and its workers for the next decade, and see the airline increase operations and expand to new routes to grow patronage. The impact of this cannot be underestimated. It will save jobs and prevent the airport from ceasing passenger services. The LAND 400 project jumped a major hurdle earlier this year when the Federal Government committed to First Pass Approval and will now investigate options to build a new generation of armoured combat vehicles for the Army. A tendering process has taken place and Team Sentinel has indicated that it will establish operations in Geelong if it wins the manufacturing contract. This could be a game changer for our region. Tenders are undergoing evaluation, with an initial shortlist of those progressing further to be announced March Portarlington Safe Harbour is half-way through its $15 million upgrade. A new pier on the site was finished mid-year, and works have commenced to construct a suite of marine industry access improvements for the pier and harbour. The Simonds Stadium upgrade also continues to progress, with its $89 million redevelopment that will lift Stadium capacity to 36,000 taking place in the football off-season. Early in 2015, the Pillar adopted ManuFuture Geelong as a project. This innovation hub, located at the Geelong Innovation Precinct, will support existing manufacturers to enter new markets, devise new products and improve productivity. With $3 million funding in the State Budget, ManuFuture still requires $20 million for completion.

31 7.0 G21 PILLARS 7.1 THE G21 PILLARS (CONT.) EDUCATION & TRAINING PILLAR The G21 Education & Training Pillar works collaboratively to raise the profile of education and training as key drivers of the region s economic and social prosperity. The Pillar seeks outcomes that: CONNECT EDUCATION AND TRAINING TO EMPLOYMENT INCREASE EDUCATIONAL ATTAINMENT AND PARTICIPATION RATES INCREASE ACCESS TO EDUCATION AND TRAINING INCLUDING EFFECTIVE EDUCATIONAL PATHWAYS IMPROVE THE QUALITY OF EDUCATIONAL OUTCOMES DEVELOP A VISION OF EXCELLENCE FOR EDUCATION AND TRAINING IN THE G21 REGION. Early this year, the Education & Training Pillar successfully recommended that the G21 Board endorse the Geelong Secondary Schools and Community (GSSC) Digital Learning Hub as a Priority Project. This project will build crucial infrastructure to deliver high-speed internet access through Australia s Academic and Research Network (AARNet). Member for Geelong, Chris Couzens MP launched a Business Case that asks for $4.7 million, a relatively small investment that will help strategically realign the G21 regional economy to become a leader in digital learning. The Pillar was delighted to see the State Government commit to establish a P-12 school at Bannockburn, which was strongly advocated by the Pillar and G21. The school has now been fasttracked due to its high-growth location, and will open at the start of We will continue to monitor the development of the school to ensure the best possible integration into the local community and alignment with related community facilities. In February, the Pillar hosted Minister for Education, James Merlino and Minister for Training and Skills, Steve Herbert, presenting on key issues impacting skills, education and training in the G21 region. Building strong relationships between all levels of government continues to be a pillar priority. We made a submission to the State Government s consultation process on shaping Victoria as the Education State. The submission identifies targets that will help achieve the Education State vision and identified strengths and challenges specific to the G21 region. A planning workshop was held in April, where we identified potential challenges and opportunities and how they aligned against State Government policy. This allowed the Pillar to identify funding opportunities and prioritise its agenda for the coming year. ENVIRONMENT PILLAR The G21 Environment Pillar aims to protect and enhance our environment while balancing regional communities needs by: PROMOTING SUSTAINABLE BEST-FIT LAND USE ACHIEVING QUALITY STATED EMISSION TARGETS BEING NATIONAL LEADERS IN WATER EFFICIENCY IDENTIFYING AND ACKNOWLEDGING NATURAL AND CULTURAL HERITAGE PROTECTING OUR BAYS, COASTS AND ESTUARIES ENSURING NO FURTHER LOSS OF BIODIVERSITY. In addition to the Environment Pillar s normal business, the Pillar undertook a strategic review of its operations. A Strategic Workshop was held in April to facilitate the Pillar in developing a clear purpose and strategic direction, which are now documented in terms of reference. It was also agreed to create a Pillar Executive Group and amend their meeting cycle to four meetings and a strategic forum annually, which will be coordinated by a Pillar Executive. The Pillar has also ceased operation of its four Working Groups, with a preference for issue based committees within fixed time frames. Now the Pillar is focused on reviewing its priorities, which it will finalise at its February 2016 Strategic Workshop. The review process has resulted in an increase in Pillar membership and attendance. The Environment Pillar s Climate Resilient Communities (CRC) project continues to progress well. This is a long-term project that is assisting the G21 and Greater South Coast regions understand what risks or opportunities might be presented by future extreme weather events. Following a full assessment of the region s vulnerabilities, eight high priority projects were identified and scoped for delivery across the BSW. The State Government has provided an additional $400,000 to help implement these projects. Detailed project briefs have been developed for five of these projects, with delivery due by the end of The Pillar has had a number of briefings this year. Presentations have been made on the City of Greater Geelong s Urban Forest Strategy, on the coal seam gas industry in the G21 region and by the Department of Environment, Land, Water & Planning on State Government commitments and reviews relating to the environment. 31

