Future hinges on funds
City’s long-term plan largely dependent on state, federal cash
SUCCESSIVE state and federal governments will largely be responsible for delivering on Geelong’s multi-billion dollar Our Future vision, a local MP has declared.
The council’s 30-year longterm strategy, dubbed Our Future, was revealed yesterday in the Geelong Advertiser.
It contains a long list of ambitious indicators of a pre- ferred clever and creative city in 2047, including massive investments in public transport, renewable energy and cycling paths.
Liberal Member for South Barwon Andrew Katos said the plan required a massive injection of funding from the Victorian and federal governments if it was to be realised.
“It is one thing to create a wishlist . . . but then you have got to try and achieve it,” he said yesterday. “There is only so much that local government can do.
“A lot of it will remain aspirational, unless it is backed by significant government investment.”
Mr Katos questioned the need for a 30-year plan, believing the time frame is too long and no governments or corporate businesses were focusing that far given the era’s rapid changes.
“We are living in a disruptive environment — just ask taxi drivers, things can change overnight.”
More than $500,000 and 11 months’ time was spent crafting Our Future, with the council engaging more than 16,000 residents in the process.
Administrators were required to craft the strategy, after a commission of inquiry into the council found the organisation was being held back by the lack of a long-term plan.
Local Government Minister Natalie Hutchins did not offer her views of the Our Future report when contacted yesterday.
“The people and businesses of Geelong will be the ultimate judges of the success of the plan,” she said. “The failure to develop a long-term vision for Geelong has held the city back.
“The administrators are to be commended for working with over 16,000 local residents and business to develop one.”