JUNE–JULY 2020
COMMUNITY UPDATE
CARING WITH CREATIVITY A special postcard designed by young artist Laila is being distributed to our community meal delivery clients. The 14-year-old is pictured here with care worker, Deborah, and resident, Ron. More on Page 7.
LEADING OUR RECOVERY
IN THIS EDITION 2
4-5 CORONAVIRUS SUPPORT
AS OUR LIVES SLOWLY RETURN TO A NEW NORMAL, WE HAVE A COVID-19 RECOVERY PLAN.
The City’s biggest priority has been keeping our communities safe from coronavirus (COVID-19) while moving quickly to maintain, and in many instances, increase essential community services during restrictions.
businesses across our region. We’ve also set out a stimulus budget to drive our economic and social recovery through a major capital works program, which will create local jobs and deliver fantastic, much-needed community facilities.
At the same time, Council has been acutely focused on providing targeted, immediate financial support for vulnerable individuals, families and
Council has invested $5.5 million to deliver support packages, with rate waivers for businesses forced to temporarily close and community clubs
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and groups which rely on our facilities, permit fee suspensions and free parking. We’ve also put in place a financial hardship policy which gives residents experiencing hardship access to relief from fees, charges and interest on all debts, and we continue to align support measures with the changing needs of our community through our recovery. More on Page 3.
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MAYOR’S MESSAGE
@GreaterGeelong
6-7 COMMUNITY
8-9 BUDGET 12 T ASTES OF CENTRAL GEELONG
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MAYOR’S MESSAGE SINCE MARCH, THE COUNCIL’S NO.1 PRIORITY HAS BEEN KEEPING OUR COMMUNITY HEALTHY THROUGH THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC AND SUPPORTING THE MANY PEOPLE WHO HAVE BEEN AFFECTED IN DIFFERENT WAYS. At the same time, councillors have continued with our drive to get things done. Just before the pandemic took hold, we made a strong statement about our intention to tackle climate change and improve our performance around sustainability more broadly. We adopted a Sustainability Framework to shape our triple bottom line response. We also formally recognised a climate emergency and put out for community consultation a draft Action Plan. This is all aiming to improve our performance where needed and map out how we address climate change. The Framework has committed the Council and all parts of the City of Greater Geelong to consider sustainability – environmental, social and financial – as a key consideration in all our activities. Through the COVID-19 recovery process and well beyond, we want to role model a culture of sustainability, with thinking, practices and decision-making that best support our community.
Financial sustainability is the other crucial objective of our framework and, while our processes are well embedded, there is always room for improvement and the COVID-19 response has had a major impact on our budget plans. The draft Action Plan, which focused on areas where the organisation can make the biggest impact in the short term, has been out for comment for two months through our ‘Have Your Say’ process. We received excellent feedback, which has helped identify gaps and shape our approach. The Sustainability Framework and Action Plan are the first steps in an ongoing conversation with our community about how we can work together for a sustainable, healthy and prosperous future. Thank you for your input so far, we look forward to sharing our progress with you.
It is important to reiterate that in addition to the environmental focus, sustainability includes our social impacts such as food relief, regional planning and, of course, our social housing initiatives. The Council recently made a $1.7 million commitment to address the rising need for emergency food relief, and there may be opportunities in future to better support community members to produce their own food. This would encourage healthy eating, active living and reduced waste.
Here are the City of Greater Geelong’s 11 councillors and their portfolios. Councillors can assist you with any queries in these areas.
Cr Stephanie Asher Mayor, City of Greater Geelong
PORTFOLIOS Parks, Gardens and City Services (C)
CUSTOMER SERVICE CENTRE 100 Brougham Street, Geelong
NATIONAL RELAY SERVICE TTY VOICE: 133 677 SPEAK AND LISTEN: 1300 555 727
ISSN 2208-4991
COUNCIL MEETINGS
WATCH COUNCIL MEETINGS LIVE Council meetings are continuing in line with health advice and social distancing guidelines. However, for the safety of the community, as well as our councillors and employees, meetings will only be accessible to the public online. Upcoming meetings include:
Tuesday 30 June 2020, 7.00pm
CR ANTHONY AITKEN Windermere Ward 0434 307 044 aaitken@geelongcity.vic.gov.au
Finance (C)
CITY OF GREATER GEELONG PO Box 104, Geelong VIC 3220 P: 5272 5272 E: contactus@geelongcity.vic.gov.au geelongaustralia.com.au
ORDINARY COUNCIL MEETING LIVESTREAM
This publication is part of the City’s ongoing commitment to give our residents in-depth news and information about initiatives and services happening across our region.
