By Christine Couzens MP
AS THE Member for Geelong, I am honoured to represent the people of our great city.
I am proud of the Andrews Government’s commitment to the largest regional city in Victoria.
We have committed $30 million to redevelop Geelong Performing Arts Centre, a much-loved facility in central Geelong that needs new life to attract more events. The redevelopment will include additional dance studios, a new facade and the conversion of the incorporated church into a 150-seat cabaret and music venue.
The Regional Jobs Fund will enable government investment in rural and regional infrastructure, economic development, and communities. As part of the Regional Jobs Fund, $7.5 million has been committed to Geelong.
There is a $200 million program to establish the Future Industries Fund.
There is $3 million to support a manufacturing hub in Geelong in partnership with Deakin University and $25 million for the establishment of A New Future in Regional Victoria Fund.
There is $70 million to upgrade Simonds Stadium. This is not just about Geelong Football Club, it is also about job creation, local procurement and identifying future events.
It also focuses on installing a state-of-the-art rehabilitation centre that will be used by the Transport Accident Commission (TAC) and WorkCover in Geelong.
WorkSafe will relocate to Geelong, which will build on the insurance precinct on which the TAC and WorkCover are actively working.
Geelong has also strongly welcomed the 10-year agreement negotiated with Jetstar and the Andrews Government.
Geelong will also share in the largest investment in our education budget in Victoria’s history.
With a focus on jobs and a Back to Work scheme, the Andrews Government is working hard on start-up projects, inbound trade missions, stamp duty relief and payroll tax relief to support small business.
Other commitments to Geelong include new maintenance and stabling for V/locity trains at Waurn Ponds and a defence procurement office based at Deakin University.
This challenging but exciting time for Geelong.
