City to set up rural advisory committee

THE City of Greater Geelong has taken steps towards setting up a committee focused on matters in the city’s rural areas.

The council held its first Community Focus Committee meeting last week in Leopold, at which Bellarine Ward councillor Jim Mason moved a notice of motion recommending the city establishes a Rural and Peri-Urban Advisory Committee.

To be chaired by Cr Mason, the committee would provide advice to the city on matters such as transition strategies for saleyards services such as livestock exchange, information exchange and hygiene and vehicle wash-down.

The committee would also provide community advocacy and policy development for best rural and peri-urban agricultural and environmental management practices and collaborate with G21 members and other local, State and Federal government organisations.

Terms of reference for the committee will be drawn up for approval by councillors at their meeting next Tuesday.

Cr Mason noted the rural nature of the City of Greater Geelong was changing, and was characterised by an increase in smaller holdings with a diversity of livestock – not only cattle and sheep, but also pigs, goats, alpacas, horses, poultry and other livestock.

“This Notice of Motion gives us an opportunity to evaluate what comes next after the imminent future sale of the Geelong Saleyards,” Geelong mayor Bruce Harwood said.

“As a group, this council is demonstrating a willingness to engage in complex issues that have been around for some time.

“We hope the community is starting to get a sense of our commitment to listening and taking on board their views and working to get the best outcomes for everyone involved.”