YOUR COUNCILLORS
CONTACT INFORMATION
CR STEPHANIE ASHER Mayor Bellarine Ward 0417 033 856 sasher@geelongcity.vic.gov.au PORTFOLIOS
Waste Management (DC)
COMMUNITY FOCUS COUNCIL MEETING LIVESTREAM Tuesday 14 July 2020, 7.00pm Visit www.geelongaustralia.com. au/meetings to watch it live or view the archive. You can also check our website for future meeting dates.
CR KYLIE GRZYBEK Deputy Mayor Windermere Ward 0434 307 043 kgrzybek@geelongcity.vic.gov.au PORTFOLIOS
Economic Development (C)
Environment (DC)
Leadership and Governance (C)
Transport and Connections (C)
Leadership and Governance (DC)
Finance (DC)
PORTFOLIOS – Chair (C) Deputy Chair (DC) CR BRUCE HARWOOD Kardinia Ward 0434 307 042 bharwood@geelongcity.vic.gov.au PORTFOLIOS Central and Civic Geelong (DC)
PORTFOLIOS Waste Management (DC)
Transport and Connections (DC) CR PAT MURNANE Kardinia Ward 0434 307 033 pmurnane@geelongcity.vic.gov.au PORTFOLIOS Community Health, Wellbeing and Safety (C) Social Inclusion (DC)
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CR EDDY KONTELJ Brownbill Ward 0455 532 006 ekontelj@geelongcity.vic.gov.au
Environment (C) Central and Civic Geelong (DC)
PORTFOLIOS Sport and Recreation (DC)
Central and Civic Geelong (C) Arts, Culture and Heritage (DC) Economic Development (DC)
Environment (DC)
Community Health, Wellbeing and Safety (DC) CR RON NELSON Kardinia Ward 0429 531 875 rnelson@geelongcity.vic.gov.au
Parks, Gardens and City Services (DC) Planning (DC)
CR TRENT SULLIVAN Bellarine Ward 0434 307 050 tsullivan@geelongcity.vic.gov.au PORTFOLIOS
Sport and Recreation (C)
Tourism and Events (DC)
Waste Management (C)
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Rural and Coastal (C) Arts, Culture and Heritage (DC)
PORTFOLIOS Parks, Gardens and City Services (DC) Tourism and Events (DC)
CR JIM MASON AM Bellarine Ward 0434 307 048 jmason@geelongcity.vic.gov.au PORTFOLIOS
Social Inclusion (C)
CR PETER MURRIHY Brownbill Ward 0434 307 045 pmurrihy@geelongcity.vic.gov.au PORTFOLIOS
Transport and Connections (DC)
CR SARAH MANSFIELD Brownbill Ward 0436 343 642 smansfield@geelongcity.vic.gov.au
CityofGreaterGeelong
Arts, Culture and Heritage (C)
Economic Development (DC)
Planning (C)
Rural and Coastal (DC)
Tourism and Events (C)
@GreaterGeelong
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NEWS
CITY FACILITIES RE-OPEN, COMMUNITY SUPPORT CONTINUES As we look to a new normal, the City continues to provide much-needed support to individuals, community groups and businesses across the region while kick-starting recovery efforts through major investment. Community life is returning to the City’s facilities, with libraries, swimming pools and playgrounds among the spaces to re-open in recent weeks. The City has welcomed back residents to a growing list of our much-loved recreational and cultural activities, as the Victorian Government gradually eases coronavirus (COVID-19) restrictions. As the last of autumn leaves fell, playgrounds, skate parks and outdoor gym equipment re-opened last month. And in time for winter, indoor swimming pools (plus Kardinia Aquatic Centre) are hosting casual lap swimmers, with the gyms and indoor recreational spaces
able to operate from late June.
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Visitors were able to return to their favourite Geelong Regional Libraries branch from 9 June.
Council rates waived from 1 April 2020 to 30 June 2020 for more than 120 Greater Geelong businesses.
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Registration fee refunds for food and health premises extended from three months to 12 months.
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Development of a Geelong Business Support Program, which includes access to expert advice, industry support and rent and rate relief options.
The re-opening of these valued facilities, with safety measures in place, is a great boost for our community which has been significantly impacted by COVID-19 restrictions. Support measures include: •
A Financial Hardship Policy for businesses and residents who pay rates, rent, fees and/or charges to the City.
