Geelong Mayor, Stretch Kontelj, talks about the future of Geelong

Gareth and Michael recently paid a visit to the new City of Greater Geelong offices, Wurriki Nyal and sat down with the Mayor to discuss the future of the city. Mayor Stretch Kontelj spoke about the future of Market Square, the support for Australia Day and the priority projects for our fast-growing city. There's also the first market-wrap for 2026 as well as Gareth's top 5 properties including a former mayor's pink apartment that's on the market. MARKET WRAP 0:00 State Government Tax regime crippling supply for Victorian home buyers 6:20 Interest Rates – the 0.25 rise not good for anyone! 9:09 Great opportunity for bottom end homeowners – Gareth explains how you can have a win! 11:00 GARETH’S TOP 5 16:00 GARETH’S 2026 PREDICTIONS Stretch Kontelj interview 18:15 First year’s accomplishments – introducing a “can do” culture 23:35 Australia Day 25:30 Market Square 27:45 Saturday Market 30:50 Funky Thursday 32:10 Buses out of Moorabool St 34:40 Night Club Precinct 37:10 Free Parking in CBD 38:00 Homeless Challenges 42:35 Handling Political Conflicts 44:42 Stretch’s 3 Wishes for Geelong 47:24 First Responders Tribute