Council has voted to adopt a new Advocacy Framework which outlines the City’s approach to advocacy at a local regional state national and international level over the next three years.
The framework provides two new approaches for regional advocacy with the City to renew its membership of G21 with a reduced financial contribution and work with neighbouring councils like the City of Wyndham for joint advocacy.
G21 was established in 2002 to establish a regional alliance of five local municipalities. In April 2023 Council resolved to withdraw the City’s membership of G21 to allow for the exploration of improved methods of advocacy including enhanced capability for in-house advocacy. Following this review it was determined that renewing the City’s G21 membership with a reduced financial contribution was the best approach to support regional advocacy and provide cost-savings.
Working with the City of Wyndham which is not part of G21 will provide strategic advocacy opportunities in the important western growth area.
The framework also considers the City’s role in the broader ecosystem of advocacy in Geelong the approach and principles for advocacy how advocacy priorities will be determined and how performance and outcomes will be measured.
Mayor Trent Sullivan:
As Victoria’s second-city with high population growth and a surging economy we need to ensure we continue to improve infrastructure and services
Our new approach to advocacy gets the balance right by considering what the City does well as an advocacy leader and finding opportunities where we can collaborate with other municipalities and community organisations to get the best possible outcomes.
CEO Ali Wastie:
It will take all levels of government community and industry working together to ensure Geelong reaches its true economic powerhouse potential and be Australia’s best regional city.
Our advocacy priorities are achievable but ambitious.
The community can view the Advocacy Framework below.