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A major focus has been on delivering a stimulus budget to drive our economic and social recovery through a major capital works program, which will create local jobs and deliver fantastic, muchneeded community facilities. You can find out more about the budget, including the Financial Hardship Policy, on Page 8 and 9.
Rent waivers for community and sporting groups using City of Greater Geelong-owned land, grounds and facilities.
Find a full list of our Community Support Package measures via the QR code or at www. geelongaustralia. com.au/covid19
GEELONG COUNCIL ELECTIONS 2020
NOMINATE S UPPORT A CANDIDATE VOTE
Front cover of Geelong 2020 Calendar.
THE CITY’S COUNCIL COULD INCLUDE YOU! geelongaustralia.com.au/elections THE NEXT CITY OF GREATER GEELONG COUNCIL ELECTION WILL BE HELD ON 24 OCTOBER 2020. If you are passionate about what happens in your local community then becoming a councillor is a great way to make a difference and contribute to the liveability of our wonderful region. The people who live and work in our community are diverse and it is important for the Council to be reflective of our whole community. To ensure representation by councillors with a wide range of perspectives, backgrounds and experience, we encourage candidates of all abilities from a variety of social, cultural and economic backgrounds to nominate for election. Candidate handbooks will be available from the Victorian Electoral Commission three months before the election and nominations are open from 17 to 22 September.
YOU KNOW? DID
ENTRIES NOW OPEN FOR 2021 CALENDA R
Candidates are required to complete mandatory training and details will be provided by Local Government Victoria.
Share your ‘Uniquely Geelong’ images with us for your chance to be featured.
To nominate, potential candidates must be:
Local residents are invited to share photographs they have captured from around the region that fit into one of four categories and are ‘Uniquely Geelong’ for our 2021 calendar. All entries must include a short explanation of why the image is uniquely Geelong and what it means to you.
• An Australian citizen • At least 18 years of age on election day • Enrolled as a voter in the City of Greater Geelong. Serving on Council is an opportunity to serve the community and play a major leadership role in driving decisions for the future of Geelong. Elections are conducted by the Victorian Electoral Commission and information about upcoming elections, enrolling to vote, updating enrolment details or nominating as a candidate is available online at www.vec.vic.gov.au
Entries close on 28 August 2020 and a shortlist will be put to a public vote in September. Thirteen images will be chosen to appear in the calendar and all photographers will be credited in the publication, on our website and via social media. To find out more, visit www.geelongaustralia.com.au
Last year we received more than 1000 entries for our calendar competition. The most photographed location was Geelong Waterfront.
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TAKING CARE OF OUR COMMUNITY
CLEANING PROGRAM TARGETS PUBLIC SPACES
Behind the scenes of an online fitness class with group exercise officer, Shari.
Our enhanced street cleaning program is continuing as more people return to public spaces, shopping precincts and highpedestrian areas, including playgrounds, footpaths, bike racks, bench seats, bus stops and signs. The program has also been bolstered with funding from the Victorian Government to provide extra cleaning and sanitisation measures across Greater Geelong.
Please ensure you also practise good hygiene before and after visiting our public areas so we can all play our part in keeping our communities safe during the COVID-19 pandemic.
STAYING ACTIVE FROM A DISTANCE While our Swim Sport & Leisure centres had to close temporarily because of COVID-19 restrictions, our communities have really enjoyed staying active with the City’s free online fitness classes, healthy recipes, challenges and more. For up-to-date information about our centres and to join our growing online audience, visit www.geelongaustralia.com.au/ssl
JOIN THE FUN
YOUR HOME IS A PLACE WHERE YOU CAN CREATE A HEALTHY LIFESTYLE AS YOU LEARN, WORK, PLAY AND LOVE.
Events Geelong’s new Virtual Events page lists a wide range of community activities that can be enjoyed from the comfort of your home.
The City has developed a toolkit that focuses on mental health and wellbeing, positive and respectful relationships, food and nutrition, and physical activity to help you and your family stay healthy at home.
Designed for all ages, some events are just for fun, while others focus on topics like health and wellbeing, and education.
Find advice, easy recipes and virtual fitness classes at www.geelongaustralia.com.au/healthyathome or contact 5272 5272 to register for a hard copy of the toolkit.
As restrictions change over time, the list of events will expand to include those that comply with social distancing restrictions. To find out more, or list your activity, visit
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www.geelongaustralia.com.au
CityofGreaterGeelong
@GreaterGeelong
CityofGreaterGeelong
WWW.GEELONGAUSTRALIA.COM.AU/COVID19
HEALTH ADVICE •
MAINTAIN A 1.5 METRE DISTANCE BETWEEN EACH OTHER.
