City of Greater Geelong: Mayor’s Column

Budget highlights for the Bellarine
The Proposed 2012-13 budget is open for public comment until June 6. More than $11 million has been allocated for new buildings, facilities and community events on the Bellarine Peninsula.

One of the biggest projects will be the new Integrated Children’s Centre in Ocean Grove, a major community facility that will benefit many young families in the area. Also in Ocean Grove we will continue to implement the Shell Road Reserve master plan, upgrade the playground at the Bellarine Aquatic and Sports Centre, upgrade the toilets at Memorial Reserve and improve infrastructure at both Kingston Park and Collendina Reserve.

In Portarlington we’ve allocated funding to upgrade Portarlington Recreation Reserve change rooms. Projects funded for Indented Head include renovating the community hall and installing heritage signage, also to be installed at St Leonards.

In Clifton Springs, we are investing in coastal erosion mitigation works to protect the town’s important coastal vegetation. We’re also installing some public art at the Dell.

In Drysdale we have big plans for the Recreation Reserve, including new cricket nets, earthworks and new storage facilities. We will also implement the Lake Lorne Reserve master plan, including the construction of new pathways and a boardwalk.

Funding has been allocated for a new children’s hub in Barwon Heads, to cater for the growing number of young families living in this seaside village. The Barwon Heads Soccer Club will also receive an upgrade to their facilities.

The long list of projects demonstrates our commitment to providing the best infrastructure and services to residents and visitors on the Bellarine Peninsula.

To see the full budget and to make a submission, visit the Have your say section at www.geelongaustralia.com.au.

Black Rock bike path
Last week we formally opened the new bike path linking Thirteenth Beach Road to Blackgate Road in Breamlea.
It was a fantastic event and I was very impressed with the big crowd of cyclists who came out to celebrate the opening of the path.

This path has been a long time coming and it has been welcomed by drivers and cyclists alike. It will provide a much safer and more convenient way for cyclists riding between Barwon Heads and Torquay – a popular bike riding route.

The $500,000 project was jointly funded by the City of Greater Geelong, Barwon Water and Regional Development Victoria. As was said by many of us at the opening, this path is a great demonstration of what governments and organisations can achieve when we work together in partnership.

Cycling is a healthy and environmentally sustainable recreational activity and mode of transport, and we are committed to improving bicycle infrastructure throughout the whole region.

Grants now available for Children’s Week events
We are looking for community groups and organisations to stage events for kids and families throughout 2012 Children’s Week, October 20–28.

Children’s Week is designed to celebrate and promote the unique contributions that young children make to our community, and focus community attention on the needs and issues associated with early childhood.
Event ideas include family picnics, live performances, craft activities, fetes, dance lessons, movie marathon or children’s concert.

If you think you could hold an event for the community it’s important that you let us know so that we can include you in our Children’s Week calendar. Plus, grants of up to $300 are available for eligible not-for-profit groups or organisations. Children’s Week is widely celebrated and our calendar of events is usually one of the best in Victoria.

It’s always a great week and an important reminder for all of us to celebrate childhood and support children in our community. To find out more about having your event included in our Children’s Week calendar or to apply for a grant, email abaum@geelongcity.vic.gov.au or visit the Children and Family page at www.geelongaustralia.com.au.

Got your tickets for the Celtic Festival?
Portarlington is set to come alive to the sound of pipers and drummers next month, with the Tenth National Celtic Festival on 8–11 June.

This internationally recognised event brings thousands of visitors to Portarlington every year, all coming to experience the fun and excitement of the musical performances, workshops and craft markets. The festival is a brilliant family event that people of all ages can enjoy. There is a wide variety of music, with everything from traditional pipe bands to the Celtic Divas – four of Ireland’s most prominent female vocalists.

Now is your chance to grab some last minute tickets and be part of this hugely popular festival in your own backyard. Adult tickets are $120 for three days worth of world class entertainment. Youth (15-17) tickets are just $50 and children 14 and under are free!

Buy tickets and find out more at www.nationalcelticfestival.com.

Cr John Mitchell
Mayor, City of Greater Geelong