The value of community connection

A MAJOR part of the role that Councillors play is to be in touch with the community.

The opportunity to get out and about and meet the people we serve is one of the most enjoyable aspects of what we do.

I have had the great pleasure of meeting some wonderful people during my time on Council, and I know through experience that, when it comes to projects that require funding, the residents of Greater Geelong are a passionate bunch.

One of the organisations I have spent a lot of time with in recent years has been the Chilwell Library Group.

Made up of Lynne Dowling, Hilary Hoevenaars, Dorothy Trezise, Pati Seiler, Jan Laidlaw and Tracey Stone, the group has been the driver of the Chilwell Library redevelopment.

They have been there at every step, from concept plans to design principles, and have worked tirelessly with the City and the community to ensure the library remains an intimate and community-focused facility, while improving integration with the adjacent park.

Having listened to the group’s position and gained an understanding of why upgrades at the library were so important, securing funding for the project became my priority throughout multiple budget discussions.

So, I could not have been happier when, at our June Council meeting, the final 2024-25 budget was adopted and $1.25 million was allocated to Chilwell Library Community Hub.

This project will deliver much-needed and highly valuable community meeting spaces and bathroom facilities, and will ensure the library serves as a modern and inclusive space for future generations.

I want to take this opportunity to thank Chilwell Library Group and commend its members for their advocacy, support, and professionalism.

Their efforts highlight the value of Councillors being connected to their communities, and I look forward to seeing this facility when works are complete.

There were many other highlights included in the budget across the municipality and especially within my Brownbill Ward.

For a long time I have campaigned for upgrades at Landy Field, so it was pleasing to see the $1 million allocated in 2024-25 and $4.425 million in 2025-26 for the pavilion and athletics facilities upgrade.

This will be a significant piece of infrastructure and a space for people of all ages to exercise as well as practice and compete.

The $4.85 million allocated for the Rippleside inclusive playground was also a welcome sight.

This playground will be a sensational addition to the region for many families and will add to our reputation for being accessible and inclusive for everyone.

Further around the bay there was a $2.15 million allocation for the Geelong Waterfront annual asset renewal program, as well as $360,000 for the Geelong Waterfront basketball court, complete with LED lighting.

To everybody who provided their thoughts, insights and opinions during the public exhibition period, thank you.

Councillors heard the feedback and took it on board when finalising the budget, and we are extremely grateful for the community’s engagement with us.

Cr Peter Murrihy

Brownbill Ward,

City of Greater Geelong