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STAY HOME IF YOU ARE UNWELL.
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PRACTISE GOOD HYGIENE.
FAMILY VIOLENCE
SHARE YOUR EXPERIENCE
Family violence is never ok, no matter the circumstances or situation.
We know this is a challenging time for everyone in our community.
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Call police on 000 in an emergency.
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Contact The Orange Door: 1800 312 820 (people of any age, gender, sexuality, culture and ability welcome), 9.00am to 5.00pm Monday to Friday except public holidays.
We want to ensure the support and services we are providing in response to the COVID-19 pandemic are meeting our communities’ needs. Please be in touch and tell us about your experiences and share your views with us about what support would be beneficial. If there is existing support accessible, we will connect you to it. If you
identify an improvement we could make in the service system, it will help us in our response planning. You can provide feedback by email on Communityrelief@ geelongcity.vic.gov.au, by phone on 5272 5272 or complete the survey at www.geelongaustralia.com.au/ yoursay
ARE YOU A BUSINESS OWNER NEEDING HELP?
YOU KNOW? DID
Confidential counselling is also available by contacting 1800 Respect: 1800 737 737.
EMERGENCY RELIEF If you are in mandatory self-isolation, you may be eligible for deliveries of essential food and personal care items and should call the hotline on 1800 675 398. The Coronavirus Support page lists contact details for a range of agencies which offer food relief for people who are experiencing financial difficulties.
EMOTIONAL SUPPORT
Find up-to-date resources and answers to common questions at www.geelongaustralia.com.au/covid19
TAKING CARE OF BUSINESS
Contact SAFE STEPS: 1800 015 188 if you are a woman or women with children experiencing family violence and you are in need of immediate help. This is a Statewide service and operates 24 hours, 7 days a week.
Should you need support to help stop you using violence against your family please contact 1300 766 491.
TAKING CARE OF OUR COMMUNITY
ARE YOU EXPERIENCING FINANCIAL HARDSHIP?
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FOR YOUNG PEOPLE
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Beyond Blue: 1300 224 636
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Lifeline: 13 11 14
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Headspace: 1800 650 890
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MensLine: 1300 789 978
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Kids helpline: 1800 551 800
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Mindspot: 1800 614 434
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SANE Australia: 1800 187 263
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Suicide call back service: 1300 659 467
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ReachOut: online at reachout.com.au
Street cleaning option We have a Business Support Package for COVID-19 impacted businesses within Greater Geelong available, with these FREE support opportunities accessible: Digital marketing – website management and development, getting the best from your social media, content ideas, branding and e-commerce. Small business mentoring – expert help on a wide range of business topics and industry sectors. Human resources – advice and guidance about government packages, managing your staff and keeping them safe, and workforce planning and compliance. Counselling – Converge International provides free and confidential solutionsoriented counselling and support for
business owners and their families. Legal advice – employment law, corporate and commercial law, leases and contracts, and insolvency and business restructuring. Financial management – advice and guidance on government financial support, accounting and financial services, business planning, cash flow forecasting and methods to manage finance during an economic downturn. Find our Coronavirus Business Support page at: www.geelongaustralia.com.au/ business or call 5272 5272.
We are fortunate to have 21 members of our talented arts community participating in a dedicated Arts Recovery Advisory Panel to drive the recovery of our creative industries.
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TAKING CARE OF OUR COMMUNITY
JACKLYN CONTINUES TO DELIVER GEELONG ARTIST AND LEISURE SERVICES OFFICER, JACKLYN FOSTER, IS DELIVERING BOTH CARE AND CREATIVITY DURING COVID-19.
TAKING CARE OF FAMILIES
SHARING A NEW STORY
As one of over 200 City employees that were redeployed following temporary COVID-19 service closures, Jacklyn has been delivering meals to senior citizens and people with a disability, as part of our food services team.
After completing her food deliveries in the morning, Jacklyn picks up her paintbrush in the afternoon ready to add her original flair to the 1.5-metre sculpture of mythical creature UooUoo (pronounced you-you).
She is also one of seven artists from Greater Geelong who are contributing to the Me and UooUoo arts trail project, celebrating the 150th anniversary of The Royal Children’s Hospital.
Learn more about the Me and UooUoo project at uoouoo.org.au Photo (L-R): Jacklyn makes important meal deliveries before working on an art project.
