A Geelong delegation to Canberra has returned without Federal funding to match the State Government’s $153.2 million for a City Deal.
But the Commonwealth was “months” away from making a commitment to the “historic” deal, according G21 chief executive officer Elaine Carbines.
“Obviously, we weren’t expecting firm commitments during our meetings,” she said.
“While the Federal Government has yet to announce specific funding it has indicated its intention to make announcements over coming months.”
Local municipal alliance G21 led the delegation, including Geelong Mayor Bruce Harwood, which met with Deputy Prime Minister Michael McCormack, Opposition Leader Bill Shorten and other ministers.
“The meetings came at a crucial time,” Ms Carbines said.
With a Federal Election looming, the delegation “reminded our Canberra politicians” of the Victorian Government’s commitment to the deal in its 2017-18 Budget, she said.
“Regardless of the outcome of the next election, Geelong and Great Ocean Road must have a City Deal to drive our economy to the next level.”
Federal funding for the deal was at an “advanced stage of negotiation”, Ms Carbines said.
The deal would fund a Geelong convention centre and other vital projects, she said.
G21 offered to host Federal Cities Minister Paul Fletcher in Geelong in the next few months to view the proposed projects for the deal, Ms Carbines said.
She will join a council-led delegation travelling to Canberra on 19 June to lobby to the Commonwealth to relocate Federal insurance agency Comcare to Geelong.
