By ELAINE CARBINES, G21 CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER
Geelong and the wider G21 region is thriving on the challenge of shaping a bold new future direction.
Natural and man-made resources, entrepreneurial ingenuity and a big dose of enthusiasm are proving a powerful combination.
Tourism and other businesses across the G21 region are increasingly benefiting from Avalon Airport, including Jetstar’s affordable fares.
Flights linking the region with Sydney, the Gold Coast, Adelaide and Hobart bring visitors and their dollars to the G21 region.
They also allow regional businesses to expand their horizons by providing easy access to interstate clients.
The region’s beaches, forests, ranges vineyards and other tourist destinations continue to attract thousands of people, and their spending.
Of the 98,000 people working in the G21 region at least 6500 are employed directly by tourism, with many thousands of others indirectly benefiting. It’s a significant and growing sector of the region’s evolving economy, contributing annually more than $1 billion.
The Federal Government during the recent election campaign promised to invest $25m in upgrades along the Great Ocean Road, recognising the importance of that asset to local tourism.
Geelong and the G21 region’s amazing lifestyle, within easy reach of Melbourne, makes it the fastest growing area in Victoria outside of Melbourne.
That growth is being carefully managed through the G21 Regional Growth Plan and its implementation strategy, to preserve the unique nature of our region.
It’s no wonder that organisations such as international manufacturing retailer Cotton On, which values its employees highly, wants to stay Geelong-based.
Nor is it surprising that the State Government’s Transport Accident Commission and WorkSafe organisations have chosen to headquarter in Geelong.
The Federal Government’s National Disability Insurance Scheme has also recently based its national office in Geelong. An arm of the Australian Bureau of Statistics is now Geelong-based, to be in close to Deakin University expertise.
Education, business and government should be allies, and in Geelong they are. Deakin University is driving world-leading developments, such as in high-tech manufacturing fibres.
Spin-off companies such as Carbon Revolution which has been chosen by Ford USA to supply carbon fibre wheels to the new Shelby Mustang GT350R are just the beginning.
Deakin is opening amazing new opportunities across fields such artificial intelligence, sports science and numerous other sectors.
We have the natural and man-made assets. We have the scientific expertise. We have the entrepreneurial skills.
We in the Geelong region are privileged to be contributing to developing a bold new regional economy.
Geelong and the G21 region is unlimited in its potential.
We are Geelong and the G21 region. Hear us roar.
