2020 Community Update April May edition

APR–MAY 2020

COMMUNITY UPDATE

FUTURE FOCUS The City’s new Sustainability Framework is driving local change for a global cause.

SPARROVALE NATURE RESERVE World-class wetlands take flight at Armstrong Creek.

See Page 5 for details.

WE’RE STRONGER

TOGETHER

IN THIS EDITION

The coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic has ushered in change at a rapid rate.

In line with government restrictions on non-essential gatherings and activities, the City has closed a number of facilities and services.

What hasn’t changed is our commitment to help you.

We’ve adapted our work practices to continue providing key services.

Our customer service team remain on hand to assist with your phone and online inquiries.

And we’re helping community groups, local business and motorists through a variety of economic support measures.

You can find a wealth of information,

advice and resources at geelongaustralia.com.au/covid19 At every stage, we are acting in the best interests of the health of the Greater Geelong community.

It is vital that we all maintain focus. So please Stay home. Stay safe. For yourself, your family and your community.

2 MAYOR’S MESSAGE 3 CORONAVIRUS SUPPORT 4 COMMUNITY

5 ENVIRONMENT

8 ACTIVITIES

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CONTACT INFORMATION

CITY OF GREATER GEELONG PO Box 104, Geelong VIC 3220 P: 5272 5272 E: contactus@geelongcity.vic.gov.au geelongaustralia.com.au CUSTOMER SERVICE CENTRE 100 Brougham Street, Geelong

NATIONAL RELAY SERVICE TTY VOICE: 133 677 SPEAK AND LISTEN: 1300 555 727

ISSN 2208-4991

COUNCIL MEETINGS Ordinary Council meetings and Community Focus Council meetings will continue, however, for the safety of the community, councillors and staff and to ensure physical distancing, the City will no longer permit public attendance for now.

Meetings will be accessible online live and after each meeting.

MAYOR'S MESSAGE Greater Geelong, like the entire world, is facing an extremely challenging year ahead as we all do our best to deal with the Coronavirus and its impacts on our health, our finances and our social lives.

None of us has faced anything like this and we don’t yet know how long it will go on.

At the time of writing Victoria is under stage three restrictions, meaning you can still go for a walk, run or bike ride as long as you stay within the social distancing guidelines. This type of exercise can provide a tremendous boost to the body, mind and spirit.

The most important things we can all do are take care of our health, stay as positive as possible and support each other.

Protecting the health of residents and especially those who are most vulnerable must be the top priority, and that has been the basis of the City of Greater Geelong’s decision making since the virus reached Australia.

The City’s CEO and directors have followed state and federal government advice in closing places such as pools, sports facilities, cultural venues, playgrounds and public BBQs, while maintaining essential services such as childcare, Meals on Wheels and waste collection with tight protocols in place.

All 11 councillors are feeling for those affected and have been putting considerable effort into coming up with ways to assist the community in getting through these tough times.

We have announced several business and community support measures and there will be more to come.

ORDINARY COUNCIL MEETING – LIVE STREAMED, CITY HALL

You can find a list of these measures on the Coronavirus Support Page at geelongaustralia.com.au/covid19

Tuesday 28 April 2020, 7.00pm

We’re open to considering anything, large or small, that will make a difference, so please get in touch with your local ward councillor if you have an idea to share.

COMMUNITY FOCUS COUNCIL MEETING – LIVE STREAMED, CITY HALL Tuesday 12 May 2020, 7.00pm Visit geelongaustralia.com.au/ meetings for live streaming or to view the archive. Please check the website for future meeting dates.

Greater Geelong has always been a strong and resilient community. The coming months and beyond will be tough – but we can and will get through it together.

Stay safe.

Cr Stephanie Asher Mayor, City of Greater Geelong

It’s vitally important we all follow the strict isolation rules, while looking after our mental health as best we can as well.

This publication is part of the City’s ongoing commitment to improve our communication and engagement with our residents. We make every effort to ensure the information included is accurate at the time of publishing (7 April 2020), but it may be subject to change. To stay up to date with the latest information visit www.geelongaustralia.com.au

YOUR COUNCILLORS Here are the City of Greater Geelong’s 11 councillors and their portfolios. Councillors can assist you with any queries in these areas.

