Contemporary community hub ready to take shape

FIRSTLY, a huge thanks to all out in the south/west areas of Geelong. It has been a very testing time not just with COVID, but also with the huge growth of the surrounding south/west precincts of Geelong.

The construction of these growth areas has had a huge impact on the amenities, roads and lifestyles. But the fruits of the labour are slowly coming to light and in due course all will settle into a fantastic place to live and enjoy family life.

I’m really excited to update you on what will become another vital piece of social infrastructure for the Armstrong Creek West area.

The $11.45 million construction of the Armstrong Creek West Community Hub will start to take shape next month on the corner of Unity Drive and Sovereign Drive, right next to Mirripoa Primary School.

It will feature a kinder for 99 kids, a playground, parents lounge, Maternal Child Health consulting rooms, flexible community spaces including a multi-purpose room and of course accessible toilets.

The hub ties in with council’s sustainability goals, with a 5 Star Green Star rating for the building’s design and construction.

We did this because the Armstrong Creek area is one of the fastest growing areas in Victoria, and with that growth comes the need for modern infrastructure.

Not just roads, drainage, footpaths and cycling connections – of course all vitally important – but places that are welcoming to people of all ages and backgrounds.

I think the pandemic has underscored just how important community hubs are for strengthening community ties and improving mental health. This was particularly felt when they were closed during lockdown.

Without a doubt one of the downsides of the huge growth has also been the dumping of building waste at different locations in the region.

While the construction industry is playing a vital role in building our newer communities, by responding to Greater Geelong’s growth and giving young people a career pathway, we are conscious of the fact though that litter and waste escaping from construction sites can be an issue here.

After October’s wild winds, city crews cleaned up large amounts of loose and broken Styrofoam waffle pods in Armstrong Creek.

The pods had found their way into open space and waterways, which has immediate knock-on effects for our environment and public health.

The city is stepping up efforts to tackle this issue, by proactively visiting construction sites to talk to site managers about their responsibilities, leading to multiple infringements, Notices to Comply, warnings and written instructions.

The visits have an educational focus too, with Local Laws officers promoting the use of caged refuse facilities on the site, rather than the footpath.

If you have concerns about litter, you can report it via the Geelong City App, by emailing [email protected] or by calling 5272 5272.

If you have little ones going to school in and around Armstrong Creek, they or their school may have decorated one of 31 Christmas trees that are being displayed along Little Malop Central and in the forecourt at Johnstone Park.

Mirripoa Primary School, Geelong Lutheran College, Mt Duneed Regional Primary School, Mandama Primary School and Nazareth Catholic School are behind some of the very colourful and arty trees that are on show.

So, finishing on a merry note after another disrupted school year, we highly recommend having a wander with your children and finding their tree for a bit of holiday fun before Christmas.

It is the time to join with family and friends and enjoy our amazing environment and the great life it brings.

But also spare a thought, and help where you can, for those that are not so fortunate in our community. Because this is what Geelong does well and makes us a truly incredible place to live.

Cr Bruce Harwood