32 7.0 G21 PILLARS 7.1 THE G21 PILLARS (CONT.) HEALTH & WELLBEING PILLAR The G21 Health & Wellbeing Pillar s vision is that communities in the G21 region experience the highest quality of life achievable through accessibility, participation, innovation and vibrant, collaborative relationships. Four strategic directions guide their progress: UNDERSTANDING POPULATIONS, PLANNING AND IMPACTS OF CHANGE CONNECTING PEOPLE, COMMUNITIES AND SERVICES BUILDING HEALTHY, RESILIENT AND INNOVATIVE COMMUNITIES STRENGTHENING COMMUNITY INFRASTRUCTURE AND SERVICE SYSTEMS. The Health & Wellbeing Pillar welcomes investment in infrastructure in socially challenged areas, a key objective of the Addressing Disadvantage Priority Project. A $40 million Baptcare integrated community hub will play an important role in the rejuvenation of Geelong s northern suburbs. It will strengthen communities in Norlane and Corio by improving economic growth, boosting productivity and creating employment opportunities. The $33 million Barwon Health North will be integrated in the Northern Arts, Recreation and Community (ARC) Hub, combining high quality healthcare with other community facilities to promote better health and wellbeing for residents in Geelong s north. The G21 Region Opportunities for Work (GROW) project, also under the Addressing Disadvantage project, continues to progress well. At the start of the year, the project was one of 11 projects Australiawide shortlisted in The Search, a prestigious national social impact award, for its work in trying to reduce unemployment in areas of persistent disadvantage. Since then, 32 the GROW Strategic Plan has been launched and GROW has received a $50,000 grant to complete a modelling project to demonstrate the economic and social impact of increased social procurement activity in the G21 region. A number of projects contributing to the implementation of the G21 Region Health & Wellbeing Plan and G21 Region Early Intervention & Integrated Care Plan have been undertaken. A resource kit to replicate last year s hugely successful aboriginal reconciliation Spreading the Message project was created and distributed to key stakeholders, a Violence Against Women & Children Forum was held to demonstrate current initiatives and projects addressing family violence issues in our region, a regional forum to discuss effective strategies to promote the value of volunteering was held and the Pillar was, once again, instrumental in organising the #G21RefugeeWeek social media project. PLANNING & SERVICES PILLAR 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 REGION (INDUSTRIAL AND RESIDENTIAL) ASSESS ANTICIPATED CLIMATE CHANGE IMPACTS ON THE REGION AND CO-ORDINATE PLANNING RESPONSE ENSURE STRATEGIC REGIONAL INFRASTRUCTURE PROVISION FOR DESIGNATED GROWTH AREAS OF THE REGION. The Central Geelong Revitalisation project continues to advance in a range of areas. A City in a Park plan, under the Greening Geelong initiative, was created to transform Central Geelong into an attractive, high amenity environment. The 15-year plan involves the implementation of 26 greening and streetscaping projects. Work has already started, with revitalisation of the Little Malop Street pedestrian and cycling bridge to beautify and better connect Central Geelong and Geelong West. Many other projects city wide are contributing to Central Geelong s revitalisation. Positive discussions with trucking authorities continue surrounding freight movement in Geelong s CBD and slower safer speed limits have been introduced. Ultimately we want to attract investment, deliver employment opportunities and improve the lifestyle of Central Geelong. Armstrong Creek Special School and Armstrong Creek Primary School (priorities under the Armstrong Creek Urban Growth Area Priority Project) will open at the start of 2018, both fast-tracked due to strong population growth. This highlights the rising urgency in delivering other community and recreation facilities for this area, with the risk this new community will become under-serviced. Two land-use plans identified in the G21 Regional Growth Plan have been created to guide detailed growth planning. Growing Winchelsea will seek to build on Winchelsea s rich cultural heritage and country village feel while providing sustainable jobs, housing growth and future community facilities. Colac 2050 will cater for a projected doubling in Colac s population during the next 40 years with a plan for the expansion of Colac s residential housing footprint, business and industry sectors. The redevelopment of the Apollo Bay harbour is a step closer with a development plan outlining future possibilities for the harbour being undertaken.

33 7.0 G21 PILLARS 7.1 THE G21 PILLARS (CONT.) SPORT & RECREATION PILLAR The G21 Sport & Recreation Pillar focuses on fostering community wellbeing through participation and improving the capacity of sport and recreation assets (human, physical, and natural) to respond to the regional communities needs. The Pillar supports regional efforts to: DEVELOP ORGANISED SPORTS (THROUGH SUPPORTING THE DEVELOPMENT OF COACHING, VOLUNTEERS, CLUB GOVERNANCE, ETC.) LINK TO THE SCHOOL SECTOR DEVELOP DROUGHT RESISTANT FACILITIES SHARE KNOWLEDGE. The Sport & Recreation Pillar are delighted that three projects have been recognised as G21 Priority Projects. A Regional Motocross Facility in the G21 region will provide a contained, safe and controlled facility for rider education, activities and events. A Business Case is currently being completed to find a preferred location. Once this is identified, funding will be required for land and amenities. With strong growth in Armstrong Creek, development of regional active open spaces is of immediate concern. This is recognised as an element of the Armstrong Creek Urban Growth Area Priority Project. Development of a synthetic soccer pitch at the Corio Leisuretime Centre will tackle the high level of demand where soccer participation is growing at an unprecedented rate. It will also be vital in improving community health and wellbeing in one of the most disadvantaged target areas in the G21 region. This project is recognised under the Addressing Disadvantage Priority Project. Trail works on the G21 Adventure Trails continue. The Old Beechy Rail Trail enhancement officially opened in March following an $830,000 makeover. A strategic plan for the Forrest Mountain Bike trails has been adopted, with a number of recommendations that will enhance riders experience and help attract more users in the future. Implementation of Colac s Beechy Precinct continues; the $12 million Bluewater Leisure Centre redevelopment is in its final stages, with some sections of the facility already open to the public. Failing to attract State Government funding (to match a $2.5 million Federal Government grant), offfield facilities at Colac s Central Reserve will undergo a staged upgrade, with design works already commenced. G21 continues to lobby hard to secure a State Government contribution to allow the full scope of the project to be completed. The G21 Regional Tennis Strategy and the G21 & AFL Barwon Regional Strategy have both been completed and endorsed by each five member councils. These strategies will guide growth and improvements through improving clubs and associations, and developing facilities that promote participation. TRANSPORT PILLAR 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. The Transport Pillar had a huge win in the State Budget with a $115 million investment into a maintenance and stabling yard in Waurn Ponds. As an important element of the Regional Rail Connections Priority Project, this will ultimately allow an increase in rail service to occur as it will permit rail duplication to take place. There has already been an increase in service on the Geelong Melbourne line, with weekday train service every 10 minutes during peak periods and every 20 minutes off-peak, however, more services are required to regional towns to provide employment and postsecondary education opportunities. The $90.4 million upgrade to Baanip Boulevard between the Surf Coast Highway and Ghazeepore Road officially opened six months ahead of schedule. This important linking road continues its march towards the Bellarine Peninsula; detailed planning is currently underway for its corridor plan between the Surf Coast Highway and Barwon Heads Road. A funding ask to construct this road is not far away. The G21 Region Road Transport Plan is currently being updated, with a draft expected before the end of Traffic on local and arterial roads in the G21 region has increased due to population, industry and tourism growth. This plan evaluates the current and future use of the road network and prioritises projects and planning studies to ensure the road network continues to be fit the needs of the G21 regions population. The Transport Pillar has adopted the upgrade of the Surf Coast Highway / Beach Road intersection as a Pillar Project. This intersection generates high traffic volumes all year round, and a State Government commitment of $620,000 is required to install traffic lights at this intersection. 33