Of course, the key consideration is slowing the spread of the virus, and we strongly encourage you to take the simple precautions to protect yourself and others. Avoid face-toface contact with people you don’t live with, wash your hands regularly, and only leave home when it’s essential (which includes exercise).

CR ANTHONY AITKEN Windermere Ward 0434 307 044 aaitken@geelongcity.vic.gov.au PORTFOLIOS Finance (C) Parks, Gardens and City Services (C)

CR STEPHANIE ASHER Mayor Bellarine Ward 0417 033 856 sasher@geelongcity.vic.gov.au PORTFOLIOS

Waste Management (DC)

CR KYLIE GRZYBEK Deputy Mayor Windermere Ward 0434 307 043 kgrzybek@geelongcity.vic.gov.au PORTFOLIOS

Economic Development (C)

Environment (DC)

Leadership and Governance (C)

Transport and Connections (C)

Leadership and Governance (DC)

Finance (DC)

PORTFOLIOS – Chair (C) Deputy Chair (DC)

CR BRUCE HARWOOD Kardinia Ward 0434 307 042 bharwood@geelongcity.vic.gov.au PORTFOLIOS Central and Civic Geelong (DC)

PORTFOLIOS Waste Management (DC)

Transport and Connections (DC)

CR PAT MURNANE Kardinia Ward 0434 307 033 pmurnane@geelongcity.vic.gov.au PORTFOLIOS Community Health, Wellbeing and Safety (C) Social Inclusion (DC)

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CR EDDY KONTELJ Brownbill Ward 0455 532 006 ekontelj@geelongcity.vic.gov.au

Environment (C) Central and Civic Geelong (DC)

PORTFOLIOS Sport and Recreation (DC)

Central and Civic Geelong (C) Arts, Culture and Heritage (DC) Economic Development (DC)

Environment (DC)

Community Health, Wellbeing and Safety (DC)

CR RON NELSON Kardinia Ward 0429 531 875 rnelson@geelongcity.vic.gov.au

Parks, Gardens and City Services (DC) Planning (DC)

CR TRENT SULLIVAN Bellarine Ward 0434 307 050 tsullivan@geelongcity.vic.gov.au PORTFOLIOS

Sport and Recreation (C)

Tourism and Events (DC)

Waste Management (C)

www.geelongaustralia.com.au

Rural and Coastal (C) Arts, Culture and Heritage (DC)

PORTFOLIOS Parks, Gardens and City Services (DC) Tourism and Events (DC)

CR JIM MASON AM Bellarine Ward 0434 307 048 jmason@geelongcity.vic.gov.au PORTFOLIOS

Social Inclusion (C)

CR PETER MURRIHY Brownbill Ward 0434 307 045 pmurrihy@geelongcity.vic.gov.au PORTFOLIOS

Transport and Connections (DC)

CR SARAH MANSFIELD Brownbill Ward 0436 343 642 smansfield@geelongcity.vic.gov.au

CityofGreaterGeelong

Arts, Culture and Heritage (C)

Economic Development (DC)

Planning (C)

Rural and Coastal (DC)

Tourism and Events (C)

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CORONAVIRUS SUPPORT www.geelongaustralia.com.au/covid19

STAY UP TO DATE

The health of the City's employees, volunteers and Greater Geelong community is our top priority.

The City's response to the outbreak of coronavirus (COVID-19) is being guided by the latest advice from Commonwealth and State authorities.

The best place for up-to-date health advice and information about the current restrictions in place in Victoria is dhhs.vic.gov.au/coronavirus or the 24 hour hotline 1800 675 398.

SUPPORT EACH OTHER You can support your community by contacting friends, family and neighbours and those who are vulnerable and may need help: the elderly or people who have pre-existing medical conditions, people living alone and single parents.

You may be able to assist them with shopping or essential items or simply lift their spirits by checking in.

Make sure you practice safe hygiene and follow guidelines.

OUR SERVICES AND FACILITIES

HELP IS AVAILABLE

We will continue to provide essential services, like rubbish collection and meals on wheels, in line with the advice from government authorities.

If you need financial support, the Australian Government has introduced assistance measures to help people impacted by the coronavirus lockdown.

Visit servicesaustralia.gov.au

In some instances, we have changed the way we deliver our services to protect the health of residents, staff and volunteers. However, some services and facilities have been impacted.

