Taking pride in our place

This is the first of a series of editorials from members of the Barwon Regional Partnership in the lead-up to the next Barwon Regional Assembly, to be held in Wallington on July 19. This piece is by Give Where You Live chief executive officer Bill Mithen.

For thousands of years, the Wadda Wurrung People, the traditional custodians of the land and waters we now share, knew the magnificence of the place we now call the Barwon region. The Wadda Wurrung managed the land and waters in a sustainable way, leading to healthy, happy, fulfilled lifestyles.

We now share the Wadda Wurrung’s “Pride in our Place”.

A focus for the Barwon Regional Partnership is to maintain and enhance that pride and to ensure all members of our community can experience our region to its fullest.

Pride in our region often starts with pride in our individual part – our home. But that is not the same for everyone.

Homelessness and a lack of housing and rental affordability are growing challenges for our region. New models are needed, more investment is required, and innovative thinking is essential if we are to ensure there is a home for everyone in the Barwon region.

Our coast, with which we so identify, needs to be nurtured and maintained. As our region expands and more visitors wake up to its attractions, our coastal infrastructure is put under pressure. Maintaining and enhancing that infrastructure will present our region in the best light and allow residents and visitors to enjoy its appeal.

Connections with and within our region have always been strong. We connect to Geelong, our region’s capital city, to the beaches, the Otways and the coastal towns.

To enable these connections we need accessible, reliable, efficient and convenient transport options.

We need faster transport connections to Melbourne, a network of active transport links that enable walking and bike riding and public transport that befits our region.

We have great pride in our place but as our region grows and changes, we will need to not lose sight of the elements of our region and community that make it great.

We want a region that connects, provides a home for everyone and natural assets that are protected and enjoyed.

To have your say or register for the Barwon Assembly in Wallington on July 19, head to https://engage.vic.gov.au/barwon.

The opinions expressed here are the opinions of the writer exclusively and do not express the views of the editor or Surf Coast News Pty Ltd.