City’s time to shine

THE sun has risen on the dawn of this New Year, carrying with it the hopes, dreams and aspirations of people the world over.

That’s a lot of expectation to place on the flick to a new calendar but the New Year is inevitably a time to take stock; a chance in our increasingly busy lives to hit “pause” and ponder the future.

We hope you do so with optimism, with a broad perspective and genuine appreciation of how fortunate we are to be living in a fabulous region of this Lucky Country of ours.

Sometimes, it can be easy to forget the many pleasures our region offers in abundance, from walking along a world-class beach or riding on a bike trail, to enjoying our blossoming food and wine culture.

Life is good in this region and we can be proud of it, not overlook it as we eye the perceived greener pastures of somewhere else.

That’s not to say that we are without our challenges. The Geelong hinterland is booming, placing pressure on all layers of infrastructure and social services.

We would all like to see more employment options in our city, for our younger jobseekers in particular.

The renewal of the CBD will not be complete until it presents as a more lively, accessible and interesting civic centre.

And, of course, we all want to see less crime.

But much work has been done — and continues to be done — to address these issues.

Geelong’s evolving skyline is evidence of the city’s ongoing transformation and the new Green Spine in the CBD, while not a panacea to its ills, is a step towards a more welcoming city centre. But we need more. In this state election year, the Addy will continue to prosecute the case for projects to advance our city and surrounds.

We will remind both major parties that they will be judged on their actions, not their words.

And on this New Year’s Day, we have rare optimism that they will listen and deliver ... for our city deserves nothing less.