Annual Report 2008-2009 Summary - City of Greater Geelong

Tens of thousands of spectators enjoyed action packed
aerobatic displays at the 2009 Australian International
Airshow held at Avalon. Photo courtesy of Rob Kysela.
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Economic Development
Objective:
To enhance the community’s prosperity by developing
Geelong’s competitive strengths.
Highlights:
Geelong’s major event calendar injected
well over $50 million into the local economy
in 2008-2009. A total of 26 events were
supported by Council and the Geelong Major
Events committee. Highlights included the
12th Australian Masters Games, the 2009
Australian International Airshow, the KFC
Twenty-20 Big Bash, Australian Supercross
Championships, the Geelong Week Sailing
Regatta and the Jayco Bay Cycling Classic.
It’s not just about the economic benefits
that these events inject, they also provide
entertainment and enjoyment for residents,
bring people to Geelong and add to the appeal
of our region.
The City of Greater Geelong was allocated
$2.6 million through the Federal
Government’s Regional and Local
Community Infrastructure Program.
This funding has not only enabled Council to
roll out more community infrastructure within
the municipality, but also added stimulus to
the local economy.
Eight projects were funded which represent a
cross section of the infrastructure types listed
in the funding guidelines. All are expected to
be completed by the end of September 2009.
Achievements:
> Council participated in the Global
Skills for Provincial Victoria Program
2008-2010.
> Geelong Otway Tourism took out three
awards at the 2008 Melbourne Airport
Victorian Tourism Awards.
> Central Geelong Marketing activities,
entertainment and events helped
deliver an estimated economic benefit
of well over $3 million.
Future Directions:
> The City will be rolling out its
new business concept Geelong:
Open for Business.
> Development of Geelong’s
biotechnology capability.
> Planning and preparation for
the 2010 UCI Road Cycling
World Championships.
Annual Report 2008-2009 | City of Greater Geelong 25