34 7.0 G21 PILLARS 7.2 G21 PILLAR PROJECTS ARTS, HERITAGE & CULTURE 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 will build on existing resources and involves mapping physical assets including public art, memorials and spaces - both built and natural - for performance and exhibition based on existing work including the Geelong Region Arts Atlas. ECONOMIC BENEFITS OF ARTS AND CULTURE STUDY The Economic Benefits of Arts and Culture Study will provide specific and reliable economic impact data that recognises that arts and cultural activity in the community is a major contributor to sustainability, liveability and development. This will provide evidence for further advocacy in arts investment in the G21 region. HERITAGE LISTING An online catalogue compiling the G21 region s significant historical buildings and sites will be developed. It will highlight the region s rich cultural and historical heritage, and support an environment that embraces unique local history. A way to provide strategic support to the many history focussed community organisations across the G21 region is also being developed. NATIONAL WOOL MUSEUM - THE NEXT 25 YEARS A review of the National Wool Museum will be undertaken to evaluate the regional stories it tells and identify themes to be included over the next 25 years. ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COLAC CBD AND ENTRANCES PROJECT Implementation of the Colac CBD and Entrances Master Plan will rejuvenate the eastern and western entrances into Colac, improving the town s visual appeal while increasing functionality for pedestrians and vehicles. FORT QUEENSCLIFF TOURISM PRECINCT The Fort Queenscliff Precinct Tourism Master Plan explores how the Fort could be used to attract visitors to Queenscliff, supporting businesses, strengthening the community and stimulating the economy. With its iconic location, rich history and heritage buildings and assets, Fort Queenscliff is ideally placed as a potential tourism destination of national significance. 34 GEELONG CENTRE FOR EMERGING INFECTIOUS DISEASES The Geelong Centre for Emerging Infectious Diseases (GCEID) is a collaborative, multidisciplinary research partnership between Deakin University, Barwon Health and CSIRO s Australian Animal Health Laboratory based on a One Health approach to understanding and mitigating the risks posed by emerging infectious diseases. The Federal Government has committed $3 million to the $12 million GCEID project. GOLDEN PLAINS FOOD PRODUCTION PRECINCT Infrastructure to provide a dedicated water supply to intensive farm operations in the Shelford-Meredith corridor will help develop Intensive Agriculture Industries in the Golden Plains Shire, maximising their current competitive advantage, supporting future growth and playing a significant role in creating new jobs and advancing economic development. MANUFUTURE GEELONG ManuFuture Geelong will create an innovation hub instrumental in developing a vibrant advanced manufacturing sector in the G21 region. It will support existing manufacturers to enter new markets, devise new products and improve productivity. It will also help establish innovative local industries by creating new business models, products and processes. It will highlight the advanced manufacturing jobs available in the G21 region and provide a viable option for retrenched workers to work in new, sustainable manufacturing enterprises. 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 worldwide. Supporting the region s core industrial capacity, the precinct is strategically positioned as a gateway between Geelong and Melbourne, Victoria s Western District and wider domestic and international markets. POINT GREY PRECINCT The Point Grey Precinct Plan aims to strengthen the valued elements of Point Grey such as its natural beauty, rich history and rugged character and create a place that focuses on people. The plan includes a new open space area, a new maritime square, heritage interpretation and improved pedestrian access and circulation arrangements at the precinct. SIMONDS STADIUM REDEVELOPMENT - STAGES 4 AND 5 The Simonds Stadium (Stage 4 and 5) redevelopment will complete the transformation of the venue into Victoria s third national multi-purpose stadium,

35 7.0 G21 PILLARS 7.2 G21 PILLAR PROJECTS (CONT.) strengthening the region as a sports hub and providing infrastructure required to attract a range of nationally significant events. SURF CULTURE A Surf Industry Mapping Study has revealed that the surfing industry is the Surf Coast Shire s most significant industry sector. It also identifies actions for implementation that will further contribute to economic growth and prosperity. Torquay has adopted the Home of Australian Surfing brand line and is now developing an implementation plan. A Surf Experience Study is proposed, which will focus on enhancing Torquay s Australian National Surfing Museum. EDUCATION & TRAINING BANNOCKBURN P-12 SCHOOL The State Government has committed to establish a P-12 School at Bannockburn, which was strongly advocated by the Pillar. The Pillar will continue to monitor the development of the school to ensure the best possible integration into the local community and alignment with related community facilities. GEELONG CAREERS CENTRAL Geelong Careers Central provides online quality career development advice, information and support to workers, job seekers and employers affected by industry transition and new employment opportunities across the Geelong region. The project supplements related programs, and eliminates gaps, creating an accessible, comprehensive and seamless client service. The project is linked to the Workforce Development Centre sited at the Gordon TAFE. REGIONAL EDUCATION AND TRAINING MAPPING PROJECT This project will collaborate with the skills mapping project established by Regional Development Australia BSW. Together this work aims to establish common baseline data relating to education, training and employment within the G21 region. Findings from the project will be used to foster networking and development of common interests within the G21 region. TORQUAY NORTH FAMILY AND CHILDREN S CENTRE Early years services in Torquay and Jan Juc have reached capacity. The development of a children s hub in the Torquay North Community and Civic Precinct will deliver infrastructure that will provide a range of educational and care services for the growing number of families and children in the Surf Coast Shire. The Pillar continues to advocate for integrated community facilities. TRADE TRAINING CENTRES Trade Training Centres provide access to high quality, industry standard, trade facilities. They encourage students to engage in future employment opportunities while addressing national and regional skills shortages and contributing to the delivery of Vocational Education and Training (VET). ENVIRONMENT BARWON SUSTAINABILITY HUB The Barwon Sustainability Hub (BSH) is a proposed $12 million facility that will mainstream the sustainability and cleantech agenda region wide. It will be a central, inclusive hub that places the G21 region at the forefront of leadership in sustainable growth and resources. The BSH will nurture sustainable enterprise and innovation, connecting the ever-expanding network of sustainability groups in partnership with industry, community and authorities. BIODIVERSITY RISK ANALYSIS A Biodiversity Risk Analysis of all land and marine species in the G21 region will be conducted to integrate into an Environmental Regional Action Plan. CENTRE FOR GRASSY RESTORATION TECHNOLOGIES AND SEED PRODUCTION This unique facility will oversee the development of restoration technologies focussing on grassland and grassy-woodland communities. It will actively supply seed for biodiversity restoration within Western Victoria s volcanic plains and showcase best practice land management to industry. The facility will be an educational resource for landholders, restorationists, schools, indigenous groups and the wider community. CLIMATE RESILIENT COMMUNITIES The Climate Resilient Communities program will assist ten south west Victoria municipalities (and partners) to build capacity to manage risks and build community resilience to extreme climate events while embracing any opportunities from future climate variability. FARMING INCENTIVE PROGRAM The Farming Incentive Program will entice farmers to support environmentally sustainable practices such as eradicating pest plants and animals, increasing biodiversity, improving soil health and recycling water. REGIONAL ENVIRONMENTAL CLEARING HOUSE A Regional Environmental Clearing House will gather and analyse data to create an environmental profile of the G21 region. This will provide a baseline of environmental evidence, identify emerging regional 35

