Political opposites are trying to work out a City Deal funding package for new infrastructure across the Geelong region.
Federal coalition MPs sat down with state Labor counterparts and council representatives on Monday to begin talks on the deal, described as a collaborative “new approach” to meeting growth pressures.
Liberal Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull and then-acting Labor Premier James Merlino signed an agreement in January pledging their two levels of government to work together for Geelong.
Victoria’s first City Deal would be a boon to the region, they said
Planning began this week, with business and community organisations also involved in the first round of talks, the governments said in a joint statement.
Tapping into local knowledge was vital to identifying the “potential elements” of Geelong’s City Deal, said federal Urban Infrastructure and Cities Minister Paul Fletcher.
“Geelong is Victoria’s second-largest city and Australia’s second fastest growing city, and its economy is rapidly diversifying,” he said.
“The City Deal offers an opportunity for three levels of government to come together to develop a plan to further stimulate that growth and diversity.”
Victorian parliamentary secretary for treasury and finance Daniel Mulino, who co-chaired Monday’s meeting, said the Andrews Government was committed to working with Canberra “to deliver the best possible deal” for the region.
“It’s essential we tailor Geelong’s City Deal to ensure it meets the needs of the community,” he said.
“Undoubtedly locals will know best the issues impacting them. Today’s stakeholder forum has given us an opportunity to further refine the details of the Deal, including opportunities for investment and reform, and the governance mechanisms needed for implementation.”
The speed with which negotiations began was encouraging, said federal Liberal MP for Corangamite Sarah Henderson.
“Our discussions are focusing on a range of priorities including employment, infrastructure and transport, planning and how as a region we make the most of opportunities in the visitor economy,” she said.
“This is a very exciting opportunity for the Geelong and Corangamite regions.”
The deal’s employment opportunities were particularly exciting, said state Labor MP for Geelong Christine Couzens.
“It’s great to see the City Deal providing momentum for much needed projects in the area, which will support jobs in our community,” she said.
Geelong Mayor Bruce Harwood, who attended Monday’s talks, raised “liveability” as one of the deal’s outcome priorities.
“The City’s role in this process will ensure positive outcomes for our region as we advise on the needs of the local community,” he said.
“It’s fantastic to have three levels of government working cooperatively to deliver for Geelong.”
Central Geelong could be the big winner of the deal, according to a lobby group representing the region’s councils.
In January G21 Geelong Region Alliance nominated a convention centre, a waterfront safe harbour and ongoing revitalisation of the central city area as projects it would “like to think” were in line for funding under the initiative.
