Good evening,

I’d like to begin by acknowledging the traditional owners of the land on which we meet – the Wadawurrung – and pay my respects to elders’ past, present and emerging – and all first nations people who are with us this evening.

I’d also like to thank the Mayor and all councillors for considering my submission and providing myself and the community the opportunity to respond to the draft budget.

As the Member for Corangamite, representing communities across the Bellarine and the broader Geelong region, I welcome the opportunity to speak to my submission.

It’s focused on three key issues:

• The Ocean Grove Principal Pedestrian Network,
• Aged Care Services, and
• Footpaths connecting Mount Duneed Regional Primary School to the fast-growing suburbs of Armstrong Creek.

At its core, this is a submission informed by the voices of countless local people who are frustrated by a lack of action, communication, and transparency by their council.

On the Ocean Grove Pedestrian Network – it’s clear that community is growing increasingly frustrated.

Stage 1 of the project was expected to be completed in June last year.

But, as of last month, many stages of this project remain incomplete.

This includes pathways on the Terrace and Eggleston Street – major thoroughfares in the heart of Ocean Grove.

Disappointingly, we know ratepayers have been charged a special rate to fund this now-delayed project, and they say there has been little explanation provided.

This view is reinforced in a Geelong Advertiser article published on May 15.

On behalf of the Ocean Grove community, I urge Council to deliver this project in line with community expectations.

The community have contributed to the project and deserve footpaths before 2028.

On aged care, I know the City is working closely with the Department of Health and Aged Care to identify how best to support council in its delivery of aged care services.

These services – and the Council Aged Care workers that deliver them – are much-loved by local families.

These workers provide a high-quality and much-valued service.

I look forward to the City continuing its work with the Department to ensure we get the best outcome for people across the region.

And finally, the school community at the Mount Duneed Regional Primary School have, for many years, pleaded for footpaths to ensure students can get to school safely.

In the words of parents, ‘this is an accident waiting to happen’.

Despite a petition of 450 signatures being tabled here in 2023, the City is yet to act.

I call on Council to access the Federal Government’s Roads to Recovery program and fund this much-needed project as soon as possible.

In closing, I am here to work with Council – to ensure our communities continue to receive the services, care and infrastructure they need to thrive and succeed.

I thank you for considering my submission and look forward to your response.

Thank you.ening,

I’d like to begin by acknowledging the traditional owners of the land on which we meet – the Wadawurrung – and pay my respects to elders’ past, present and emerging – and all first nations people who are with us this evening.

I’d also like to thank the Mayor and all councillors for considering my submission and providing myself and the community the opportunity to respond to the draft budget.

As the Member for Corangamite, representing communities across the Bellarine and the broader Geelong region, I welcome the opportunity to speak to my submission.

It’s focused on three key issues:

• The Ocean Grove Principal Pedestrian Network,
• Aged Care Services, and
• Footpaths connecting Mount Duneed Regional Primary School to the fast-growing suburbs of Armstrong Creek.

At its core, this is a submission informed by the voices of countless local people who are frustrated by a lack of action, communication, and transparency by their council.

On the Ocean Grove Pedestrian Network – it’s clear that community is growing increasingly frustrated.

Stage 1 of the project was expected to be completed in June last year.

But, as of last month, many stages of this project remain incomplete.

This includes pathways on the Terrace and Eggleston Street – major thoroughfares in the heart of Ocean Grove.

Disappointingly, we know ratepayers have been charged a special rate to fund this now-delayed project, and they say there has been little explanation provided.

This view is reinforced in a Geelong Advertiser article published on May 15.

On behalf of the Ocean Grove community, I urge Council to deliver this project in line with community expectations.

The community have contributed to the project and deserve footpaths before 2028.

On aged care, I know the City is working closely with the Department of Health and Aged Care to identify how best to support council in its delivery of aged care services.

These services – and the Council Aged Care workers that deliver them – are much-loved by local families.

These workers provide a high-quality and much-valued service.

I look forward to the City continuing its work with the Department to ensure we get the best outcome for people across the region.

And finally, the school community at the Mount Duneed Regional Primary School have, for many years, pleaded for footpaths to ensure students can get to school safely.

In the words of parents, ‘this is an accident waiting to happen’.

Despite a petition of 450 signatures being tabled here in 2023, the City is yet to act.

I call on Council to access the Federal Government’s Roads to Recovery program and fund this much-needed project as soon as possible.

In closing, I am here to work with Council – to ensure our communities continue to receive the services, care and infrastructure they need to thrive and succeed.

I thank you for considering my submission and look forward to your response.

Thank you.