Geelong mayor Stretch Kontelj says there is still work to do from a council perspective in the leadup to the election.
Council continuing its advocacy for the region to all sides of a potential new government with less than a month until the election.
He says they’ve spoken with all candidates on the spectrum.
“I’ve met with everyone – Labor, Liberal, One Nation, Green or independent,” he said.
“We’ve had an opportunity to make our case and we have, but what matters most now is having that opportunity to push the case harder.”
A number of projects sit at the top of that list – including rail lines and a special economic zone for the CBD.
But atop the list is the Bellarine Link.
Labor promised $237 million towards the first stage of the project, with the Liberals this morning committing $335 million towards the same stage.
While Kontelj says this is an important start for the region, what he is looking for goes well beyond it.
“We want to see not just the next stage funded,” he said.
“We want to see a commitment to planning for what comes after that. We’re especially looking Barwon Heads Road through to the Bellarine highway.”
He’s also made calls for public transport upgrades, saying with the growth of Geelong and its surrounding areas, it is essential to future proof the area.
“We’re one of the fastest growing regions not only in Victoria, but in Australia,” he said.
“To go with that growth, and with our ambitious housing plans, we need to see the state invest in our public transport systems across the region.”
The region has seen several other investments regarding infrastructure in the CBD, as well as health and roads.
But Kontelj says he wants to see all parties come to the table as we lead up to the election.
“We haven’t seen all the commitments yet,” he said.
“And I want to see those coming from all across the political spectrum.
“As we get closer to the election we have an opportunity to double down and to continue to push for these projects to improve our region.”