See the full list of changes at geelongaustralia.com.au/covid19

To find local service clubs, associations and organisations which may be able to offer some extra support for vulnerable people, refer to the Geelong Community Directory at geelongaustralia.com.au/directory

Deliveries of essential food and personal care items are available for people in need.

Call the state government’s coronavirus hotline on 1800 675 398.

The City has bolstered its cleaning program in public spaces to reduce the risk of coronavirus contamination.

CORONAVIRUS SUPPORT: CONNECTING OUR COMMUNITY We know this is a very challenging time for everybody in our community.

We want to understand how the pandemic has impacted people across our community so we know the type of support which is most helpful for you.

Visit our Coronavirus Support page at geelongaustralia/covid19 for helpful links to support for individuals, families, older people, young people and businesses.

You can also provide feedback using the online form at geelongaustralia/ covid19 or you can phone us on

5272 5272 to find out about available support or provide us with your insights to help our ongoing response efforts.

While we provide some direct services, we can also help link you with other organisations that can help support you across many different areas.

We look forward to hearing from you – online or by phone. We’re here to help.

ARE YOU A BUSINESS OWNER NEEDING HELP? The City has fast-tracked a Business Support Package for COVID-19 impacted businesses within our region.

Get all the details on the City’s Coronavirus

human resources, financial management

Support page at geelongaustralia.com.

or digital marketing services, access to an

au/covid19 – click on the Business Support

expert mentor in your industry, links for

link. Alternatively, call us on 5272 5272.

business support from other agencies, plus

Our support package includes providing you with free access to expert help in

We have come up with a helpful toolkit with a focus on mental wellbeing, positive relationships, nutrition and physical activity.

Find relevant advice, easy recipes and virtual fitness classes at geelongaustralia.com.au/healthyathome

a central point for webinar training to help you consider different ways of approaching your business.

OUR COMMUNITY

NEW FAMILY CENTRE OPENS IN DRYSDALE

Purpose-built service will provide a range of early childhood and family support in the heart of the Bellarine Peninsula Bella Wiyn Birralee Family Centre in Drysdale opened early April.

The integrated early childhood centre offers services including 90-place long day care, sessional kindergarten, maternal and child health, consulting rooms and a large multipurpose community space.

Bella Wiyn Birralee means “Bellarine children” in local Wadawurrung language.

The $13.3 million project was funded by

the City of Greater Geelong, with $1.6m support from the Victorian Government through the Children’s Facilities Capital Funding Program.

For more information, see geelongaustralia.com.au/childcare The operation of our family services will be guided by the latest health advice from government authorities.

Find up to date information at geelongaustralia.com.au/covid19

CELEBRATING EARLY CHILDHOOD EXCELLENCE

FAMILY DAY CARE SERVICE NAMED BEST IN AUSTRALIA The City has more than 30 qualified early childhood family day care educators who work from their homes and provide learning programs for about 330 children each week.

This important service was crowned 2019 National Service of the Year at the Excellence in Family Day Care Awards Gala.

National Family Day Care Week, which is on 4-10 May, will recognise the role family day care educators and services play in the development and wellbeing

of more than 112,000 children across Australia.

For more information about the City’s service, and how to become a family day care educator, visit geelongaustralia.com.au/familydaycare

IMAGE: The City’s family day care educators marked their achievement at a special gathering in Geelong earlier this year, prior to coronavirus physical distancing directions.

GARDENING TIPS

Spending more time in the garden at home? Whether you’re tending to indoor greenery or preparing outdoor plants for the cooler months, Geelong Botanic Gardens horticulturalist Sheree Parker has some advice: 1. If your plants are starting to look a little sad, cut off old flower blooms, leaves or produce to encourage new growth.

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2. Now is the perfect time to plant cool-weather veggies such as cabbage, broccoli, cauliflower and broad beans. Order the seeds online for ease.

3. Plant herbs too! A vertical garden outdoors adds interest, but herbs like thyme and parsley can also be planted in pots for indoors.

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ENVIRONMENT

SUSTAINABILITY FRAMEWORK OUR NEW SUSTAINABILITY FRAMEWORK IS DRIVING LOCAL CHANGE FOR A GLOBAL CAUSE The City recognises climate change as a global emergency.

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Environmental solutions and impact minimisation

The Sustainability Framework, which was adopted by Council in February, brings together all of our strategies relating to climate change and considers environmental, social and economic sustainability.

