The G21 Board has endorsed GeelongPort’s submission to become a Priority Project, acknowledging its importance as an economic driver for the region and the state of Victoria.
The Priority Project focuses on two key components: strengthening the port’s freight links (road, rail and channel); and protecting it against encroachment to allow the port to achieve its growth objectives.
The port, operated by GeelongPort, is Victoria’s premier bulk and largest regional port.
It processes more than 11 million tonnes of cargo each year, which is about 25 per cent of Victoria’s total trade, generating $7 billion and 1400 jobs for the Victorian economy.
By 2035 GeelongPort will manage more than 18 million tonnes of cargo annually, generating $11 billion and 3100 jobs.
Strengthening of its freight links focuses on improving rail and road connections to cater for the forecast increase in port volume, and deepening of the Geelong shipping channel to accommodate larger vessels with larger loads.
GeelongPort is analysing its channel deepening and road and rail requirements and details of work required and associated costs are expected to be available late in March, 2018.
The G21 Geelong Region Alliance is the formal alliance of government, business and community organisations who work together to improve the lives of people within the Geelong region across the five member municipalities – Colac Otway, Golden Plains, Greater Geelong, Queenscliffe and Surf Coast.
G21 works closely with, and provides advice to, Regional Development Australia (RDA), the Regional Management Forum (RMF) and the state and federal governments on the regions needs and priorities.
