G21 acknowledges and pays its respects to Wadawurrung, Gulidjan and Gadubanud Elders past, present and emerging.
We recognise their deep connection to the lands and waterways across the G21 region.
We acknowledge their custodianship for thousands of years, their advocacy and continuing care of country.
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Under a new operating model to ensure viability in the face of significant LGA budget pressures, G21 will no longer offer membership or employ dedicated staff. The Board is committed to maintaining G21 as an effective form of regional advocacy.
For the first time, G21 lead a joint advocacy effort in the lead up to the 2025 Federal Election. Committee for Geelong and the City of Greater Geelong joined G21 in promoting three key priorities, leading to investment in two major projects, Barwon Water’s Alternative Water Grid and the Greater Avalon precinct.
G21 releases Victoria’s most comprehensive Region Plan, co-designed by over 1000 people across the region, with research and deep deliberation lead by subject matter experts from across 57 organisations.
G21 Integrated Transport Strategy 2021-2041 released, warning of a 492% increase to peak hour congestion on key arterials around Geelong by 2040 and urging investment in alternative transport modes.
The $370 million injection of City Deal funds will bring visionary investment in major transformative projects across future years, which will boost the economy, drive growth and create jobs. G21 had been a determined advocate for the City Deal over several years to both Canberra and Spring Street.
The State Government recognises GROW’s value and commits to embedding GROW local procurement principles in budget-funded projects to maximise the economic and social benefits to the region.
A bold and ambitious long-term strategy for tackling disadvantage in the G21 region is launched. GROW is based on significant evidence that the best way to reduce areas of persistent disadvantage in a community is to reduce unemployment rates in those areas. GROW successfully unites region wide support using training, employment and procurement principles to help build the economy and create jobs in under resourced communities.
G21 releases the Regional Growth Plan, a critical framework that underpins economic and population growth, while protecting and preserving the region’s precious cultural and environmental assets. It identifies land supply for the next 30-40 years to accommodate a projected population of 500,000 by 2050.
Attention moves to the accompanying Regional Growth Plan Implementation Plan released later that year which identifies the critical infrastructure required to support the housing and employment growth directions identified in the plan.
G21 runs the #OMGreatOceanRoad campaign to gain adequate government funding to upgrade and maintain the deteriorating road. The concerted campaign, using billboards, social media, car stickers and a petition, results in a combined state and federal commitment of $50 million towards improving the quality and standard of the Great Ocean Road, and an additional $103 million in the seven years following.
Representatives of the Paris-based Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) visit the G21 region as part of an international study to identify how urban-rural partnerships facilitate better economic development, service delivery, land-use planning and infrastructure outcomes. The OECD is impressed by G21’s unity-of purpose, strong voice and broad community support.
The five municipalities work together to complete the G21 Region Integrated Public Transport Plan, highlighting the benefits of working collaboratively towards a single goal. G21 has since completed strategic planning in economic development, public transport, road infrastructure, health and wellbeing, addressing disadvantage through affordable social housing, volunteering, physical activity, tennis, AFL, hockey and cricket.
The Geelong Region Plan – a sustainable growth strategy’ is launched by then Premier, John Brumby. The plan is a strategic framework and agreed vision for the G21 region, looking toward 2050.
G21 – Geelong Region Alliance is formally founded as a company. The first Board of Directors is established, with David Morgan elected as the inaugural Independent Chair of G21. G21’s work progresses to creating a far-reaching, long-term strategic plan.
The G21 Leadership Group endorses the G21 Constitution and Board Charter, while Pillar and Working Groups collaborate to deliver 24 projects identified in the Strategic Regional Plan.
The Consultation Forum is a success and leads to the creation of a ‘foundation document’ based on nine themes (Pillars). The state government provides $150,000 in seed funding for the ‘G21 Strategic Regional Plan’ to be developed and delivered.
The mayors and chief executives of Greater Geelong and neighbouring municipalities; Colac Otway, Golden Plains, Queenscliffe and Surf Coast, together with the state government and business and community leaders, hold a consultation forum to determine the level of support for and discuss the benefits of a collective regional approach to planning.
The idea of G21 evolves in late 2001 when the City of Greater Geelong identifies the need to take a fresh approach to fostering the economy, improving social cohesion and protecting the environment.