We’re all ready for a fresh start

THE wait ends today.

Geelong ratepayers should this afternoon learn who has been elected to represent them on the newly democratic Greater Geelong council.

It has been a long journey since last April, when the State Government sacked the previous council in the wake of a scathing commission of inquiry into the culture of the organisation.

The initial plan was for the city to be governed by state-appointed commissioners for three years, but the timeframe was cut during the parliamentary process. In the interim, there has been widespread restructure within the organisation in an attempt to eradicate the previous culture of poor governance and bullying that was highlighted in the report.

As of last night, it appeared many of the old guard looked set to be reelected with familiar names such as Harwood, Nelson, Kontelj and Murrihy all in potentially frontrunning positions on first preference voting. New faces including high-profile candidates Stephanie Asher and Pat Murnane were also poised for election.

Whatever the makeup of the new council, there will be plenty of eyes on them to ensure Geelong doesn’t return to the dysfunction of the past — especially considering reports over the past week that all is not running entirely smoothly within City Hall.

Another significant wait in Geelong’s CBD also ends today.

Shoppers and traders who have battled roadworks and road closures along Malop St in recent months will be able to enjoy a brighter outlook with the unveiling of the southern portion of the $8 million Green Spine project.

The works have caused a fair amount of disruption in one of Geelong’s busiest and major thoroughfares, and nearby traders will be hoping that Malop St’s reopening will provide a muchneeded boost to their coffers.

However, today’s unveiling — the first step in what will ultimately be a green connection from Johnstone Park to the Botanic Gardens — should be the first step in creating what could be a real treasure in our city.