By Jaidyn Kennedy
Wyndham council has backed a plan to work closer with Greater Geelong on state and federal advocacy, infrastructure projects and economic development.
On Tuesday, May 27, councillors unanimously endorsed a five-year memorandum of understanding (MOU).
The primary objectives outlined in the MOU are to develop joint advocacy projects, support planning and economic development initiatives in both regions, and to facilitate jobs growth across both municipalities.
The Avalon Corridor Strategy, an initiative between the two councils and the state government to determine the direction of future development for land between Lara and Werribee, was identified as a priority.
Cross-region tourism, joint arts and cultural festivals, as well as supporting sporting teams and events were also flagged as goals.
Per the arrangements of the MOU, the two councils will meet more often to discuss applying for joint funding and grant opportunities.
Wyndham councillor Jennie Barrera, who helped broker the arrangement last year while serving as mayor, said the MOU recognises the shared challenges and opportunities for collaboration between the two cities.
“The growth we are experiencing isn’t slowing down and neither can our efforts,” she said.
She added that Wyndham and Geelong weren’t just neighbouring local government areas, but had a shared strategic interest.
“At the end of the day, this is about two councils stepping up to say we are better if we work together– our communities share so much already,” she said.
Cr Jasmine Hill said the level of the population growth the two regions are expected to receive called for a new level of collaboration.
Cr Hill said the ability to collaborate more closely on the Avalon Corridor Strategy and develop the land into employment precincts could be a “game changer” for local jobs and tourism.
“Two out of three of our residents have to leave the city to work, so it’s important for us to have local jobs,” she said.
“There’s so much to offer here [in tourist attractions], and we need to promote this aggressively.”
Geelong council also endorsed the motion at its meeting on the same night.
Geelong councillor Trent Sullivan echoed Cr Hill’s support of the Avalon Corridor Strategy focus.
“With the Avalon Corridor and all the opportunities we have as a shared greater region, it’s vitally important that we strengthen these relationships, that we strengthen the transport, that we strengthen our collaboration on so many levels,” Cr Sullivan said.
“This is a relationship that will be longstanding and will be beneficial to all residents of both communities.”
The two councils will establish a joint working group to execute the goals of the MOU at a later date.
