By CHRISTINE COUZENS, STATE MEMBER FOR GEELONG
As the State Member for Geelong I am very proud of our great city. There is a real confidence growing in our community from all sectors, generating a positive approach for the future of Geelong.
The Andrews government’s recent announcement of an extensive consultation process for the future structure and governance of the City of Greater Geelong has had a very positive response. We will see stakeholder and community consultations and a citizens jury of 100 Geelong residents to help determine the best structure for our council. By the end of 2016 the outcomes of the recommendations will be reported to the minister and the community.
The Andrews government’s commitment to Geelong has been unprecedented with the commitment to education and the commitment to the redevelopment of GPAC, Simonds Stadium, the Worksafe relocation and revitalising our CBD.
The recent launch of the Connecting Regional Victoria – The Regional Network Development Plan, outlines our commitment to public transport in Geelong. The Geelong train line has seen an extra 200,000 people every month travelling between Geelong and Southern Cross Station since the opening of the Regional Rail Link.
The plan will set out priorities for regional public transport services, infrastructure and investment over the next 20 years.
It will deliver better public transport with new connections, more trains, better stations and improved bus and coach services.
It is important that we create jobs in Geelong, and we are doing that. Employment in the Geelong region has increased, up seven per cent compared with three months ago and is up 15.6 per cent as compared to 12 months ago.
It is an exciting time for Geelong and I look forward to working with the community and our leaders to ensure this community achieves the best possible outcomes.
