Reflecting on how far we’ve come
VISION 2 – A PLAN FOR GEELONG’S FUTURE – KICKED OFF IN 2012 AND HAS PAVED A PATH FOR OUR CITY TO BE A MORE VIBRANT, BEAUTIFUL PLACE TO LIVE, WORK AND PLAY
A RANGE OF POINTS WERE RAISED BY THE COMMUNITY, INCLUDING SOME THEMES THAT WOULD SOUND VERY FAMILIAR TODAY
IN JUNE 2011 the City of Greater Geelong signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the State Government, Deakin University and the Committee for Geelong to work on a vision for the future development of the Central Geelong area for the next 20 years.
An initiative of the Committee for Geelong, the name Vision 2 acknowledges the completion of the first “vision” for Geelong, which resulted in the rejuvenation, beautification and redevelopment of Geelong’s waterfront.
The Vision 2 process was kicked off in 2012 with a series of workshops to develop a number of key themes and scenarios to support further ideation.
A range of points were raised by the community, including some themes that would sound very familiar today, including:
High level support for efficient public transport to Central Geelong; coupled with disabled access, car reduction and truck removal from the CBD.
High level of enthusiasm for a green spine in the heart of Central Geelong, which promotes ecological, cultural and community activities.
Geelong residents encourage the inclusion of both active and passive recreational facilities in Central Geelong, promoting a vibrant centre and facilitating access all hours city living.
There is support for high density residential living in Central Geelong; together with shopping malls opening onto the street, and increased strip shopping offering high quality boutiques, cafes and restaurants.
Geelong residents highly value the waterfront and botanical gardens and would like to see these assets better linked to Central Geelong.
Geelong people take pride in their city and believe the city has a unique identity with some wonderful architecture, and an ambience and lifestyle which set it apart from Melbourne. They would like to see penalties for properties that fall into disrepair.
In 2021, we are still working on resolving several issues mentioned, including the need for more efficient public transport, moving trucks from the CBD and increasing residential living in the city.
However, we are now seeing the progress in the Green Spine.