Community priorities driving change

IN my time as You Yangs ward councillor, residents haven’t been shy about telling me what they want.

The semis out of town. The Elcho Road-Ohallorans Road and ‘Six Ways’ intersections fixed. Better signage. The return of Australia Day celebrations. Proper investment in the places families use.

And continued advocacy to state government to make the community’s opposition to the proposed Lara incinerator heard.

Some of these issues and projects are small; some are larger. But they all have significant community interest.

Eighteen months in – here’s where things are at across the ward.

Australia Day ceremonies returned with 6,000 people celebrating at the traditional breakfast at Lara RSL.

Anakie Football Netball Club now has a new court and upgraded facilities thanks to joint federal, state and council funding.

Lara Swimming Pool, Greater Geelong’s oldest aquatic centre, now has upgraded clubrooms thanks to funding from council, Community Bank Lara District and Lara Swimming Club.

Work is complete on the first nine holes and driving range at Lara Golf Club, with the front nine reopening to the public last month. The driving range is likely to reopen in spring, dependent on the establishment of grass cover.

The back nine will close in August for an estimated four months for upgrades to ensure the course remains a premier destination for local golfers well into the future.

And there’s plenty more happening or being planned across ward too.

I’m stoked to see work underway at Elcho Road-Ohallorans Road intersection, located on the doorstep of one of the fast-growing developments in Lara.

Before these works started, I was seeing incidents there weekly. But now this previously risky intersection is getting new traffic lights and an upgraded surface, which will significantly improve safety.

Another intersection our community has been advocating for, the notorious ‘Six Ways’, is set for improvements with state government announcing plans and designs for a much-needed upgrade.

And on the outskirts of Lara, planning is progressing on the Sandy Creek upgrade thanks to $2.2 million in federal funding through the Safer Local Roads and Infrastructure Program and a $550,000 contribution from the City of Greater Geelong.

This project will seal approximately 4km of gravel road along Sandy Creek Road and Little River Ripley Road, providing a safer and more reliable route for freight and heavy vehicles while reducing trucks in residential areas of Lara.

The project is expected to reduce noise, dust, congestion and wear and tear on local roads and intersections, improving liveability for residents while supporting local industry.

I thank member for Corio and deputy prime minister Richard Marles for supporting this important investment.

Chirnside Park has also received funding, via a state government Pick My Park grant, and council is now creating a masterplan to transform this small and dated playground into a wonderful new facility that meets the needs of its growing local community.

It was fantastic to see so many of you having your say on this project during community engagement. Your ideas will help shape a masterplan to make the park more accessible, practical and enjoyable for everyone.

Most of what I’ve mentioned isn’t new – it’s already happening.

But I don’t get any of these things done on my own. Most of the work is done by our executive directors and their amazing teams. I raise the concerns you send me, and they make things happen.

There’s still more to do – I won’t pretend otherwise. But when I look at what residents were asking for 18 months ago and where things sit today, the gap is closing.

Cr Chris Burson

You Yangs ward,

City of Greater Geelong