36 7.0 G21 PILLARS 7.2 G21 PILLAR PROJECTS (CONT.) needs and allow agencies in the region to better coordinate and prioritise their activities. REGIONAL ROADSIDE ADVISORY COMMITTEE A high level Regional Roadside Advisory Committee will provide advice on roadside management with respect to biodiversity, pests and fire management in a strategically coordinated way. RESTORE THE MOORABOOL RIVER A best practice plan for the Moorabool River that will improve the flow of the river and increase river biodiversity is required to restore it to its natural standard and improve community access to, and recreational use of, the river. SCENARIO III DEVELOPMENT Scenario III Development is a research-based project that will 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. HEALTH & WELLBEING G21 REGION HEALTH AND WELLBEING PLAN ( ) IMPLEMENTATION The G21 Region Health and Wellbeing Plan identified three priority actions to improve the health and wellbeing of people across the G21 region. These are to: 1) increase access and uptake of physical activity 2) strengthen our advocacy for increased community connectedness and social inclusion 3) build our evidence based planning and practice. A range of projects that contribute to implementing this plan have been developed. G21 REGION EARLY INTERVENTION & INTEGRATED CARE PLAN ( ) IMPLEMENTATION The G21 Region Early Intervention and Integrated Care Plan will enhance regional planning, research and support across the range of health care available to those with complex or chronic conditions. A series of projects over a three year period will implement this plan. PLANNING & SERVICES AVALON CORRIDOR STUDY Work has commenced on the Avalon Corridor Planning Strategy to provide direction for the significant strategic settlement break between Geelong and Werribee. This strategy will look to identify policy and 36 other land use planning recommendations that address landscape and environmental issues as well as provide for appropriate protection of Avalon Airport and its growth and associated employment opportunities. COLAC 2050 Colac 2050 is a long-range planning project that will cater for a projected doubling in Colac s population during the next 40 years. Colac 2050 will establish a plan for the expansion of Colac s residential housing footprint, business and industry sectors. It will also examine drainage, residential, retail and industrial land availability, flood planning, social and recreational infrastructure, traffic and pedestrian needs. G21 LAND SUPPLY MONITORING TOOL This innovative online land supply mapping and reporting tool provides both a visual and reporting capability for residential and industrial land supply data in the G21 region. GROWING WINCHELSEA Growing Winchelsea develops a sustainable growth framework that will make Winchelsea an even better place to live, work and visit. It optimises the town s strengths and fosters a strong sense of community, identity and heritage, while creating jobs, attracting investment and planning for the future needs of residents. Implementation is underway. MANAGING FUTURE GROWTH The Managing Future Growth project will identify the cost implications if growth areas at Lovely Banks and Batesford South are implemented earlier than identified in the G21 Regional Growth Plan. The project will analyse the cost implications of delivering additional growth areas, the best methodology for delivering land for development and how infrastructure can be funded in a financially sustainable way. TORQUAY JAN JUC SUSTAINABLE FUTURES 2040 Torquay-Jan Juc Sustainable Futures 2040 reviews the scale, timing and location of growth in Torquay- Jan Juc. Precinct structure plans, which will guide development and investment in future years, are underway. SPORT & RECREATION ARMSTRONG CREEK REGIONAL ACTIVE OPEN SPACES The Armstrong Creek Urban Growth Area boasts three regional size active open spaces. Development of two of these active open spaces is required to meet the immediate demands of this growing community. Detailed planning for these active open spaces has been

37 7.0 G21 PILLARS 7.2 G21 PILLAR PROJECTS (CONT.) undertaken. Funding is now required to implement the project. BEECHY PRECINCT The Beechy Precinct provides an all-inclusive education, recreation and community facility designed to address the high levels of social disadvantage in the Colac area by creating an active, learning community. This includes the refurbishment of Bluewater Fitness Centre Stadium (underway), implementation of the Central Reserve Master Plan (surface completed, offfield facilities in design) and active sports fields at the new Colac Secondary College (completed). G21 AND AFL BARWON REGIONAL FOOTBALL STRATEGY The G21 and AFL Barwon Regional Football Strategy will guide and support the sustainable delivery of football in the G21 / AFL Barwon regions. The project will focus on addressing both infrastructure and sports development needs and aims to provide a clear coordinated structure for football governance and project delivery for the next decade. G21 REGIONAL TENNIS STRATEGY The G21 Regional Tennis Strategy supports the sustainable delivery of tennis in the G21 region over the next 10 years, identifying opportunities for improved infrastructure and sports development programs. REGIONAL SOCCER SYNTHETIC PITCH The G21 Regional Football (Soccer) Strategy identified the need for a non-aligned regional synthetic soccer pitch to service a network of clubs in Geelong s northern suburbs where soccer participation is growing at an unprecedented rate. Development of a synthetic soccer pitch at the Corio Leisuretime Centre will tackle this high level of demand. It will also be vital in improving community health and wellbeing in one of the most disadvantaged target areas in the G21 region. TRANSPORT COLAC RING ROAD With the upgrade of Princes Hwy West approaching Colac, a corridor around Colac needs to be determined. Benefits of the road should be maximised without adversely affecting the town. BICYCLE IMPROVEMENT PROJECTS The G21 Priority Bicycle Network (PBN) will provide cyclists with safe, accessible and connected cycling routes within Geelong. It identifies and prioritises a series of projects to support sustainable cycling. COLAC RAIL INTERMODAL FREIGHT HUB A forecast increase in freight traffic in the G21 region has identified the need to optimise the value of the Warrnambool train line. A feasibility study investigating the need for a freight hub at Colac is required. GEELONG RAIL STATION REDEVELOPMENT Geelong Station has been upgraded to improve accessibility between platforms and provide station facilities which are accessible for all people. The upgrade included the installation of lifts and stairs to connect Platforms 1, 2 and 3 and improvements to station facilities such as ticket counters and toilets. GREAT OCEAN ROAD UPGRADE A $50 million maintenance and improvements upgrade over five years will preserve the structural integrity of this icon. It will create a showcase that reflects the roads important role as an tourist destination and significant economic driver in the G21 region. G21 PUBLIC TRANSPORT STRATEGY IMPLEMENTATION The G21 Public Transport Strategy will effectively plan for and respond to public transport opportunities and challenges facing the region. The project s aim is to increase public transport use across the G21 region, help reduce traffic congestion and social isolation and improve the environment. INTERMODAL FREIGHT INTERCHANGE A feasibility study has identified a demand for an intermodal facility in Geelong s north to optimise the use of rail in the transport of freight and minimise secondary distribution by road. PRINCES HIGHWAY WEST UPGRADE Upgrades to Princes Highway West are required between Geelong and Mt Gambier including duplication between Waurn Ponds and Winchelsea (funded), Winchelsea and Colac (funded), and safety improvements between Colac and Mt Gambier. SURF COAST HWY/BEACH RD INTERSECTION UPGRADE The installation of traffic lights is required at one of the most dangerous and congested intersections on the Surf Coast Highway. With a history of accidents and mishap, reducing the risk of incidents at this intersection will work towards a zero regional road toll. 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. 37

