New beginnings for the Bellarine

I AM HONOURED you have elected me as councillor for the newly-created Murradoc Ward to represent our vibrant and growing communities across the northern Bellarine.With family ties to this region spanning more than 70 years, I feel a strong sense of responsibility to represent our community and preserve the natural beauty of the Bellarine.

My professional background as an oral and maxillofacial surgeon, lawyer and Air Commodore in the Royal Australian Air Force Reserve has prepared me to tackle this complex challenge.

Having retired from these varied and fulfilling roles, I am now focused on giving back to the community I proudly call home.

My background as a surgeon has given me a deep understanding of healthcare, and I am committed to ensuring Council’s decisions promote the health and wellbeing of our community.

Our upcoming Council Plan will include the Municipal Public Health and Wellbeing Plan, which will embed these priorities into all council actions.

Good health is our most valuable asset, and fostering it is central to the City’s work to support participation and wellbeing at every stage of life.

The City of Greater Geelong is the state’s fastest-growing city and regional economy and has the fastest-growing regional employment in Australia.

While this growth is exciting, it also comes with much responsibility for ensuring that our region’s development is sustainable and well thought out.

As a councillor, I am committed to balancing this progress with preserving our natural assets.

Spaces like Murrk Ngubitj Yarram Yaluk, formerly known as the Bellarine Basin and located on the corner of Grubb Road and Swan Bay Road, Wallington, are vital cultural sites.

The basin is no longer being used for operational purposes. It presents an exciting opportunity to reimagine this space in a way that enhances the unique and natural features so that it becomes a place people, birds and native animals can enjoy for generations to come.

On the Bellarine, balancing development with environmental preservation is an ongoing challenge, and we must provide safe and equitable environments to support healthier lifestyles.

By working together, we can achieve sustainable progress that respects the unique character of our region.

Effective governance and financial responsibility are critical, and I am committed to ensuring that our Council remains accountable, transparent and focused on delivering results.

It is a privilege to represent the newly created Murradoc ward, and I am excited to work with the community to build a future that reflects our shared values.

As a new member of the Bellarine State Emergency Service (SES), I have gained an even greater appreciation for the incredible work done by our local volunteers, and as a councillor I will work to support the work of these fantastic individuals.

Community feedback will also be central to my work, and I am committed to listening to your ideas and responding to your concerns.

Together, we can ensure that our beautiful region continues to thrive for many years to come.

I wish you all a safe and happy festive period, and I look forward to speaking with you at some of the many community events the City of Greater Geelong has planned over the summer.

Cr Rowan Story

Murradoc Ward,

City of Greater Geelong