Have your say on the Council Plan

ARE you passionate about the future of our community and eager to make a meaningful impact?

The City of Greater Geelong is inviting you to help develop the next Council Plan.

The Council Plan is renewed every four years and is the key document outlining Council’s priorities and goals for that period.

The plan guides decisions on how and where Council invests in facilities and infrastructure and what services and programs are needed to support the region’s social, economic, and environmental sustainability.

It also includes the City’s Municipal Public Health and Wellbeing Plan, which focuses on improving the local community’s health and wellbeing.

With the existing plan set to expire in June 2025, the City is beginning work on the Council Plan for 2025-2029.

This document is due to be finalised within 12 months of the October council elections and will be pivotal in shaping the direction of future council decisions.

It’s vital you have your say so we can ensure this plan genuinely reflects the needs and aspirations of everyone lucky enough to call Greater Geelong home.

There are two opportunities for involvement in the initial planning stages.

The first is to take part in the deliberative engagement panel.

Participating on the engagement panel is a rewarding and impactful way to give back to your community and ensure a diverse range of voices is heard.

The panel will feature a representative sample of the Greater Geelong community.

Panel members will participate in four independently facilitated sessions over two weeks in August and then present their recommendations to the new Council in early 2025.

Expressions of interest are invited until Sunday, August 4, via geelong.link/CPEOI

Successful applicants will be notified on August 6, with the first session planned for August 14. Panel members will receive a stipend as compensation for their time.

The second way to be involved is to participate in a community survey.

The survey takes around 10 minutes to complete and will be important in guiding the community panel discussions.

You can fill in the survey by heading to yoursay.geelongaustralia.com.au/CP202529 before September 16.

There are also community engagement sessions planned at venues across the Geelong region where you are invited to share your feedback on the plan directly with council officers.

The Bellarine sessions will be held on Saturday, September 7 at the below times and locations:

• Barwon Heads – Frank Ellis Reserve Playground, 2-60 Flinders Parade, 9am-10am
• Drysdale – Boronggook Drysdale Library forecourt, 2-8 Wyndham Street, 10.30am-11.30am
• Portarlington – Portarlington Rotunda, Newcombe Street, 12.30pm-1.30pm

Your opinion on Council’s priorities for the next four years is essential, and both opportunities provide a unique way to collaborate with fellow community members and contribute to shaping the vision for our region.

By contributing to the Council Plan 2025-29, you will help address critical challenges and seize opportunities to improve the quality of life for all residents.

Join us in this important journey to develop a plan that truly reflects the values and aspirations of the people of Greater Geelong.

Please share your feedback and be part of the change you want to see in our community.

Cr Trent Sullivan

Mayor, City of Greater Geelong