38 7.0 G21 PILLARS 7.3 G21 PILLAR MEMBERS G21 ARTS, HERITAGE & CULTURE PILLAR CR MARGOT SMITH (LEADER) Councillor, Surf Coast Shire G21 ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT PILLAR CR BRUCE HARWOOD (LEADER) Councillor, City of Greater Geelong ASSOCIATE PROFESSOR KRISTIN DEMETRIOUS (DEPUTY LEADER) BARBARA ABLEY AM Associate Head of School (International and Partnerships), Deakin University Member, National Serviceman s Association DAVID PEART (DEPUTY LEADER) MIKE BARROW HENRY BONGERS Executive Officer, Geelong Manufacturing Council Manager Executive Unit, Golden Plains Shire Director, BDH Construction CR JENNY BLAKE ELAINE CARBINES SHANNON DI LISIO JULIE DYER Councillor, Golden Plains Shire G21 - Geelong Region Alliance Tourism & Community Development Program Leader, Borough of Queenscliffe Arts Development Officer, Surf Coast Shire CR FRANK BUCHANAN ELAINE CARBINES HELENA CHARLES ED COPPE CR MICHAEL DELAHUNTY Councillor, Colac Otway Shire G21 - Geelong Region Alliance Senior Economic Development Officer, Golden Plains Shire Director, Ed Coppe Wealth Management Councillor, Colac Otway Shire GEOFFREY EDWARDS LUISA LA FORNARA Director, Geelong Art Gallery Arts & Events Manager, Diversitat MARTIN ELLUL CR CLIVE GOLDSWORTHY Regional Director BSW, Regional Development Victoria Councillor, Surf Coast Shire PATTI MANOLIS UNA MCALINDEN KAZ PATON KAREN PATTERSON CR ANDY RICHARDS Geelong Regional Library Corporation Director, National Celtic Festival Manager Arts & Culture, City of Greater Geelong Manager, Colac Otway Performing Arts & Culture Councillor, City of Greater Geelong TIM GOODEN ROGER GRANT KEELIE HAMILTON TIM HEAD ROSIE KING PETER MCCRACKEN Secretary, Geelong Trades Hall Council Executive Director, Tourism Greater Geelong & the Bellarine Economic Development Coordinator, City of Greater Geelong Business Development Manager, CSIRO General Manager People & Culture, Geelong Football Club Regional Manager, Industry Capability Network CR SUSAN SALTER DEB SANSOM CHERYL SCOTT JAMIE SMITH JILL SMITH DAMIAN WAIGHT CR TERRY WOODCROFT Councillor, Borough of Queenscliffe Community Development, Arts & Culture, Golden Plains Shire President, Osborne Park Association General Manager, Courthouse ARTS General Manager, Geelong Performing Arts Centre Manager Community Relations, Surf Coast Shire Councillor, Colac Otway Shire CR CAROL MCGREGOR KEVIN MURPHY LOUISE OSBORNE LISA PITRE AAMIR QUTUB ANNE-MARIE RYAN WAYNE STREET KATE SULLIVAN Councillor, Surf Coast Shire Executive Director Facilities Service, Deakin University R&D Partnerships & Strategic Relationships Analyst, CSIRO Business Development Manager, Regional Development Victoria ICT Facilitator, Geelong ICT Cluster Executive Officer, Geelong Region Local Learning & Employment Network Cluster Facilitator, Geelong Food Co-products Cluster Director Planning & Environment, Surf Coast Shire MATT TAYLOR Manager Economic Development & Tourism, Surf Coast Shire BERNADETTE UZELAC Executive Officer, Geelong Chamber of Commerce HELEN VAUGHAN Regional Director, Department of Environment, Land, Water & Planning TONY WHITE Manager Economic Development, Colac Otway Shire BILL WINTER Director, PointNorth Consulting YVONNE YIP Manager - Asset Development, Deakin University 38

39 7.0 G21 PILLARS 7.3 G21 PILLAR MEMBERS (CONT.) G21 EDUCATION & TRAINING PILLAR G21 EDUCATION & TRAINING PILLAR (CONT.) PROF ELIZABETH JOHNSON (LEADER) Pro Vice-Chancellor (Teaching & Learning), Deakin University CHRISTINE SHANNON Director of Professional Learning and Research, The Geelong College CR NATHAN HANSFORD (DEPUTY LEADER) Councillor, Golden Plains Shire VIRGINIA TODD Senior Development Officer, Regional Development Victoria BARBARA ABLEY AM DR DAMIAN BLAKE KATE BREEN MEG BULLEN Member, National Serviceman s Association Associate Head of School (Teaching & Learning), Faculty of Arts & Education, Deakin University Allied Health Workforce Development Project Officer, Department of Health & Human Services Development Manager BSW, Regional Development Victoria LINDA VAUGHAN DR JUDE WALKER JULIET WILLIAMS Senior Programs Officer, Department of Education & Training Research Officer, Geelong Region Local Learning & Employment Network Leadership Program Coordinator, Committee for Geelong DAVID BURKE Coordinator Youth Development, City of Greater Geelong ELAINE CARBINES LYNNE CLARKE DAVID COTSELL CR LIBBY COKER JOANNE CORNELIUS G21 - Geelong Region Alliance Executive Officer, GRVEC ACFE Regional Council BSW Councillor, Surf Coast Shire RTO Manager, AGB Group G21 ENVIRONMENT PILLAR GARETH SMITH (LEADER) LINDA KELLY (DEPUTY LEADER) STEWART ANDERSON Corangamite Catchment Management Authority Barwon South West Waste and Resource Recovery Group Manager Environment & Community Safety, Colac Otway Shire GLENN DAVEY Victorian Association of State Secondary Principals CR ANDREW CAMERON Councillor, Golden Plains Shire ALAN DAVIS Senior Adviser Planning & Performance, Department of Education & Training ELAINE CARBINES G21 - Geelong Region Alliance JOHN ECKERMANN CHRIS EDDY JILL EVANS PAM HARGREAVES External Relations Manager, Deakin College Manager Professional Practice, Department of Education & Early Childhood Development Director Community Services, Golden Plains Shire Independent Schools Victoria PETER CODD EMMA CONNAN IAN CROOK Regional Manager Strategy, Innovation & Engagement, Department of Environment, Land, Water & Planning Manager Organisational Sustainability, Deakin University Director, Corangamite Catchment Management Authority CR STEPHEN HART DR JOHN HENRY CHRIS JAMES SHARON KERLIN CR ROD MACDONALD Councillor, Colac Otway Shire Senior Associate, Researching Futures Manager, Advanced Career Training Project Manager Skilling the Bay, The Gordon Councillor, City of Greater Geelong RICHARD DAVIES TONY ENGLISH CR EVE FISHER CAROLYN FRANCIS Great Ocean Road Coastal Committee District Manager Western Baalt, Parks Victoria Councillor, Surf Coast Shire Team Leader Compliance Strategy & Support, Environment Protection Authority PATTI MANOLIS Geelong Regional Library Corporation MADDIE GLYNN Manager Community Liaison & Education, Barwon Coast TINA MARTIN KARL MAHR ANDREW PALMER Managing Director, Geelong Kindergartens Association Geelong Careers Teachers Association Enterprise Manager Living Well, The Gordon CR STEPHEN HART TIM HEAD ROWAN MCKENZIE Councillor, Colac Otway Shire Business Development Manager, CSIRO Manager Environment & Community Safety, Surf Coast Shire DANIELLE PARKER ANNE-MARIE RYAN Manager fort Youth Centre, City of Greater Geelong Executive Officer, Geelong Region Local Learning & Employment Network GAVAN MATHIESON AMY O BRIEN Community Engagement & Investment Executive Manager, Corangamite Catchment Management Authority Strategic Coordinator BSW, Sustainability Victoria GEORGINA RYDER CR SUSAN SALTER Manager Training Participation Support, Department of Education & Early Childhood Development Councillor, Borough of Queenscliffe LOUISE OSBORNE TONY OVERMAN R&D Partnerships & Strategic Relationships Analyst, CSIRO Strategy & Sustainability Coordinator, Barwon Water 39

