Geelong council sets strategic course for the next four years

THE City of Greater Geelong has adopted its new council plan, which it says will guide its decision-making and resource allocation over the next four years.

At its core, major Stretch Kontelj and chief executive Ali Wastie state in the plan’s foreword, it sets a “clear path forward” as the council works to advance community outcomes and “create a thriving and vibrant Greater Geelong”, while reducing debt and maximising “the effectiveness of every dollar”.

“To secure our region’s future prosperity, we must transform our CBD into a vibrant hub, enhancing its culture and fostering a sense of community and belonging,” the foreword reads.

“We need to provide high quality infrastructure for our growing population, amid cost-of-living pressures, inflation and rising building costs.

“Delivery of core services like roads, footpaths, curbs and drains must still be maintained to build a strong community foundation.”

This, they said, must be done while adapting to future economic challenges and opportunities, and ensuring the city’s long-term financial sustainability.

To achieve this, the plan outlines six key pillars that the council will strive to implement between now and 2029. They are:

Core and critical infrastructure, covering the city’s goals to deliver, manage and “optimise” the region’s vital infrastructure. Accelerating planning for the region’s housing targets, developing a new transport strategy and investment in flood mitigation projects are among the major initiatives highlighted.

Healthy and caring communities, covering the city’s aim to identify, promote, advocate for and deliver equitable health and wellbeing outcomes. Transitioning the aged care service to the new model and supporting the participation of women and girls in community sport are listed as key actions.

Economic development, addressing the city’s plan to strengthen the workforce to “enhance prosperity”. The city’s major initiatives under this pillar are activating central Geelong, championing First Nations products and services, and increasing vitiation to the region.

Heritage and culture, tackling the city’s plan to champion the region’s “unique heritage and culture”. The city intends to do this by increasing investment in Geelong’s creative hubs and increasing engagement in arts experiences.

Environment and circular economy, built around protecting the natural habitat and areas of important biodiversity, reducing emissions and minimising waste; and

Governance and integrity, with the city committing to “the highest levels of leadership, integrity, financial stewardship and meaningful community engagement”.

At Tuesday’s council meeting, Cr Anthony Aitken said the plan was the “most significant strategic document” the council develops during its term and joined councillors Emma Sinclair and Elise Wilkinson in celebrating its “equity approach” and focus on community care.

“I think we’ve got a really strong plan here that reflects the will of the Geelong community,” Cr Sinclair said.

“This plan doesn’t exist in isolation. If you read through the council plan, there’s two pages of supporting documents that actually detail how we are going to implement it over the four years, so this is just the strategy that sits on top.”