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Public finance

Geelong Leaders Vow to Double Down on Advocacy Ahead of Election Amid Budget Disappointment

Strategic Insights

— 2 min read

Frustrated Geelong leaders, including Mayor Stretch Kontelj, have expressed disappointment and concern over the lack of significant investment in the region in the recent budget. Despite calls for critical investments in Avalon Airport, housing, and infrastructure, the budget allocated only a few million dollars for upgrades to the Geelong hospital's emergency department and two local schools. This decision has sparked concern among local government and industry leaders, who fear that the government's failure to implement budget recommendations put forward by the council could have electoral consequences. As a result, Geelong leaders have vowed to double down on their advocacy efforts in the lead-up to next year's election.

Key Takeaways:

  • The City of Greater Geelong's 36-page budget submission was ignored, with none of the requested projects, including investments in housing targets, Avalon Airport, and fast rail to Melbourne, being implemented.
  • The budget allocated only $2-3 million for upgrades to the Geelong hospital's emergency department and two local schools, falling short of the expected investment in critical infrastructure.
  • Geelong Mayor Stretch Kontelj has stated that the failure to implement budget recommendations could have electoral consequences, with several Lower House seats in the region set to be contested in the next election.
  • The G21 Alliance chief executive, Giulia Baggio, has echoed Kontelj's criticisms, highlighting the need for investment in the Avalon Airport precinct as a significant Victorian transport and jobs hub.
  • Committee for Geelong chief Michael Johnston has expressed concern that the ongoing investment in the Suburban Rail Loop will leave limited infrastructure spend for other areas, including Geelong.
  • Treasurer Jaclyn Symes has defended the budget, stating that it focuses on helping families and ensuring regional Victorians have better access to healthcare, education, and regional services.

Statistics:

  • The City of Greater Geelong's budget submission included 36 priority projects, none of which were implemented in the recent budget.
  • The Avalon Airport precinct was expected to receive significant investment in the budget, but none was forthcoming.
  • The Suburban Rail Loop is set to absorb a considerable amount of Victoria's infrastructure spend for years to come, leaving limited investment for other areas.
  • The Geelong hospital's emergency department received $2-3 million in upgrades, while two local schools received a similar allocation.

Sources:

  • Ryan Bourke, "Frustrated Geelong leaders vow to double down on advocacy ahead of election amid budget disappointment" (no publication date mentioned)
  • City of Greater Geelong, "Budget Submission 2023"
  • G21 Alliance, "Budget 2023 Review"
  • Committee for Geelong, "Budget 2023 Review"
  • Treasurer Jaclyn Symes, "Budget 2023 Speech"
  • Opposition Regional Development Spokesman Danny O'Brien, "Budget 2023 Response"

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