Our Family Services team has been finding new ways to stay connected with families during the COVID-19 pandemic. To mark this year’s annual National Simultaneous Storytime on 27 May, the team distributed 120 activity packs featuring the book – Whitney and Britney Chicken Divas, by Lucinda Gifford – to many Supported Playgroup families across the region.
The Grovedale Child and Family Centre team has also been hard at work, putting together ageappropriate activity packs for its kinder community and assisting our Supported Playgroup facilitators to organise parcels of craft materials.
Photo: Whittington Supported Playgroup facilitator Petrina dressed up in character to deliver the activity packs.
VOLUNTEERS STAND UP IN TIME OF NEED Thank you to all the volunteer groups that have been providing emergency food relief services for the community. Des Younghusband, Senior Manager Uniting Barwon and Chair of the Geelong Food Assistance Network, says there are many ways locals can help, beyond donations of food and non-perishable items.
Des Younghusband of Geelong Food Assistance Network.
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“There’s a lot of work that goes in behind the scenes where community members can step in and volunteer their services,” Des says.
“For example, a truck owner might be able to make some deliveries, or a warehouse might be able to donate some boxes for hampers. “I encourage anyone wanting to make a difference to get in touch with a local volunteer group.” Food relief services have also been provided by Volunteering Geelong,
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Red Cross and several community and church groups. In May, Council made a landmark $1.7 million agreement with Geelong Food Relief Centre to make sure all local families can put food on the table. Find a comprehensive list at www.geelongaustralia.com.au/covid19 or www.feedgeelong.org.au
@GreaterGeelong
CityofGreaterGeelong
TAKING CARE OF OUR COMMUNITY
PROVIDING CARE DURING COVID-19
The City has been committed to continuing to provide vital Community Care to local residents in need. Our care workers support more than 5000 local residents with support including personal care, cleaning, home maintenance, delivered meals and shopping.
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People aged over 65, or an Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander aged over 50, should visit www.myagedcare.gov.au or phone 1800 200 422.
If you’re needing extra help with essential home tasks or delivered meals, or someone you know does, find out whether you’re eligible for services as follows:
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All other residents can visit www2.health.vic.gov.au or phone us on 5272 5272. Ceremonial Hunting Grounds in the You Yangs by Stanley Couzens - National Wool Museum Collection, acquired with permission of the Couzens family.
HERITAGE IN THE SPOTLIGHT
THE NATIONAL WOOL MUSEUM HAS LAUNCHED A DIGITAL COLLECTION THAT FEATURES 50 KEY ARTWORKS AND ARTEFACTS TO CELEBRATE OUR HISTORY.
Community Care worker Rose visits Indented Head resident Jean.
POSTCARD PROJECT SENDS IMPORTANT MESSAGE The birds of hope are everywhere, just listen to them sing. Barwon Health palliative care patients and clients of our delivered meals service were sent a message of hope and resilience in May. The message was featured on a postcard designed by young artist, Laila, who won our Youth Postcard Project competition in May. The postcard featured a colourful design of a brightly coloured rosella flying high and the message.
felt that it inspired hope, connectedness and resilience.” “We thank each young person who took the time to submit a design.” Laila with her winning postcard design.
The Our Heritage, Our Collection exhibition features themes of war, wool and work. Among the collection are images, audio recordings, personal memoirs and Aboriginal artworks like this painting of the You Yangs by Gunditjmara/Kirrae Wurrong man, Stanley Couzens, from 1993. The exhibition follows Council’s adoption of the Our Heritage, Our Collection – Strategic Report in April,
HAVE YOUR SAY
Junior Mayor, Farzana Hussaini, said the project was a creative way of uniting the community.
Community feedback helps shape our plans and projects to best reflect community needs and aspirations.
“The Geelong Youth Council had the privilege of selecting the winning entry for this project from many beautiful designs and messages of positivity,” she said.
While we have temporarily paused face-to-face consultation sessions to comply with COVID-19 restrictions, there are still plenty of opportunities for you to have your say online.
which was funded by the Australian Government’s Building Better Regions Fund. Our heritage collection includes 12,000 artworks, objects and artefacts. The online collection will continue to host exhibitions and communitycurated themes online, with a vision to accompany further displays in the future. Visit the exhibition online at www. geelongheritagecollections.com.au We’re currently seeking your views on: •
Portarlington Recreation Reserve Master Plan – first round of engagement closes 24 June
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Environment Strategy 2020–30 (draft) and supporting action plan – engagement closes 26 June
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Pakington Street (Geelong West and Gordon Avenue Urban Design Framework) (draft) – submissions close 26 June
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Sparrovale Wetlands Master Plan (draft) - engagement closes 9 July
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Saleyards Precinct Plan (draft) – engagement closes 9 August.