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Community equity, wellbeing and inclusion

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Responsible and transparent business

We are delivering actions and planning for the future with three core priorities:

Importantly, we are now benchmarking all of our actions against global standards, using the Global Reporting Initiative.

The adoption of the Sustainability Framework is an informed, responsible and strategic step forward towards addressing the impacts of climate change on the Greater Geelong community.

To view the Sustainability Framework and share your views on the proposed action plan, visit geelongaustralia.com. au/yoursay. Feedback can be submitted online until 30 April.

WORLD-CLASS WETLANDS

The future Sparrovale Nature Reserve will provide environmental and community benefits, as well as an important drainage solution for Armstrong Creek’s growing urban area.

The 500-hectare site which adjoins the Barwon River, Lake Connewarre and Hospital Swamps, was acquired by the City last year.

The wetlands, within the largest City-managed nature reserve, will be home to a large number of migratory shorebirds and waterbirds, including sharp-tailed sandpipers, whiskered terns, a variety of ducks, herons, stilts and brolga.

The development of the Sparrovale Wetlands Master Plan provides an historic opportunity for the community to be involved in the creation of an inspiring and unique reserve.

You can provide input into the draft master plan from 30 April via geelongaustralia.com.au/yoursay

The accessible open space will allow visitors to enjoy activities such as walking, cycling, birdwatching and nature appreciation.

Through the creation of a sustainable stormwater management system, Sparrovale will also capture and treat urban stormwater from the surrounding community.

GROWING SMARTER WITH NEW TECHNOLOGY INNOVATIVE TECHNOLOGY DEVELOPED IN GEELONG IS DESIGNED TO MAKE IT EASIER FOR LOCAL PRODUCERS TO GET THE BEST FROM THEIR FARMS.

A smart system that measures soil moisture, soil temperature, air temperature and humidity is being trialled across the region.

Deakin University-based start-up STRUT helps farmers and producers use data to increase water efficiency and enhance climate resilience.

The City’s irrigation management officer Richard Dilena and Cr Jim Mason with Ryan Veale, Darcy Baranowski and Rhys Bischof from STRUT, prior to coronavirus physical distancing directions.

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Geelong’s public urban trees are worth over $370 million.

The system uses sensor nodes that plug directly into the ground to collect information about soil and air conditions.Monitoring is taking place

at Geelong Botanic Gardens, Boundary Bend Olives and Leura Park.

Field testing is funded by Cleantech Innovations Geelong, a business and industry program funded by the City of Greater Geelong, the Geelong Manufacturing Council and the Victorian Government to develop markets for clean technologies.

The system also uses the City of Greater Geelong’s Smart City Office’s Long Range Wide Area Network (LoRaWAN) to transfer information.

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NEWS

ROAD CONDITION INSPECTIONS BEGIN

The City’s biggest inspection program has hit the road, covering more than 2100km across the region.

All sealed and unsealed roads across the municipality will be assessed over a fourmonth period.

Road maintenance is one of the largest single investments made annually by the City, with a budget of more than $19 million in 2019–20.

Take a photo of this QR code to be directed to our road issue report form.

The specialist inspections began in 2008 and are carried out every four years.

SPARROVALE WETLANDS DRAINAGE WORKS •

The design and construction of wetlands to treat and store end-of-line stormwater flows from the Armstrong Creek development area

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Construction is nearing completion with planting to commence shortly

BARWON SOCCER CLUB GENDER-NEUTRAL CHANGEROOM DEVELOPMENT

A specialist vehicle equipped with a camera will be travelling to all corners of Greater Geelong to collect data on the condition of the road network.

Through video footage and laser profiling, the inspection team will be able to identify up to 30 potential types of defects.

The detailed modelling will provide insight into rates of deterioration and produce a cost-benefit analysis of individual projects.

The information will be used to help prepare the City’s future road renewal programs.

WORKS IN BRIEF

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The delivery of gender-neutral changerooms with storage facilities for the soccer club

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Construction began in early March.

TIVOLI DRIVE, CURLEWIS Supervisor Bernard Hanan and project engineer Ravi Raveendrampillai at the site of Ormond Road works.

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WHETHER IT’S FOR WORK, STUDY, SHOPPING OR SOCIALISING, CENTRAL GEELONG IS FLOURISHING AS A VIBRANT CITY CENTRE.

