Financial, environmental and social sustainability are at the core of decision-making for councillors and City of Greater Geelong staff.<\/p>\n
You may have heard the council talking about this three-pronged approach, which was adopted in 2020 as part of our Sustainability Framework.<\/p>\n
And our action plan aims to make the framework a reality through key short, medium and long-term initiatives.<\/p>\n
You might be searching for real life examples of what this all actually means.<\/p>\n
Our $61.6 million Northern Aquatic and Community Hub in Norlane is one that easily comes to my mind.<\/p>\n
Construction is underway on the hub, which will feature state-of-the-art facilities such as 1,000 square metres of multi-purpose community space, a 25-metre pool, a hydrotherapy pool, a waterslide, gym, occasional care and a cafe.<\/p>\n
We predict the centre will deliver<\/strong><\/p>\n $111 million in preventative health benefits for the region during the first 10 years of operation.<\/p>\n This transformative project ticks the social sustainability box as it will support and empower community members in their health and wellbeing journeys, fostering a more resilient and inclusive society.<\/p>\n I’m pleased to announce that as part of our Proposed Budget for 2022-23, we want to chip in $4 million to convert the site from gas to electricity.<\/p>\n The existing aquatic facilities in Waterworld are run on gas and by powering the new site with renewable energy, we will cut emissions by about 1,700 tonnes per year.<\/p>\n To get an idea of just how significant that is, it’s equivalent to the annual energy use of more than 300 households in Victoria.<\/p>\n On top of that, the conversion will assist with the new facility achieving a 5 Star (Australian Excellence) Green Star rating.<\/p>\n Last November, we adopted the Climate Change Response Plan 2021-2030, which was a key action in the Sustainability Framework and Environment Strategy.<\/p>\n Under the Climate Change Response Plan, we have committed to transitioning away from gas in order to help meet its ultimate zero emissions target.<\/p>\n As part of this zero-carbon plan, last year we partnered with 45 other Victorian municipalities to join the largest-ever emissions reduction project by local government in the country.<\/p>\n The Victorian Energy Collaboration provides the councils with 100 per cent renewable energy until the end of 2030.<\/p>\n By walking the talk, the council sends a strong and encouraging message to other organisations and the broader community that climate change action is a priority and we can all take steps to make change.<\/p>\n In terms of financial sustainability, switching the Northern Aquatic and Community Hub from gas to wind power will actually cut the organisation’s power bills by an estimated $150,000 per year.<\/p>\n The works will create jobs, therefore strengthening our local economy as it recovers from the pandemic.<\/p>\n There are so many other projects worth highlighting in our 2022-23 Proposed Budget that contribute to a more sustainable Greater Geelong.<\/p>\n This includes a proposed $3.5 million allocation to continue switching our street lights to more environmentally efficient LED globes.<\/p>\n We have tried to balance key investments such as this, as part of a $206.6m capital works program, while delivering a sustainable financial position.<\/p>\n After more than two years of running annual deficits, in order to target business and the broader community with a range of COVID-19 recovery initiatives, the Proposed Budget is back in the black.<\/p>\n I encourage you to delve into the Draft Budget and find out what projects are happening in your area by visiting the Your Say page: yoursay.geelongaustralia.com.au\/CAFP.<\/p>\n We are seeking feedback \u2013 in fact, submissions are encouraged!<\/p>\n The city will receive feedback until Tuesday, May 24.<\/p>\n Cr Trent Sullivan Financial, environmental and social sustainability are at the core of decision-making for councillors and City of Greater Geelong staff. You may have heard the council talking about this three-pronged approach, which was adopted in 2020 as part of our Sustainability Framework. And our action plan aims to make the framework a reality through key short, […]<\/p>\n
\nDeputy Mayor, City of Greater Geelong<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"