Focusing on a positive future

In a year filled with many challenges and uncertainty, I’ve made a concerted effort to stay positive and take comfort that as a community we have significant opportunities to embrace as we head into the future.

Personally, one of these for me has been being re-elected to council recently – what a tremendous honour and privilege!

I sincerely thank the residents of the Brownbill Ward for allowing me the opportunity to continue representing them and advocating on their behalf during this critical time.
During the last council term, councillors set aside more than $16.9 million in COVID-19 relief and recovery initiatives, however, there is still more to be done as community leaders to smoothly navigate our way out of the pandemic.

While other levels of government have a significant role to play in our recovery, there needs to also be a multi-pronged approach from council.

As such, I look forward to further conversations with the council group and input from the community to develop and deliver future support packages for the community and businesses.

The arts, live entertainment and hospitality industries have done it unbelievably tough, particularly creatives, musicians, buskers and venues who have lost income and a year’s worth of bookings within a matter of days.

There needs to be a strong focus on reviving these sectors, and with my encouragement, the Council has now introduced a new and unique portfolio solely responsible for them – which I’m pleased to say I will chair.

Reducing the financial burden of parking that comes with community members supporting these struggling industries has been a passion project for me this year.
I’ve successfully pushed for parking in Central Geelong to be free in all casual on- and off-street spaces until the end of 2020.

As a result of this, I’m now interested in investigating the introduction of permanent free on-street parking in the CBD, including around hospitals, as a way of supporting and encouraging visitors and residents to return to the heart of our region.

I also plan to raise with council a request to review and report on the City of Greater Geelong stepping out of managing off-street parking as a means of providing competitive and broader parking solutions and options for the community.

Another motivation of mine is to reduce the community’s financial burden and review the manner in which we calculate and apply rates, particularly commercial rates. Equally, reviewing our asset and property ownership and management is imperative if we are to be ‘clever and creative’.

Making sure this region is the best it can be for the next generations is paramount, so I would like to run you through a number of my other ideas, which also inspired my re-election campaign:

· Establishing a sustainable future operating model for Osborne House, completing the renovation and providing access to the community as a matter of urgency;
· Protecting our heritage buildings and landmarks;

· Setting up permanent alfresco spaces in our CBD laneways, including Little Malop Street;

· Working with all tiers of government to deliver a regional soccer facility and a regional basketball and netball facility in Greater Geelong;

· Delivering all-year usage of the Kardinia Aquatic Centre outdoor pool;

· Working with the community and City staff to establish and deliver appropriate dog parks, dog off-leash spaces and dog-friendly infrastructure (water, fences and dog waste bag facilities, etc);

· Ensuring the City continues to embrace environmental protection initiatives that use recycled materials such as glass, plastics and concrete in roads, footpaths, playgrounds and outdoor furniture;

· Establishing an Anti-Social Behaviour Task Force/Committee to tackle graffiti, vandalism and hoon driving;

· A major upgrade to St Helens Park and the shared trails leading to it; and·

Completing important infrastructure and upgrade works to Eastern Beach and the promenade.
With 2021-22 Budget discussions happening soon, I also plan to push for significant capital investment in drainage, footpaths, roads, playgrounds, community and sporting facility upgrades and much-needed transport and fishing infrastructure.

If you have any questions or would like to discuss an issue, please don’t hesitate to get in touch.

I can be contacted on 0455 532 006 or [email protected]

Please stay safe and healthy everyone!