Councillor Column: Trent Sullivan from the City of Greater Geelong, May 14

THE council’s draft 2020-21 budget is out for community consultation and I’m proud to say, as a Bellarine ward councillor, the Bellarine Peninsula is well represented in the document.
If you’re struggling to wile the isolation hours away, this is a great chance to take a look at the proposed projects on offer for your area.
There are some real nuggets in there as well as big ticket items, such as $750,000 for a North Bellarine aquatic centre in
Drysdale.
In order to secure the federal government’s $10 million funding commitment, the pool needs to be 50 metres long and include a hydrotherapy section, while the centre must have a small gym and a rehab facility.
It’s so exciting that we’ve locked this much-needed facility in, after passionate advocacy from the community.
We’ve also set aside a quarter of a million dollars towards upgrading the existing lights on Oval 1 of the Portarlington Recreation Reserve to efficient LEDs.
Over in St Leonards, council’s allocated $30,000 towards a renewed skate park in St Leonards, so more locals can learn to land bolts, catch kickflips and powerslide.
If adopted as part of the finalised budget, it would mean work would start in the next financial year. The funding would cover speaking with the community on how best to proceed, planning and design.
After that, council would be able to consider funding to build the new skate park in future budgets.
You might be wondering why council decided to go ahead with the draft budget, given the challenging financial times arising from the COVID-19 pandemic and the state’s offer to delay.
We councillors feel it’s so important to provide certainty and to give the community projects and facilities to look forward to during this time.
What better way to transition to a post-coronavirus Greater Geelong than to kickstart the economy with projects that will support local jobs and attract investment?
Importantly, the proposed budget also includes our new COVID-19 Financial Hardship Policy. It aims to offer relief from rates and charges for those who are struggling as a result of the crisis. If you’re in need of a helping hand, email [email protected] or call 5272 5272 to discuss your options.
For more info on what’s on offer where you live and to provide feedback on the draft budget, head to yoursay.geelongaustralia.com.au
Share our trails
As you may have noticed, our shared trails are busier than usual as we try to keep up the exercise during restrictions. I’m finding I’m doing less steps working from home, so a trail walk is the perfect antidote.
I’m really pleased to see these paths are being enjoyed by walkers, joggers, cyclists and everyone in between. All the more reason for work on new paths, missing links and upgrades to continue on the Shared Trails Masterplan, which was adopted earlier this year.
A reminder though to be respectful at all times to other users and of course, keep a minimum 1.5 metre distance.
With all the extra traffic on these trails now that we can exercise in groups of up to 10, I encourage residents to stay in control of their dogs so they don’t interfere with others and for cyclists to use their bells early before passing others.
A little bit of courtesy goes a long way during these challenging times!
Street art
Finally, I want to bring to your attention a beautiful new mural on St Leonards’
main drag, painted by the Bellarine’s own Vicki Clissold.
Vicki’s done a wonderful job expressing the township’s spirit and community feel. The mural features residents and holiday makers, fishing and swimming and a hooded plover.
Credit also goes to the Town and Foreshore Beautification subcommittee, Friends of Edward Point members, St Leonards Primary School students and community members for their involvement.
The project is part of the $400,000 St Leonards Streetscape project, which is managed by the City of Greater Geelong. It’s all about beautifying the Murradoc Road shopping area, with new furniture, raised planters, bike racks, pedestrian crossing improvements and drainage works.
Make sure to check it out when you’re next in St Leonards!

Cr Trent Sullivan
Bellarine Ward