By JOHN VAN KLAVEREN
Geelong’s boundaries for state programs have changed again with a new “regional statement”.
The State Government document was a new vision for Victoria’s regions that would “change the way government works with the Barwon region”, Premier Daniel Andrews said.
The Government had established nine new Regional Partnerships across the state, with representatives from community, business and all three levels of government, he said.
The new Barwon Region encompasses Geelong with Borough of Queenscliffe and Colac-Otway and Surf Coast shires.
Geelong has previously been incorporated into various governmental regions, some stretching as far as Portland, for issues ranging from waste management and health services to tourism and education.
Mr Andrews said the Barwon regional partnership would ensure government decisions and investments reflected the priorities of the families, workers and businesses in the region.
“The statement outlines the Labor Government’s significant commitments and investments for regional Victorians and highlights the opportunities and challenges for the Barwon region.
Mr Andrews said challenges facing the region included employment, with 150 new jobs at the DisabilityCare national headquarters, and the impact on jobless ranks from closures such as Alcoa and Ford.
Supporting advanced manufacturing and tackling disadvantage at Corio and Norlane were also challenges.
Mr Andrews said the statement also outlined a number of new initiatives for the region.
He cited a $34 million Regional Skills and Training package to help people into new jobs and improving reception for mobile devices on the Geelong rail line.
Mr Andrews also announced a Regional Business Centre, which would provide a one-stop-shop for businesses.
“We’re putting government back to work for the Barwon region with a commitment to create jobs, provide a better start for young people and ensure a brighter future for families and communities,” he said.
But South Barwon Liberal MP Andrew Katos said the statement was “all spin and no substance”.
“Daniel Andrews has simply re-announced plans and passed them off as additional projects or funding,” Mr Katos said.
“It’s taken the government 12 months to come up with a glossy book – and most of the book is taken up by photos.
“There’s no new funding for the Geelong region. The only change is that Barwon is now separated from the old Barwon south-west region.
“Some of these announcements were made under the previous Liberal Government and they are palming them off as their own.”
