The Geelong region has benefited immensely from the State and Federal governments' strong regional focus during 2011, with a multitude of funding announcements during the past year.

Three G21 Priority Projects were fully funded including the duplication of Princes Hwy West from Winchelsea to Colac, the redevelopment of the Geelong Library and Heritage Centre (part of the Geelong Future Cities project) and the Stage 3 upgrading of Skilled Stadium.

Partial funding commitments have also been made towards other G21 Priority Projects including important infrastructure at Avalon Airport, Armstrong Creek and Apollo Bay Harbour, with Business Case funding also provided for the Geelong Cruise Ship Destination project.

Our focus on addressing regional disadvantage has been assisted through funding to construct Trade Training Centres at Corio and Colac and a housing development that will build 320 new public and affordable private homes in Norlane.

The Early Years Report – ‘Growing Up in G21’ was launched by the Hon Wendy Lovell, Minister for Children and Early Childhood Development in October. This substantial report provides important data about the health and well being of children across our region.

G21 has also worked in partnership with the People and Parks Foundation, Parks Victoria and Medibank Community Fund to launch the innovative Geelong’s Active in Parks project. A range of activities, including referrals from GPs, have been scheduled to take place across the region aimed at encouraging people to improve their mental and physical health by getting out into our magnificent parks and beaches.

Work has continued to progress on two important regional strategies – the G21 Regional Growth Plan and the G21 Economic Development Strategy. Once complete, these projects will have wider implications on a range of other G21 projects.

The launch of the inaugural Our Place magazine in April showcased the excellent collaborative and innovative work taking place across the Geelong region to improve the lives of our region’s residents.

G21 has been very pleased to host visits by State Ministers this year including Hon Mary Wooldridge, Minister for Community Services and Hon Ryan Smith, Minister for Environment. Both Ministers received comprehensive presentations from the relevant Pillar members.

For information on all of G21's achievements in 2011 view our Report to the Region.

We continue to be inspired by the over 300 people across the Geelong region who volunteer their professional time working with our Pillars, Task Forces and Working Groups – their commitment is the key to G21’s success.

Click here if you would like more detailed information about recent G21 activities.