The G21 Municipalities
At the core of G21's membership is five municipal councils.
G21 provides a platform for the councils to engage with business, industry, state and federal government and other agencies on issues of mutual benefit to the region.
This innovative structure helps to strengthen collaboration across the region to plan major projects in a strategic and effective fashion. For example, the five G21 member municipalities have endorsed the G21 Geelong Region Plan, which provides a long-term shared vision for the region.
The five municipalities are:
Borough of Queenscliffe
Population: 3318 Area: 9km2
The Borough is located at the eastern tip of the Bellarine Peninsula and forms one side of Port Phillip Heads – opposite Point Nepean on the Mornington Peninsula. It is surrounded by Bass Strait, Port Phillip Bay and Swan Bay on three sides. On its forth side, it has a land boundary with the City of Greater Geelong.
The Borough is approximately 105 kms south-west of Melbourne and 35 kms east of the CBD of Geelong.
It is one of the most popular historic precincts of Victoria. It has a unique blend of old and modern architecture and a special charm which attracts many thousands of tourists each year.
The Borough provides first-rate community facilities across the two town centres of Queenscliff and Point Lonsdale, both of which are highly sought after residential areas.
For further information, visit www.queenscliffe.vic.gov.au
City of Greater Geelong
Population: 220,268 Area: 1245km2
Geelong combines all the best elements of a major city with bayside flair.
Quality housing, wide-ranging recreational choices, a strong economy, a cosmopolitan vibrant community and comprehensive health-care services are just part of the picture.
Only a one hour drive from Melbourne, Geelong offers a range of lifestyle choices – inner city, suburban, waterfront, coastal and rural – with greater value-for-money than equivalent properties in Melbourne.
Whether your lifestyle preference is a waterfront apartment, character period home, new executive home, rural or coastal living, Geelong has it within 25 minutes of the city centre.
Geelong boasts a range of leading education facilities, from primary through to secondary schools right up to university.
It has a diverse economy based around large and smaller manufacturing, scientific research, education, tourism and service industries.
For those wanting to get away from it all, the City is the solution to families seeking to enjoy a sea-change or tree-change lifestyle.
For further information, visit www.geelongaustralia.com.au
Colac Otway Shire
Population: 20,000 Area: 3433km2
The Colac Otway Shire is one of the most picturesque municipalities in Victoria, covering a diverse area from volcanic lakes, craters and plains in the north, through the hinterland forests of the Otway Ranges to the Great Ocean Road coastline.
Colac is the key industrial, commercial and services centre for the Shire and surrounding region with a population of 12,000.
Apollo Bay is the other major urban centre with a permanent population of 1000, which swells to more than 15,000 during the summer season.
For further information, visit www.colacotway.vic.gov.au
Golden Plains Shire
Population: 18,625 Area: 2704km2
Golden Plains is a vibrant and progressive municipality situated between Geelong, Ballarat and Melbourne, offering residents and businesses access to the city services while enjoying a country lifestyle.
Rolling green hills, golden fields of canola and wheat, rugged bush landscapes and rocky plains span the Shire from its historic gold mining towns in the north and east, to the river valleys in the south.
New residents, including many young families, are taking advantage of the proximity to services and employment in nearby Ballarat and Geelong. Rapid growth in the north-west and south-east of Golden Plains complement the traditional rural base and the natural environment.
The Shire has a strong tradition in wool and grain growing, while intensive animal farming is now increasing. Growth in the home-based business sector is providing healthy employment and lifestyle opportunities.
Wine is an emerging industry, with the Moorabool Valley being home to a well-established and growing wine industry.
For further information, visit www.goldenplains.vic.gov.au
Surf Coast Shire
Population: 26,173 Area: 1562km2
Victoria’s Surf Coast with its spectacular coastline, scenic rainforests and magnificent beaches, is one of the tourist drawcards of Australia.
The Surf Coast Shire is among the fastest growing regional municipalities of Victoria. It is popular both as a permanent place to live and as a second home.
The main population centres include Torquay, well known for its surf-related industries and Bells Beach, Winchelsea, gateway to the fertile western district, leafy Anglesea and the beautiful resort town of Lorne.
The Shire's permanent population more than trebles at peak holiday season. The Great Ocean Road, which starts at Torquay, attracts more than 2.5 million visitors each year.
The Shire is working to enhance and protect the natural environment while encouraging appropriate new development.
For further information, visit www.surfcoast.vic.gov.au