40 7.0 G21 PILLARS 7.3 G21 PILLAR MEMBERS (CONT.) G21 ENVIRONMENT PILLAR (CONT.) G21 HEALTH & WELLBEING PILLAR (CONT.) MARK PAGANINI Manager Eastern Victoria, Conservation Volunteers Australia GREG FLETCHER Manager Health & Community Services, Colac Otway Shire AUDREY PENNEY Skill Centre Manager, Centre for Sustainable Innovation, The Gordon ROBYN HAYLES Executive Director of Ambulatory Services, Barwon Health CR DES PHELAN ALISTAIR PHILLIPS Councillor, Golden Plains Shire Director Conservation, Greening Australia LESLEY HUBBLE Deputy Regional Director, Child Learner & Family Services, Department of Education and Early Childhood Development STEVEN REDDINGTON CR ANDY RICHARDS PATRICK SHAW KATE SMALLWOOD DALE SMITHYMAN ROD THOMAS CR SUE WASTERVAL Senior Environmental Planner, Barwon Water Councillor, City of Greater Geelong Program Manager Climate Change & Sustainability, Department of Environment, Land, Water & Planning Emergency Management Fire Project Coordinator, Surf Coast Shire Emergency Management, Golden Plains Shire Manager Environment & Natural Resources, City of Greater Geelong Councillor, Borough of Queenscliffe GEOFF ILES JANICE LANE EMILY LEE-ACK ROSEMARY MALONE LIBBY MEARS SANDY MORRISON Colac Area Health Director Health & Wellbeing, G21 - Geelong Region Alliance Executive Officer, Women s Health & Wellbeing BSW Gateway Support Services Leisure Networks Barwon Child, Youth & Family JACQUELINE WILSON Sustainability Officer, Borough of Queenscliffe MAUREEN O KEEFE Manager Settlement Services, Diversitat MEGAN PEACOCK Manager Research Policy, St Laurence Community Services G21 HEALTH & WELLBEING PILLAR LENNY JENNER (LEADER) BILL MITHEN (DEPUTY LEADER) GEORGINA ALLEY LEIGH BARTLETT GRANT BOYD CR HELENE CAMERON ELAINE CARBINES LINDI DIETZEL MATT EBDEN JILL EVANS CHRIS FAULKNER JOHN FENDYK CR KYLIE FISHER Borough of Queenscliffe Give Where You Live Manager Health & Community Services, Mental Health Fellowship Regional Youth Affairs Consultant, Batforce Bethany Community Support Councillor, Borough of Queencliffe G21 - Geelong Region Alliance Aboriginal Partnership & Planning Officer, Department of Health & Human Services Faculty of Health, Deakin University Director Community Services, Golden Plains Shire Area Director Barwon, Department of Health & Human Services Bellarine Community Health Councillor, City of Greater Geelong CHRIS PIKE SUSANNE PROSSER LINDA QUINN MAREE ROBERTS CR LYN RUSSELL ANNE-MARIE RYAN KAREN STAGNITTI VIRGINIA TODD JOHN TOUMBOUROU JASON TRETHOWAN CR GREG VAUGHAN JANE WAGER CR HEATHER WELLINGTON MARG WHITE Director Community Services, Surf Coast Shire Youth Diversity Team Leader, gasp General Manager Community Services, City of Greater Geelong Director, Health and Aged Care, Department of Health & Human Services Councillor, Colac Otway Shire Executive Officer, Geelong Region Local Learning & Employment Network Associate Head of School (Research), Deakin University Senior Project Manager, Regional Development VIctoria Chair in Health Psychology, Deakin University Western Victoria Primary Health Network Councillor, Golden Plains Shire Coordinator Community Development, City of Greater Geelong Councillor, Surf Coast Shire Community Services Manager, Colac Area Health CHAD FOULKES Co-ordinator Healthy Communities, City of Greater Geelong 40

41 7.0 G21 PILLARS 7.3 G21 PILLAR MEMBERS (CONT.) G21 PLANNING & SERVICES PILLAR CR MICHELLE HEAGNEY (LEADER) Councillor, City of Greater Geelong G21 SPORT & RECREATION PILLAR LIBBY MEARS (LEADER) Leisure Networks CR DAVID BELL (DEPUTY LEADER) Councillor, Surf Coast Shire IAN SEUREN (DEPUTY LEADER) Manager Recreation, Arts & Culture, Colac Otway Shire GREG ANDERS Director Assets & Amenity, Golden Plains Shire DALE ANTONYSEN District Manager West Coast, Parks Victoria PETER BETTESS General Manager Planning & Tourism, City of Greater Geelong KEITH BAILLIE Surf Coast Shire GEOFF BROOKS ELAINE CARBINES REBECCA CASSON CR MICHAEL DELAHUNTY TIM HELLSTEN PHIL JOSIPOVIC BRYDON KING MARK KOLIBA KIM MCGOUGH PETER MORGAN GARETH SMITH KATE SULLIVAN SUE WILKINSON Program Manager Regional Planning & Approvals, Department of Environment, Land, Water & Planning G21 - Geelong Region Alliance Committee for Geelong Councillor, Colac Otway Shire Manager Planning Strategy & Urban Growth, City of Greater Geelong General Manager Planning & Infrastructure, Borough of Queenscliffe General Manager Development & Community Services, Colac Otway Shire Regional Director SW Region, VicRoads Manager Planning & Development, Department of Transport, Planning & Local Infrastructure Manager Asset Planning, Barwon Water Corangamite Catchment Management Authority Director Planning & Environment, Surf Coast Shire Colac Otway Shire SHAAN BRIGGS ELAINE CARBINES SUE CORMACK CR BRIAN CROOK ANDREW CROWLEY PHIL CURRIE CR ROSE HODGE PAUL JANE PHIL JOSIPOVIC MICHAEL KING CAMERON LOFTUS JOHN O BRIEN DEAN VEENSTRA LOUISA WHITE Manager Leisure & Wellbeing, Surf Coast Shire G21 - Geelong Region Alliance Manager, Community Sport & Recreation, Leisure Networks Councillor, Colac Otway Shire Sport & Recreation Strategic Advancement Officer, Deakin University Senior Development Coordinator, Regional Development Victoria Councillor, Surf Coast Shire Manager Sport & Recreation, City of Greater Geelong General Manager Planning & Infrastructure, Borough of Queenscliffe Coordinator Program Development, Leisure Networks Barwon Sports Academy Acting Manager, Sport & Recreation Victoria Recreation Team Leader, Golden Plains Shire Community Development Manager, Golden Plains Shire SIMON WHITE Program Manager Forest Management, Department of Environment, Land, Water & Planning 41

