Councillor calls on community to consider why

BE a team player

Like everyone, I’m crossing my fingers and toes that Lockdown #8 for Greater Geelong is a short one.

It is discouraging to be back here again, particularly for our local businesses which would’ve benefited from the school holidays and visitors from regional Victoria.

I’m glad to see some positives coming out of lockdown, for instance, the community once again is reaching out to support vulnerable members with compassion, check-ins and home cooked meals.

The push to shop locally for goods and services is still going strong, and if you’re in a position to do so, charities and community organisations continue to welcome donations to help those in need.

I hope this lockdown also significantly increases the uptake of people getting vaccinated against COVID-19.

Under the Victorian Government’s roadmap, the key target is for 80 per cent of the eligible population to be fully vaccinated, to allow for greater freedoms for those who’ve had two jabs.

It goes to show that being fully vaxxed is the only way to get us back into venues, sport and religious ceremonies and to welcome visitors back to the region. It will also put the state on the same page when it comes to restrictions.

You might spot my mug around town or in the media as part of the city’s campaign with Barwon Health, that asks people to consider why they should make plans to be vaccinated.

I got vaccinated because I’m a team player and I believe it should be everybody’s responsibility to be fully vaccinated.

It’s a matter of protecting yourself, your loved ones and your community.

Have a think about what your reason why is.

Let’s get it done, so Greater Geelong can open up as soon as possible.

If you have a disability, are older or have limited transport options to go and get the jab, you might be eligible for a program that offers rides to a vaccination hub.

For more information and to make a booking, contact Volunteering Geelong on 5221 1377 or email [email protected].

Major projects

Despite the challenging conditions arising from the pandemic, we’re seeing confidence in our regional economy through $11.4 billion in major projects being delivered in Greater Geelong.

The city has collected data to create a dashboard of stats on significant investment, which makes it easy to understand the major projects planned, approved, underway or recently completed in the region.

A total of 138 major projects are in the pipeline, creating vital local jobs, with road and transport related projects making up $5.7 billion of the investment pie.

In terms of public buildings and utility projects, $1.2 billion is being invested, while $758 million is being poured into the medical and health industry.

The data will help current and potential investors develop business cases, while building community and business confidence in the region.

As chair of the Economic Development and Innovative Solutions portfolios, I’m excited by the possibilities of this clever and creative dashboard.

Check it out at geelongdataexchange.com.au/pages/projectsv2/.

Pako

The Urban Design Framework for Pako and Gordon Avenue has received a bit of attention, resulting in community engagement for this to be extended until Friday, September 24.

If you want to help shape the future of this beloved area, you have until tomorrow 5pm to get involved.

Head to yoursay.geelongaustralia.com.au/mypako for more info.

Cr Peter Murrihy,
Brownbill Ward