GEELONG’S 30-YEAR VISION DESERVES FULL SUPPORT

THE Greater Geelong community has made a significant step forward since last year’s Commission of Inquiry report.

A key recommendation was the “urgent priority for a 20-30-year outcome-focused vision and strategy for the City to be developed in consultation with key business, community and other stakeholders”.

The report also noted that Geelong’s growth in gross regional product from 2004-14 was significantly lower than Greater Bendigo, Ballarat and Wodonga.

Geelong was definitely in the doldrums. With the demise of industries such as Ford and Alcoa and malaise within council, there was a pressing need for Geelong to reinvent itself.

When the administrators initiated the Our Future vision project, some people were dismissive or cynical. Geelong Sustainability could see the project’s value and eagerly accepted an invitation to become a partner.

Geelong has a tradition of bouncing back from knocks and its people are resilient.

So we never doubted that given the extent of community engagement proposed that the process would deliver on its key objective of a shared 30-year vision for our city and region.

For those charged with the project, the strategic planning process was challenging and complex.

We would like to acknowledge the dedicated professionalism of Dr Simone Boer and her team. Their commitment to connect and engage with all sectors of our community in developing this vision must be applauded.

Progress will require committed leadership, collaborative partnerships and genuine engagement. The transition certainly won’t happen unless Geelong residents elect representatives who are committed to it.

A diverse field of quality candidates standing in the October elections will be essential.

We will be asking all candidates whether they pledge their commitment to achieving the new vision. Vicki Perrett, Geelong Sustainability