42 7.0 G21 PILLARS 7.3 G21 PILLAR MEMBERS (CONT.) G21 TRANSPORT PILLAR G21 TRANSPORT PILLAR (CONT.) CR ANDY RICHARDS (CHAIR) Councillor, City of Greater Geelong LENNY JENNER Borough of Queenscliffe MARK KOLIBA (DEPUTY CHAIR) Regional Director SW Region, VicRoads STUART JOHNS Senior Service Planner Regional Victoria, Public Transport Victoria STEPHEN ANDERSON Property Manager, Geelong Port CHRIS JONES Executive Director Campus Services Division, Deakin University GREG ANDERS Director Assets & Amenity, Golden Plains Shire DAVID LOCKETT Branch Manager Geelong / Ballarat, K & S Freighters DAVID ARNOLD Manager, Avalon2020 DR MICHAEL LOUGHNAN General Practitioner, Medical One CRAIG BARRASS Program Director Economic Infrastructure, Regional Development Victoria KEN MCNAMARA Chairperson, Western Transport Alliance SUNIL BHALLA General Manager Governance & Infrastructure, Surf Coast Shire PETER MILNES General Manager, Wettenhalls Group INGRID BISHOP General Manager, Infrastructure and Leisure Services, Colac Otway Shire FIONA MORAN Building Bellarine Connections Facilitator, City of Greater Geelong CR FRANK BUCHANAN Councillor, Colac Otway Shire DAVID NAYLOR Area Servies Manager BSW, V/Line PETER CAMERON Works Manager, Golden Plains Shire PETER NOLAN Service Delivery Manager, CDC Geelong ELAINE CARBINES G21 - Geelong Region Alliance GRAHAM O DONNELL General Manager, Regional Bus Services EMMA CONNAN Manager Organisational Sustainability, Deakin University ASHLEY PATTEN President, Bike Safe Geelong CR BRIAN CROOK Councillor, Colac Otway Shire SAM PIRROTTA Manager Planning, VicRoads DR TIM DENTON Chair, Western Victoria Primary Health Network Board MARIANNE RICHARDS Senior Policy Manager, Department of Transport, Planning & Local Infrastructure GRAHAM EGLETON Director, Tradon Import Export FRED RUNIA Josies Transport Group MARTIN ELLUL Regional Director BSW, Regional Development Victoria BENJAMIN SANGSTER Service Development Manager, McHarrys Bus Service HADDON FINGER Business Development Manager, Regional Development Victoria VICKI SHELTON Manager Engineering Services, City of Greater Geelong STEVEN FISHER Quality Assurance Officer, Geelong Taxi Network KAS SZAKIEL Commercial Manager, Victorian Regional Channels Authority GREG FLETCHER Health & Community Services Manager, Colac Otway Shire WILLIAM TIEPPO General Manager City Services, City of Greater Geelong DERYCK GALL General Manager, Hoare Bros PETER VALENTINE General Manager, Geelong Taxi Network PETER GIBSON Regional Manager, V/Line JOZEF VASS Transport Coordination Manager, Department of Transport, Planning & Local Infrastructure JUSTIN GIDDINGS Avalon Airport JANE WAGER Coordinator Community Development, City of Greater Geelong STUART HANSEN Projects & Contracts Engineer, Borough of Queenscliffe CHARLES WAINGOLD Manager Strategic Transport Planning, Public Transport Victoria DAVID HILL Manager Transport Infrastructure Policy, Department of Transport, Planning & Local Infrastructure PAUL WESTCOTT Convenor Geelong Branch, Public Transport Users Association CR ROSE HODGE Councillor, Surf Coast Shire SIMON JACKSON Business & Development Investment, City of Greater Geelong 42

43 8.0 G21 STAKEHOLDERS 8.1 WORKING GROUPS G21 has several Working Groups and Taskforces to address key issues confronting our region. AUSTRALIAN SPORT TECHNOLOGY NETWORK BIOGEELONG COLLECTIVE IMPACT & IMPROVING HEALTH OUTCOMES WORKING GROUP ENGINEERING NETWORK CLUSTER G21 AGRIBUSINESS FORUM G21 HOUSING TASKFORCE G21 REGIONAL JUSTICE REFERENCE GROUP G21 REGIONAL MARKETING STEERING COMMITTEE G21 ROADS WORKING GROUP GEELONG FOOD CO-PRODUCTS CLUSTER ICT GEELONG PHYSICAL ACTIVITY STRATEGY WORKING GROUP REFUGEE & ASYLUM SEEKER ADVOCACY WORKING GROUP VOLUNTEERING WORKING GROUP WARRNAMBOOL GEELONG RAIL LINE SERVICE WORKING GROUP STANDING ROOM ONLY AT AN EDUCATION & TRAINING PILLAR MEETING 43

44 8.0 G21 STAKEHOLDERS 8.2 MEMBER ORGANISATIONS ADROIT INSURANCE GROUP ADULT COMMUNITY FURTHER EDUCATION BSW (ACFE) ADVENTURE PARK AEROLITE QUARRIES AIR RADIATORS AMEX CORPORATION ANAM CARA GEELONG ASHLEY INSTITUTE OF TRAINING ASSERT 4 ALL AUSTRALIAN LAMB GROUP AVALON 2020 AVALON AIRPORT AUSTRALIA BACK TO BACK THEATRE BAE AUTOMATION BARWON ADOLESCENT TASKFORCE BARWON CHILD, YOUTH & FAMILY BARWON COAST COMMITTEE OF MANAGEMENT BARWON COMMUNITY LEGAL SERVICE BARWON HEALTH BARWON NETWORK OF NEIGHBOURHOOD HOUSES BARWON SOUTH WEST WASTE & RESOURCE RECOVERY GROUP BARWON SPORTS ACADEMY BARWON TIMBER & HARDWARE BARWON WATER BDH CONSTRUCTIONS BELLARINE BAYSIDE FORESHORE COMMITTEE OF MANAGEMENT BELLARINE COMMUNITY HEALTH BENDIGO & ADELAIDE BANK BETHANY COMMUNITY SUPPORT BONGO! TRANSIT BOROUGH OF QUEENSCLIFFE BRAND BUREAU BRAVEHEARTS BRAX WINDOW TREATMENTS BUSINESS TECHNOLOGY SPECIALISTS CATHOLICCARE CHOC CHIP DIGITAL CHRISTIAN COLLEGE GEELONG CITY OF GREATER GEELONG COCKRAM CONSTRUCTION COLAC AREA HEALTH THE COLAC HERALD COLAC OTWAY SHIRE COMMITTEE FOR GEELONG COMMON EQUITY HOUSING CONSERVATION VOLUNTEERS AUSTRALIA CORANGAMITE CATCHMENT MANAGEMENT AUTHORITY CORIO WASTE MANAGEMENT COSTA PROPERTY GROUP COTTON ON FOUNDATION COULTER ROACHE LAWYERS COURTHOUSE ARTS CPA AUSTRALIA GEELONG BRANCH COUNCIL CROWE HORWATH CSIRO - AAHL CSIRO - R&D CT MANAGEMENT GROUP DAVIDSONS DEAKIN COLLEGE DEAKIN UNIVERSITY DELIBERATEPRACTICE DIRECT RECRUITMENT DIVERSITAT ECOLOGY & HERITAGE PARTNERS ED COPPE WEALTH MANAGEMENT EPA VICTORIA EPWORTH HEALTHCARE EVOLOGIC TECHNOLOGIES FAGG'S MITRE 10 FIONA REIDY CONSULTING FORMS EXPRESS GARTLAND REAL ESTATE GATEWAYS SUPPORT SERVICES GEELONG ADVERTISER GROUP GEELONG CEMETERIES TRUST GEELONG CHAMBER OF COMMERCE THE GEELONG COLLEGE GEELONG CONFERENCE CENTRE GEELONG FOOTBALL CLUB GEELONG GALLERY GEELONG GALVANIZING GEELONG GRAMMAR SCHOOL GEELONG MANUFACTURING COUNCIL GEELONG PERFORMING ARTS CENTRE GEELONG REGION LOCAL LEARNING & EMPLOYMENT NETWORK GEELONG REGIONAL LIBRARY CORPORATION GEELONG TRADES HALL COUNCIL GEELONGPORT G-FORCE RECRUITMENT GIVE WHERE YOU LIVE GMHBA GODFREY HIRST AUSTRALIA THE GORDON GOLDEN PLAINS SHIRE GORDON MCKAY GREAT OCEAN ROAD COAST COMMITTEE GREENING AUSTRALIA (VIC) HAMLAN HOMES 44

