This year’s G21 Stakeholder Forum hosted by Jon Faine delivered the breaking news that Geelong is now the fastest growing city in Australia. The latest Australian Bureau of Statistics data presented by keynote speaker George Megalogenis confirmed what many in the audience had predicted, adding that Surf Coast is the destination of choice for Victorian pandemic migration with a massive 4.4% growth rate over 18 months.
This is hugely exciting moment to shape our region’s future. G21’s analysis indicates we need at least $1 billion in infrastructure to keep pace. Immediate challenges: affordable housing and labour shortages, a lack of public transport. Our region missed out in the Budget, let’s hope the election campaign delivers significant investment to the G21 region.
Distinguished Professor Billie Giles-Corti demonstrated the concept of delightful density and used the example of German city Freiberg which reinvented its CBD by greening its streets and buildings and putting people at the centre of its urban design.
Our Connected Communities panel featured Professor Iain Martin from Deakin University, Wadawarrung Traditional Owner Corrina Eccles, Economist Dr Angela Jackson, Architect and Jeremy McLeod and Urbis Director and planning specialist Nat Anson.
Deputy Labor Leader Richard Marles addressed the Forum about Australia’s opportunity to rebuild manufacturing prowess. Trade, Tourism and Investment Minister Dan Tehan joined the Forum via Zoom having just returned from the United States, to discuss the use Australia’s mineral resources in the clean energy industries. The afternoon panel Race Around the Region delivered a snapshot of Geelong Arts Centre’s redevelopement, Great Ocean Road Authority’s plans for the future, the alarming road congestion forecasts as we develop an Integrated Transport Strategy and GeelongPort’s preparations for the arrival of the Spirit of Tasmania as well their green hydrogen initiative.
Thank you to our keynote sponsor Plenary and all our major sponsors: Transport Accident Commission (TAC), WorkSafe Victoria and Harvest Talent Recruitment & People Solutions.