To find out more about these and other community engagements, please visit www.geelongaustralia. com.au/yoursay
“The winning design was selected as we
YOU KNOW? DID
Our National Reconciliation Week collaborative online art exhibition was called Ngal-Ngal-La, which is the Wadawurrung word for ‘reconciliation’.
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BUDGET 2020–21
BELLARINE ENHANCED BROADBAND We’re improving digital access with a second year of funding directed to the Bellarine Enhanced Broadband initiative ($610,000). In partnership with Deakin University and AARNET, we’ll be installing and running high capacity optical fibre along the Bellarine Rail Trail corridor – from the South Geelong train station, to Queenscliff.
This will give community facilities along the route, such as the Potato Shed, children’s centres and schools, access to ultra-high-speed internet.
EARLY CHILDHOOD CENTRES We’re planning to strongly invest in children’s facilities in the coming year, with four new and replacement centres to be developed in 2020–21. These will include:
A NEW AQUATIC CENTRE PROPOSED FOR DRYSDALE IS SET TO PROGRESS WITH A COUNCIL ALLOCATION OF $750,000 TOWARDS THE NORTH BELLARINE AQUATIC CENTRE. Additional Council funding for the project is also expected in coming years, to complement a $10 million commitment from the Australian Government. The proposed centre will feature the following facilities: •
50-metre pool
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multipurpose spaces
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change facilities
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pavilion
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A Council-funded scoping study confirmed the need for this centre to cater to the growing community living on the north Bellarine. The study found that five of the towns/ suburbs that aren’t within 10 minutes of a swimming pool are located in this area. Potential sites identified for the centre include our Drysdale maintenance depot site, on Collins Street, and the Drysdale Sporting Precinct.
Lara Family Hub ($200,000)
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Jetty Road Children’s & Community Hub ($150,000)
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Bell Park/Bell Post Hill Enhanced Early Years and Community Hub ($100,000); and
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Thomson Community Facilities Development Plan ($80,000).
We’ve allocated $300,000 for a detailed design of a library and learning hub for the Armstrong Creek Town Centre, as well as the Drysdale Regional Community and Learning Hub ($200,000) and Lara Regional Library ($250,000).
UPGRADES FOR SPORTING RESERVES
Mayor Stephanie Asher with lifeguards Ned Combridge and Bill Strachan at Bellarine Aquatic & Sports Centre. Council has proposed funding for the North Bellarine Aquatic Centre. Photo taken prior to physical distancing rules.
NORTH BELLARINE AQUATIC CENTRE
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We have also allocated an additional $405,000 to upgrade existing facilities, such as childcare centres, kindergartens and occasional care venues.
Artist impression of West Oval.
We’re directing more than $36 million towards sport and recreation facilities and venues across the municipality in 2020–21, with support from government funding. Construction will begin on two major sporting facility redevelopments: •
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Polwarth Pavilion at West Oval ($7.6 million funded by state government, $3.4 million funded by the City) Herne Hill Reserve ($2.7 million from the City, $1.5 million from state government and $250,000 from St Joseph’s Football & Netball Club)
The City is investing in further progress of master plan projects at: •
Lara Recreation Reserve ($2 million)
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Grinter Reserve, Newcomb ($425,000)
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Hume Reserve, Bell Park ($200,000)
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Leopold’s Estuary Estate ($150,000)
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CityofGreaterGeelong
We’re also installing a new netball court and cricket nets at Shell Reserve, Corio ($975,000). Council recently endorsed a master plan for the Drysdale Sporting Precinct, funded by the state government, with a further $5 million commitment from the state government to implement the plan’s priorities. Meanwhile, Marshall Cricket Club ($431,000) and Burdoo Reserve in Grovedale ($256,000) are benefiting from combined state and federal government support. The federal government is also funding improvements at Portarlington Recreation Reserve ($250,000) and Collendina Reserve ($60,000).
@GreaterGeelong
CityofGreaterGeelong
WWW.GEELONGAUSTRALIA.COM.AU/BUDGET
BUILDING FOR THE FUTURE DESPITE PROPOSING RECORD ANNUAL EXPENDITURE TO SUPPORT OUR COMMUNITY THROUGH THESE DIFFICULT TIMES, THE AVERAGE RESIDENTIAL RATE RISE WILL BE KEPT TO 1.9 PER CENT.
