ANNUAL REPORT 2007-2008 CITY OF GREATER GEELONG

THEME 1: DEMOCRACY
Objective
To provide strategic leadership and foster
participation to achieve the long-term vision
and aspirations of our community.
Highlights
The Councillor Community Grants Program has seen just
over $241,000 distributed amongst 128 community
groups. The program is offered to facilitate community
projects and activities undertaken by incorporated
not-for-profit organisations and groups within the City
of Greater Geelong. This funding has been provided to
a wide variety of community groups and organisations
including preschools, sporting clubs, service clubs and
community associations. Through the Councillor
Community Grants Program, Council has been able to
help deliver a diverse range of projects and events that
benefit the Geelong community.
Throughout 2007-2008 the City conducted over 120
consultation events, allowing community members the
opportunity to provide input into a broad range of
projects, services, priorities and issues of both local and
municipal-wide importance. Some of the main
consultations that took place this year were in regard to
the Domestic Animal Management Plan, Greater Geelong
Cycle Strategy, Eastern Park and Geelong Botanic
Gardens Strategic Plan and the Armstrong Creek Urban
Growth Plan.
Achievements
G21 (Geelong Regional Alliance) is an alliance of five
Councils (Greater Geelong, Surf Coast, Colac Otway,
Golden Plains and Queenscliffe) and more than 150
participating local organisations working together towards
a common vision: "making the Geelong Region Australia's
most desirable destination for living, visiting and investing
- renowned for its vibrant, cohesive community,
exceptional physical environment and vigorous economy”.
The G21 Geelong Region Plan – A Sustainable Growth
Strategy was endorsed by Council in August prior to its
launch in September 2007. The Plan identifies and
addresses the challenges we will face in the areas of
environment, land planning, community strength and the
economy. It provides a platform for the entire Geelong
region to speak with one voice to all levels of government.
It also provides a forum to discuss ‘big picture’ regional
issues across interest groups and municipalities.
An electoral representation review of Greater Geelong
City Council conducted by the Victorian Electoral
Commission (VEC) was completed during May 2008.
By notice in the Victoria Government Gazette of 12 June
2008 the Minister for Local Government, Richard Wynne
implemented an Electoral Structure of 12 Councillors
elected from 12 single-Councillor wards. While the
electoral system remains the same, Ward boundaries
have been modified. Current Wards will continue for the
remainder of the term of office. New wards will take effect
for the purpose of the general election to be held in
November 2008 and thereafter.
For the second year running Council embarked on an
exercise with seven local primary schools. Dubbed the
“Best Place to Live School Art Project”, senior students
from South Geelong, Ashby, Manifold Heights, Ocean
Grove, Newcomb Park, Bell Park North and Whittington
primary schools were asked to portray our vision through
pictures. Selected pieces of artwork have appeared in City
Plan 2008-2012 and in the Annual Report 2007-2008.
All the artwork was displayed over a five-week period at
the Carousel on the Waterfront and also at City Hall, and
was well received by the community.
Future Directions
A council is elected to provide leadership for the good
governance of the municipal district and the local
community. The next General Election for the City of
Greater Geelong will be held in November 2008, at
which all Councillor positions will be decided for a
four-year term.
Challenges
Our research shows that the community has an increased
expectation to be consulted on Council activities,
planning, facilities and services. Our commitment to
engaging and consulting with the community, including
the hard to reach groups, needs to remain high on the
agenda in order to achieve the long-term vision and
aspiration of our community.
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