Region ready for federal election with 3 top priorities
Published on 11 February 2025
Colac Otway Shire Council is pushing for significant regional projects to boost housing and jobs and protect water supplies in the run-up to the federal election.
The G21 Geelong Region Alliance has released its top three priorities for the 2025 federal election. They are investment in “enabling” infrastructure to support urgently needed housing; expanding industry and jobs in a dedicated precinct at Avalon; and future-proofing the region’s water supply.
Colac Otway Mayor Cr Jason Schram said action was needed to meet socio-economic challenges and opportunities across the region.
“An expanded Avalon airport employment precinct can help to bring more tourism to the Colac Otway Shire and drive an uplift in export opportunities from our existing and emerging industries,” Cr Schram said.
“Our firm focus in Colac Otway is on creating jobs, keeping on strengthening our economy and attracting people to visit our wonderful region,” he said.
“A boost to the Avalon precinct is essential to both of these goals and that’s why we are looking for a strong federal commitment.”
An advocacy booklet – Unlocking the future of G21 details the funding required in each of the three priority areas.
- Housing: More housing is urgently needed to deliver affordable living across G21 and drive population growth. Expanding the Housing Australia scheme would enable rural and regional councils to develop shovel-ready housing development infrastructure. This would support Councils to deliver enabling infrastructure such as water, power and sewerage to unlock housing sites.
- Avalon employment precinct: 3.3 million people live within 60 minutes of the Avalon precinct which now houses national and international businesses, including Avalon Airport, Victoria’s second major airport. There is major industry interest and demand for investment in the employment precinct given its strategic location close to key transport and freight routes. The precinct requires funding for permanent and enabling infrastructure, especially transport improvements, to unlock productivity and economic opportunities for Victoria. This would attract deeper commercial investment, strengthen supply chains and facilitate trade, expand the region’s tourism gateway and secure the future of the Avalon International Airshow. Dedicated investment would generate significant new employment opportunities.
- Water security: With a growing population and pressure on water supply, Barwon Water has developed plans for an innovative Alternative Water Grid to bolster supply. The grid would preserve the supply of clean, potable water while diverting large volumes of recycled water and treated stormwater for industrial, agricultural and environmental use. This additional supply would unlock investment in sustainable new housing, manufacturing, farming and horticulture ventures, and create healthier, less polluted natural environments. The grid would also supply water to the Avalon employment precinct, enabling industrial development and commercial green hydrogen production. A federal and state partnership would support the staged development of this essential infrastructure.
G21 CEO Giulia Baggio the Geelong region was the the fastest growing region in Victoria.
“We are at a critical moment in time. This is the fastest growing region in Victoria and Geelong is one of the fastest growing cities in Australia. We need major investment from Canberra to keep pace with our communities. We call on all federal representatives to work with us during this election period to help deliver the funding and partnership needed to lock in decent living standards for the long term,” Ms Baggio said.
“We are advocating with a unified voice for much-needed housing supply across the region, especially in central Geelong to stimulate the city’s vibrancy; a dedicated, well-serviced employment zone at Avalon to boost our major industries and good quality jobs; and a modern water grid which will guarantee supply for homes, businesses, farms and wetlands as our environment becomes drier right across the southwest region.”
Committee for Geelong CEO Micheal Johnston said housing supply was urgently needed, and delivering more affordable living options in Geelong city centre was essential to boosting supply.
“Equally, water security is an issue that will impact us all in the coming years, and an alternative water grid will ensure water is accessible and sustainable for future generations,” Mr Johnston said.
Image: Pictured from left, Colac Otway Shire Council Mayor Cr Jason Schram, G21 CEO Giulia Baggio and Surf Coast Shire Council Mayor Cr Mike Bodsworth
Credit: Colac Otway Shire Council