The budget outlines major investment in infrastructure and support programs, with expected expenditure of $556 million. The centrepiece of this investment will be a $161.2 million
capital works program. This is expected to give a critical boost to the local economy, strengthen local employment and provide essential facilities and services for the community.
The budget forecasts an $8 million deficit due largely to COVID-19 service impacts and relief initiatives. Despite the increased investment, the average residential rate rise will be kept below
the Victorian Government’s rates cap of 2 per cent. We’ve also acted to make the rating system fairer by removing the flat municipal charge on all properties.
HIGHLIGHTS
$161.2m
Capital works program
$8m
$43m
Roads, footpaths, kerb and channel and drains
Parks, sporting and recreation
$4.9m
$4.38m
Streetscape and shopping precinct improvements
Polwarth pavilion
(West Oval)
RATES
HARDSHIP POLICY
Average rate rise: 1.9% (under the Victorian Government’s rates cap)
COVID-19 support measures include:
Average capital improved value of residential property: $549,063 – up from $545,998 (Source: Valuer-General Victoria) Average household rates: $1,671.16 – up $53.54 (includes a waste collection service charge of $360.95) Proposed expenditure: $556 million
$20.4m
Community grant programs
facilities
Smart LED street lighting program
$2m
Hard waste collection
• Waiving or refunding rent/fees • Quicker payments for suppliers • Holds on interest for people in need • Rate payment plans available • Free casual parking in the CBD More details can be found at www.geelongaustralia.com.au/covid19 Anyone wishing to discuss their options can email hardship@geelongcity.vic.gov.au or call 5272 5272.
NEXT STEPS THE BUDGET HAS UNDERGONE A PUBLIC FEEDBACK PERIOD AND WILL BE PRESENTED TO COUNCIL FOR CONSIDERATION ON 30 JUNE 2020. Council meetings can be viewed online at www.geelongaustralia.com.au/meetings For more information on the budget, visit www.geelongaustralia.com.au/budget
YOU KNOW? DID
$4m
NEW LIBRARIES As part of a $17.8 million investment on arts, culture and libraries, we have committed funds to develop three new libraries in the north, south and eastern suburbs. We’ve allocated $300,000 for a detailed design of a library and learning hub for the Armstrong Creek Town Centre, as well as the new Drysdale Regional Community and Learning Hub ($200,000) and Lara Regional Library ($250,000).
Our Budget 2020–21 includes $549,000 for the Restoring Rural Landscapes program, which works to restore and protect environmental, community and agricultural areas in the region.
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NEWS
ROLLING OUT BETTER ROADS FOR LARA
New turning lanes on McClelland Avenue, Lara, are part of a 10-year program of road improvements in the area. We are carrying out road widening works at McClelland Avenue to accommodate turning lanes at Clover Street, Gum Drive, Abbey Drive and Austin Street, with funding from the Victorian Government’s Fixing Country Roads Program. The works are scheduled to be completed in June and are the first of
many we’ve committed to as part of our Lara Traffic Management Plan 2019–2029. This plan, adopted in March, was developed after Lara and Little River residents raised concerns about traffic safety and access issues, particularly truck movements and increased traffic on local roads.
To help you track our progress on achieving the plan, we’ve developed an interactive map that plots completed, current and upcoming projects.
WORKS IN BRIEF ST ALBANS FOOTBALL NETBALL CLUB ROOMS •
The existing changerooms at St Albans Football and Netball Club have recently been upgraded to align with the AFL’s Preferred Facility Guidelines.
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The changerooms now boast an enlarged fitness room, as well as new player and umpire change rooms, public toilets, an accessible toilet, a first aid room, a store room and a team meeting room.
View the interactive map via the QR code, or visit www.yoursay. geelongaustralia.com. au/LTMP
PARTERRE GARDENS AT GEELONG BOTANIC GARDENS City Works officer Gabe Tucker, Cr Anthony Aitken, Deputy Mayor Cr Kylie Grzybek and Senior Project Engineer Colin Millard at McClelland Avenue in Lara.
