With the launch of the G21 Region Plan in September 2007 by Premier John Brumby, G21 achieved a significant milestone. This is the culmination of a huge effort by many people and organizations across the region and the launch was a celebration of this notable achievement.

It was also a timely opportunity to review the continued relevance, role and structure of G21. As a minimum, our emphasis shifts from planning and analysis to delivery. This shift alone has implications for the way G21 is structured and operated.

The Board therefore engaged the Altegis group to:

• Explore and analyse past achievements and lessons learnt in relation to the 2003 Geelong Region Strategic Plan;

• Review stakeholder expectations of outcomes from participation within G21;

• Review barriers and opportunities with regard to achievement of the G21 Geelong Region Plan; and

• Identify the most effective structure, governance and operational improvements needed to move G21 forward.

This involved extensive consultation with G21 stakeholders including workshops, forums, surveys and individual interviews. Our sincere thanks to everyone who, yet again, contributed so openly and thoughtfully to this important task.

The consultants' report was finalised on 12 November 2007 and is provided here.

G21 CIP Project Report Final.pdf ( - 719KB)

The report was considered by the Board on 23 November 2007. Of the consultants' 24 recommendations, most related to operational issues. These have been agreed and are already being implemented. Several have deeper implications for our Pillar Groups and some would require changes to our Constitution. These will be the subject of further discussion with our members over coming weeks to ensure that any changes are both understood and supported. The goal is for the incoming Board to address these remaining proposals at its first meeting in January 2008.