Residents encouraged to ‘have your say’

AT any given moment, the City of Greater Geelong will have a number of plans and projects in progress that will affect local residents – hopefully most of the time, in a positive way.

Gaining input from the community in the development of these plans is an important part of the process, and is a big focus for this council.

We are determined that all of the decisions we make reflect and consider what the community wants and needs, and the only way we can find that out is by asking.

We have been placing a heavy emphasis on engagement throughout the various stages of a project, so that residents can help shape a design or a strategy from the very beginning, and then get a chance to help refine it as it progresses.

And the figures show the community is embracing these opportunities.

From an average of around 32,000 visits per year on our ‘Have Your Say’ page prior to April 2020, the number of hits on the page skyrocketed to 105,000 between April 2020 and April 2021.

Hopefully that number will keep climbing, because the more engagement and input we have from the community, the better the end results of our work.

In that spirit, here are a few ‘have your say’ opportunities that will hopefully be of interest to Bellarine residents. If you’d like to provide input, visit yoursay.geelongaustralia.com.au.

Southeast Bellarine Coastal Strategy

This project was instigated as a result of a public forum organised by the Ocean Grove Community Association in 2019, and looks at the stretch of land between Ocean Grove and Point Lonsdale.

This area is a mix of dunes, woodlands and wetlands that are home to habitat for several species of threatened bird, animal and plant life. It’s also an area of cultural significance.

The strategy will look at how this ‘green wedge’ can be better protected, enhanced, and utilised in the future.

You can help shape the strategy by completing a survey on our Your Say page before August 25. There are also three upcoming open house sessions where you can provide input in person – visit the website for details.

Portarlington Recreation Reserve Master Plan

Council has allocated just under $1.16 million over the next two years for upgrades at this reserve, and the work will be shaped by a new master plan, which is available for community feedback until September 10.

The draft plan sets out a range of improvements, highlighted by redevelopment of the main pavilion, the cricket nets, and the play facilities and bike area.

It also proposes tennis and netball pavilion upgrades, an improved trail network, redeveloped wetland system, duplication of the Agricultural Society shed, tree planting, and the potential for a community garden.

This is a beautiful reserve and a focal point for physical and social activity in Portarlington. We want it to be a place that everyone can use and enjoy – so please take the chance to have your say on the draft master plan.

City of Greater Geelong Climate Change Response Plan

The Greater Geelong community has made it clear that they want to see leadership and action from the council on climate change.

This draft plan sets strong targets – including transitioning the City of Greater Geelong’s operations to net zero emissions by 2025, and a region-wide target of net zero emissions by 2035.

The plan details a range of proposed actions to help work towards those goals.

It’s available for community feedback until August 25.

Revenue and Rating Plan

Council’s rating strategy affects all ratepayers. It sets out how we’ll collect our total rates income across the different types of properties – residential, commercial, industrial, farms and vacant land.

If you’d like to have input into this strategy, visit our ‘Have Your Say’ page before December 17.

Thank you to everyone for your input into all of our plans and projects – your insight really does make a difference in the final outcomes.

I also recommend you register as a ‘community user’ on the site and receive notifications of engagements in your area – it’s a great way to stay in the loop.

Cr Trent Sullivan,
Deputy Mayor