KEEPING PLANNING PROJECTS MOVING Essential planning, development and services to the construction industry remain available during COVID-19 restrictions. For the past three months the City has been delivering our services remotely, which has allowed us to work with industry while following the latest health advice to keep safe during COVID-19. Despite the changes, we are still able to provide the following services: • pre-applications, certifications and statements of compliance • decision-making committees • strategic planning projects • Section 173 agreements • payments • site inspections, following strict health and safety precautions. Find out more about planning permits, property zoning, and current planning applications at www.geelongaustralia.com.au/ planning
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LEAD THE WAY ON SHARED TRAILS
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Inspired by some of the great landscaped gardens of the world, this elegant garden aims to blend art, history and horticulture in one symmetrical landscape.
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Rotating every six months, the first instalment will produce a winter crop of vegetables, which will be donated to local soup kitchens and welfare programs in Geelong.
We are lucky in Greater Geelong to have such an extensive network of paths and trails for everyone to enjoy. You might have noticed new signs along the paths, including by the Barwon River (pictured), asking you to show respect for others while using these areas. Our Shared Pathways Charter promotes safe and cooperative
behaviour by pedestrians, dog owners and cyclists with our ‘Lead the Way – Care, Share and Respect’ motto. To explore our network of paths and trails, visit www.geelongaustralia.com. au/parks/paths
To show respect for other path users, please:
DRAINAGE WORKS, CURLEWIS •
We are carrying out drainage works in Curlewis, which involves the closure of Coriyule Road, from Scarborough Road to Newcomb Road.
Control and clean up after your dog.
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Use your bell when cycling and slow down when passing others.
The works are expected to take up to eight weeks, concluding in mid-July.
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There will be traffic delays during the works. However, this should ease from July with the completion of the Drysdale Bypass, Tivoli Drive and Coriyule Road projects.
Maintain appropriate social distance.
Move to the left to let others pass easily. Respect nearby homes, businesses and private properties.
www.geelongaustralia.com.au
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ENVIRONMENT
TREE PLANTING SEASON UNDERWAY
HARD WASTE
More than 1800 trees are set to be planted across the region during the 2020 planting season, which is scheduled from April to September. Of the 1800 trees, 769 will be planted in Corio, with a further 133 destined for Lara. Suburbs receiving trees along residential streets include: •
Grovedale – 68 trees
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Portarlington – 46 trees
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Geelong West – 35 trees
About 600 trees will be planted to replace ones that have been recently removed.
year period. Creating greener community spaces is also a key goal of our Environment Strategy 2020–30, which is open for public comment until 26 June at www. geelongaustralia.com.au/yoursay Residents can request to have a tree planted on their nature strip by completing an online form, which can be accessed via www. geelongaustralia.com.au/trees
Species are chosen based on suitability for the planting site, the character of the neighbourhood, canopy cover and amenity. Trees will also be planted in reserves across the region. The trees are going in as part of our Urban Forest Strategy, which aims to increase tree canopy cover to 25 per cent over a 30-
WORKING HARD TO REDUCE ACCIDENTAL OP SHOP DUMPING Leaving items outside charity shops when they are closed is considered illegal dumping.
SERVICE EXPANDED Our hard waste collection trial has been expanded and extended for a further 12 months. All Greater Geelong residents that have already used our hard waste collection service will be eligible to book another collection in June 2020. From 1 July 2020, all residents will then be eligible to request a further two free collections in the following 12 months.
Over the past 12 months, 2484 tonnes of waste material was collected, with over a quarter diverted from landfill and recycled. By diverting waste from landfill into recycling streams, the program has saved the community the equivalent of $85,000.
The list of accepted items has also been expanded to include mattresses, which are one of the region’s most illegally dumped items.
COVID-19 restrictions have prompted a significant increase in the program’s uptake, as residents use the time to clean up around the home.
The trial has been hugely successful, with 20,300 bookings since it started in March 2019. This equates to 18 per cent of all households across the municipality booking a free collection.
To make a hard waste collection booking, visit www.geelongaustralia. com.au/hardwaste or call 5272 5444 during business hours.
Illegal dumping costs the Greater Geelong community approximately $15,300 every week – and that is money that could be much better invested in our public facilities or services.
Donate when shops are open so you know your contribution is truly making a difference.
Donations left outside overnight are often stolen or damaged, and cannot be accepted for safety reasons.
You can report dumped rubbish or dumping in progress to the EPA at 1300 372 842, or to us using the Geelong City phone app or our website: www.geelongaustralia.com.au/litter
YOUR GREEN WASTE: DO YOU KNOW WHERE IT GOES?
Green garden waste only!
YOU KNOW? DID
In April, our waste team retrieved a wallet from 902 bins-worth of rubbish in only a few hours for a very grateful Grovedale couple.
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@GreaterGeelong
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