45 8.0 G21 STAKEHOLDERS 8.2 MEMBER ORGANISATIONS (CONT.) HARWOOD ANDREWS LAWYERS HAVEN; HOME, SAFE HESSE RURAL HEALTH SERVICE HOARE BROS INDUSTRY CONTROL TECHNOLOGY INMATIC INSULPAK INTEGRATED AUTOMATION JOSIE'S TRANSPORT GROUP K&S FREIGHTERS KANE CONSTRUCTIONS KARDINIA HEALTH KARINGAL KINGS AUSTRALIA L BISINELLA DEVELOPMENTS LAKE IMAGING LEISURE NETWORKS LYONDELLBASELL AUSTRALIA MACKILLOP FAMILY SERVICES MALOUF MANAGEMENT SERVICES MARCUS OLDHAM COLLEGE MAXWELL COLLINS REAL ESTATE MCCO GROUP MENTAL ILLNESS FELLOWSHIP MENTOR HUMAN RESOURCES MERCURE HOTEL NATIONAL CELTIC FESTIVAL NATIONAL SERVICEMEN'S ASSOCIATION - GEELONG & DISTRICT SUB-BRANCH NOVOTEL GEELONG NUCHEV OBI GROUP OCEAN GROVE CONNECTED COMMUNITIES OPTEON VICTORIA OSBORNE PARK ASSOCIATION OTWAY HEALTH & COMMUNITY SERVICES PACE ADVERTISING PARKS VICTORIA PATHWAYS REHABILITATION & SUPPORT SERVICES PATRICK ROWAN & ASSOCIATES PEOPLE AT WORK POINT LONSDALE CIVIC ASSOCIATION POINTNORTH CONSULTING PORTARLINGTON BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT ASSOCIATION (PBDA) POWERCOR PROVINCIAL MEDIA QUEENSCLIFF BOWLING TENNIS & CROQUET ASSOCIATION QUEENSCLIFF MUSIC FESTIVAL RACV TORQUAY RESORT THE RECOVRE GROUP RIORDAN GROUP SALVOCONNECT SC TECHNOLOGY GROUP SEAROAD FERRIES SELECT ARCHITECTS SENIA LAWYERS SIROVILLA SKILLING AUSTRALIA FOUNDATION SKY SOFTWARE SKYDIVE THE BEACH GREAT OCEAN ROAD SLATTERY AUSTRALIA ST QUENTIN CONSULTING STANDBY SECURITY SERVICES SURF COAST SHIRE TANDEMVOX TELSTRA COUNTRY WIDE TOURISM GREATER GEELONG & THE BELLARINE TRACT CONSULTANTS TRADON IMPORT EXPORT TRANSPORT ACCIDENT COMMISSION TUCKER FUNERAL & BEREAVEMENT SERVICE UNITING CARE GEELONG VCAMM VEHICLE MODIFICATION SPECIALISTS VICROADS VICSUPER VICTORIA FARMERS FEDERATION, GEELONG- COLAC DISTRICT COUNCIL VICTORIAN REGIONAL CHANNELS AUTHORITY VICWEST COMMUNITY TELCO VIVA ENERGY VOLUNTEERING GEELONG VRC PROPERTY WESLEY CENTRE FOR LIFE ENRICHMENT WESTERN COASTAL BOARD WESTERN VICTORIA PRIMARY HEALTH NETWORK WINCHESTER AUSTRALIA WORDSMITH ENTERPRISES WORKSAFE SPE (MANAGEMENT) SPRINGDALE NEIGHBORHOOD CENTRE ST JOHN OF GOD HOSPITAL ST LAURENCE COMMUNITY SERVICES 45

46 9.0 FEATURE 1 IN 5 AUSTRALIAN WOMEN HAVE EXPERIENCED SEXUAL VIOLENCE. 1 IN 6 AUSTRALIAN WOMEN HAVE EXPERIENCED PHYSICAL OR SEXUAL VIOLENCE FROM A CURRENT OR FORMER PARTNER. 1 IN 4 AUSTRALIAN WOMEN HAVE EXPERIENCED EMOTIONAL ABUSE BY A CURRENT OR FORMER PARTNER. 1 IN 3 AUSTRALIAN WOMEN HAVE EXPERIENCED PHYSICAL VIOLENCE. 9.1 FAMILY VIOLENCE - THE STARK REALITY VIOLENCE AGAINST WOMEN & CHILDREN PARTNER FORUM L-R Rob Hulls, Elena Campbell THE RATE OF REPORTED FAMILY VIOLENCE INCIDENTS IS HIGHER IN PARTS OF THE G21 REGION THAN THE STATE AVERAGE. ACTION MUST BE TAKEN. The number of people who are, or have been, victims of violence in the Australian community is unacceptably high. This has been highlighted in the Australian media, with the tragic and avoidable deaths of women and their children at the hands of current or former partners or family members. And the G21 region is not immune to this. In parts of the G21 region, the rate of reported family incidents is higher than the state average. Urgent action is required. So what are we doing to combat this? The stark reality of family violence and its all-to-often tragic impacts on innocent women and children was the focus of the Health & Wellbeing Pillar s Violence Against Women & Children Partner Forum in July. A key note address by former Deputy Premier Rob Hulls, now Director at the Centre of Innovative Justice, together with the author of the Centre s Bringing Perpetrators of Family Violence Into View report, Elena Campbell, provided a comprehensive picture of the problem. Mr Hulls and Ms Campbell pointed to the work being done in this field and emphasised the importance of early intervention on a number of levels to help reduce this growing social problem. Other speakers outlined the magnitude of family violence issues within the G21 region and the great work being done locally across many and diverse organisations. This includes the prevention of violence against indigenous families, refugee families and women with disabilities. The forum was the first step to informing the G21 Region Prevention of Violence Against Women & Children Strategy, an evidence based five year strategy. The plan will focus on capacity building and provide consistent, evidencebased and effective approaches to the primary prevention, early intervention, research and evaluation, and response to violence against women and children. When finalised the document will be a master plan for coordinating existing and future activities across the region to ensure the best outcomes and efficient resource use. 46