Vision acknowledges community needs

GREATER Geelong has included references to access to affordable health care and housing, family violence support and a focus on a thriving economy as part of its community vision refresh.

The City of Greater Geelong’s review of its 30-year ‘Greater Geelong: A Clever and Creative Future’ vision has aimed to better reflect the challenges and opportunities facing the Geelong region, including COVID-19.

The blueprint, which was shaped by more than 16,000 community members in 2016-17, guides Greater Geelong towards being recognised regionally, nationally and internationally as clever and creative.

Community and stakeholder consultation this year found the existing vision was still a good fit, but areas such as mental health, family violence, local economy and the need for ongoing COVID-19 support required more attention.

The document’s second edition addresses these areas to ensure that the vision remains relevant and deliverable, with inclusion of: access to quality, affordable health care including mental health services and specialists; safety and support for people experiencing family violence; access to affordable and social housing; thriving local economy; and resourced and responsive emergency services.

A more substantial community engagement to further revise the community vision is planned for 2023.

Geelong mayor Stephanie Asher said the region had experienced changes since the vision’s launch in 2017.

“Sharpening the focus of this plan to align with the current landscape will guide effective decision-making and secure our long-term success,” she said.

Deputy mayor Trent Sullivan thanked the community for its recent feedback which included 30 submissions and valuable feedback from the Youth Council.

“The focus on issues such as inclusion, affordable housing and environmental sustainability will keep the vision relevant in what is an ever-changing world,” he said.