Councillor column: Future priorities

It’s terrific to be writing for the Bellarine Times again after a short break.

Firstly, I want to express my gratitude to all those in the Bellarine Ward who voted for me in the recent local government elections and returned me to council.

Thank you for putting your trust in me – I will continue to do my best for our beautiful ward and the broader Greater Geelong community.

I have lived in this region for many years and my commitment to growing our economy, protecting our environmental assets and improving facilities is as strong as ever.

Priorities

It’s been a busy month since the election results were announced and the new council group was sworn in.

We’ve quickly settled in, attending council meetings and connecting with community members and stakeholders.

The Council is in agreement that the critical and continued need to focus on recovering from the pandemic, both socially and economically, is paramount.

Lockdown was tough and many in our community experienced isolation during this time, so it’s important council facilitates social connection, while continuing to deliver important projects.

Council will be looking at ways to continue sustainably boosting the economy and supporting businesses doing it tough.

The Bellarine Ward councillors will be working hard to ensure the behind the scenes work for the North Bellarine Pool continues.

In case you missed it, the previous council chose the Drysdale Sporting Precinct as the location for a new 50-metre pool.

Now that we have a new Shared Trails portfolio of which I’m chair, I’m looking forward to receiving detailed designs for particular links and pushing the Shared Trails Master Plan forward, as we lock in our strategic priorities in the Council Plan.

With a number of network and trail gaps identified in the Bellarine Ward, this master plan is imperative to our plans to make the Peninsula a more accessible area to live, learn, work and play.

There’s also the Potato Shed renewal, improvements to Tivoli Road, continuing streetscape works in St Leonards and plans to increase our canopy cover on the cards.

I also plan to advocate for our ward as the Victorian Government’s draft Bellarine Peninsula Statement of Planning Policy (SPP) is developed, after our Peninsula was declared a Distinctive Area and Landscape last year.

This program aims to better protect this area’s unique features and natural environment.

Phase two of engagement is underway on the SPP, which you can comment on at https://engage.vic.gov.au/

As you might know, I have a significant interest in rural and peri-urban matters, and living on a lovely property in Mannerim has helped me stay informed on agricultural and environmental issues.

Now that I’ve been reinstated as Rural and Coastal portfolio chair, I look forward to further investigating how council can support peri-urban and rural farmers to trade livestock, manage weeds and pests and access relevant information.

Understanding how to ensure these properties remain healthy and viable is important, so there will be more community consultation on what that could mean.

Capacity increased

Great news for those who enjoy a jump in the pool or pumping weights at the gym, with an easing of COVID-19 restrictions on recreational facilities.

That means community members don’t need to book to do laps or hit the gym, or follow a strict time limit.

In fact, up to 150 people can use the pool at the Bellarine Aquatic and Sports Centre at one time.

These changes offer residents more flexibility when working out, something I’m sure we’d all welcome given our busy schedules.

As always though, bookings will continue for group exercise classes.

Get in touch

Council has a big program ahead over the next four years and we’re striving to improve services and meet community need in an efficient and consultative manner.

If you have any feedback or an issue to discuss, don’t hesitate to reach out to me at [email protected]

Hearing from community members helps me to help you.