The Council has released an annual update to the Council Plan 2018-22 for community consultation.
The Council adopted the Council Plan 2018-22, Update 2020-21 alongside the Proposed 2020-21 Budget at a meeting on Tuesday night.
The four-year plan is the strategic roadmap that drives the delivery of the Council's priorities for essential infrastructure, services and programs to the community.
Key priorities identified in the Council Plan 2020-21 include:
- Develop new community infrastructure including a library, arts hub, family hub, library and children's centre;
- Invest in programs and facilities to support gender equity in sport;
- Extend the hard waste collection service and begin a food organics diversion program;
- Support the establishment of an expanded regional food distribution centre in North Geelong and provide ongoing funding towards emergency food costs;
- Plan the redevelopment of major tourism and cultural facilities such as the Geelong Gallery and Potato Shed;
- Deliver actions in the Shared Trails Masterplan, to increase the use of bike riding and walking;
- Renew shopping centre streetscapes in suburban areas;
- Attract and procure major events;
- Embed the Sustainability Framework within the organisational process, including the use of Global Reporting Initiative Standards;
- Initiate Bellarine Enhanced Broadband and other Smart City technology initiatives; and
- Start construction on the new Civic Precinct, which will create a vibrant public space with retail and food tenancies, support hundreds of construction jobs and relocate City offices.
The Council Plan 2018-22 was developed by the Council with input from a range of diverse stakeholders and supports the implementation of the community-led 30-year vision Greater Geelong: A Clever and Creative Future.
The Council Plan 2018-22, Update 2020-21 and Proposed 2020-21 Budget are available at www.yoursay.geelongaustralia.com.au or via request.
Submissions are invited during a public consultation period that will run until Tuesday 26 May.
Mayor Stephanie Asher
The Proposed Budget and Council Plan set out a carefully considered roadmap to drive the region's recovery from COVID-19. It commits significant investment to projects that will generate local jobs and supports those most in need, while also maintaining our commitment to a forward program of exciting programs that will benefit the whole community across our municipality.
However, we are continually monitoring the ongoing impacts of COVID-19 and we may have to re-direct additional resources to support those who need it the most. Our attention is focused on protecting the community's health, providing immediate support to those community members most impacted and creating a positive environment for long-term recovery.
