A recent taxpayer-funded trip to Greece has inspired the Victorian Opposition Leader's plans for a Hellenic makeover of Geelong's waterfront.

Matthew Guy said it was time to do something positive for Geelong. ( ABC News )

Matthew Guy has revealed plans to appoint a dedicated minister for Geelong, develop a new metropolitan planning policy and order an Infrastructure Victoria audit of the region — if he wins next year's election.

He said he had been inspired by a 2009 redevelopment in the Greek city of Thessaloniki that included waterfront cycling paths and gardens to complement the night life.

"I'd like to see Geelong's waterfront change and grow substantially," he said.

"I've just come back from Thessaloniki, Greece's second-largest city, where we've seen huge change on that waterfront and it's fantastic, it looks magnificent, we can do this in Geelong."

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Mr Guy said revitalising the city's north-facing waterfront on Corio Bay would be a huge jobs boost for the region.

Thessaloniki facts Second largest city and commercial port in Greece with population over 878,000

Second largest city and commercial port in Greece with population over 878,000 Promoted as the "most erotic city in Greece"

Promoted as the "most erotic city in Greece" Has a Mediterranean climate, approximately 300 days of sunshine per year

Has a Mediterranean climate, approximately 300 days of sunshine per year New seafront includes walking, cycling paths, The White Tower and the statue of Alexander the Great on horseback Source: Thessaloniki Tourism Organisation

"Geelong's got huge opportunity. Let's not waste it, let's not sit on our hands, let's be proactive and do something positive for this city," he said.

The publisher of Greek-Australian newspaper Neos Kosmos, Chris Gogos, said he could see the merit in a plan for Geelong inspired by the Thessaloniki development.

"What they've done there is amazing, it's incredible," he said.

"There's a whole restaurant scene, a bar scene, and a whole lot of money went into it."

Cyclists and pedestrians have embraced the redeveloped Thessaloniki seafront. ( Thessaloniki Tourism Organisation )

The talk led a number of other regional areas to put their hands up for a special minister.

"Any Minister for Ballarat that's going to strengthen conversations publicly would be a great thing," Ballarat Mayor Samantha McIntosh told ABC Victoria Statewide Drive.

"If Geelong can have a minister, why could Ballarat not?"

Mildura Mayor Glenn Milne said his city needed more support at Spring St.

"We'll be asking for a Minister for Mildura because our community, on a socio-economic demographic, doesn't stack up that well," he said.

"If anybody needs some attention, it's the rural and regional areas, not the suburbs of Melbourne."

Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews said Melbourne was already one of the three great Greek centres of the world, alongside Athens and Thessaloniki.

"Whether we need to bring a bit of Greece to Geelong — I think I'd be keen to hear from the people of Geelong about that.

"I think there's a lot to celebrate in Geelong now and I'm all for doing more to bring more visitors to Geelong.

"I don't think I need to go to Greece to know that Geelong needs to be supported strongly."

Mr Guy said the Liberal MP for South Barwon, Andrew Katos, would be made the minister for Geelong.

"You've got to have someone at the cabinet table fighting for the city," he said.