A new road that will offer an alternative route in and out of the development area, with improved safety from traffic signals at the Bellarine Rail Trail and Portarlington Road intersection

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Final stages will be completed shortly

Research shows that the number of employees, students and residents based in Central Geelong has risen significantly over the past decade.

SAFETY IMPROVEMENTS IN LEOPOLD

CENTRAL GEELONG PARKING STRATEGY Combined with population growth across the region, this is increasing demand for car access and parking.

The City has consulted widely with key agencies and the community

to understand how to best manage parking, including a community survey last year that received 2,582 responses.

That feedback has informed the draft Central Geelong Parking Strategy, which will be publicly released later in the year.

You will be able to view the full strategy and provide your feedback on our website.

HAVE YOUR SAY

CHANGES TO COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT The health of the City’s staff, volunteers and community is our priority.

We are currently working on new ways to engage with you during this COVID019 period. Please visit our website to have your say on projects that are progressing via online surveys and feedback forms at geelongaustralia.com.au/yoursay

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The draft strategy aims to secure fast, reliable and safe alternatives to driving, so people have greater choice in how they visit Central Geelong.

This includes increased support for walking and cycling, and better access to an efficient transport network that prioritises convenience and safety.

FIND THE BUSINESS YOU NEED

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New state-of-the-art ‘smart’ lighting with CCTV cameras will be installed at bus stops and key locations along the Bellarine Rail Trail.

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It’s expected the lights will be in place by mid-2021.

NEW PUBLIC TOILET FACILITY IN CBD •

New above-ground public toilets will be built on the corner of Moorabool and Malop streets, replacing the former underground toilets on opposing sides of the road.

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The complex will include two gender-neutral cubicles and a Disability Discrimination Act (DDA)-compliant toilet cubicle.

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The City expects them to be open to the public mid year.

Central Geelong businesses are adapting quickly and doing things differently from home delivery to online consulting.

Download the Love Central Geelong App or visit the online business directory at centralgeelong.com.au/find to find Central Geelong businesses doing things differently and find the product or service you are looking for and support local businesses and local jobs.

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NEWS

PAKO URBAN DESIGN FRAMEWORK The Youth Council photo was taken before coronavirus physical distancing directions.

through a range of short-term initiatives, pilot projects and semi-permanent trials.

YOUTH COUNCIL A VOICE FOR THE NEXT GENERATION

Early priorities for the retail and activity centre include footpath improvements, street furniture and public art.

Corio’s Farzana Hussaini is Greater Geelong’s second Junior Mayor.

Pakington Street’s retail and dining strip is one of the jewels in Geelong’s crown.

The City is determined to see Pako’s public spaces and the streetscape better reflect the area’s longstanding, and excellent, reputation.

We have released a draft Urban Design Framework (UDF) for the Geelong West end of Pakington Street and the adjacent Gordon Avenue.

The UDF would guide future investment and design decisions, with a focus on providing universal access for everyone to enjoy the vibrant street and community life.

Gradual changes would be implemented

Increased plantings, landscaping, raised pedestrian priority crossings and more bike parking are also included in the draft plan.

We are looking at new ways to expand input opportunities. In the meantime, you can view the draft UDF and provide comments online by visiting, geelongaustralia.com.au/yoursay

Junior leaders from across the City join local government.

Junior Mayor Farzana is one of three Windermere Ward youth councillors and was voted to become Junior Mayor by fellow Youth Council members in February.

Wandana Heights resident and Kardinia Ward representative Ashley Delaney will serve as Junior Deputy Mayor.

The 12 young people, aged 12–17, were inducted to the Youth Council after their selection earlier in the year.

The Youth Council will meet once a month via video link to discuss priorities including social and community connections, mental health and wellbeing, and capability; such as skill development, education and employment.

As Junior Mayor, Farzana, will provide an update to Council on a quarterly

basis during 2020, to present the Youth Council’s findings and recommendations.

Mayoral duties also include chairing all meetings, representing the Youth Council at official functions, and acting as the group’s spokesperson.

BELLARINE WARD

KARDINIA WARD

Elkin Wittenberg

Ashley Delaney

Hollie Glanvill

Banjo Uppill

Josie Horne

Fadilah Mahmood

BROWNBILL WARD

WINDERMERE WARD

Jed Castle

Carmen MacLeod

Matty Pisotsky

Farzana Hussaini

Ruby-Jane Roberts

Logan Chandler

To read more about your Youth Council visit geelongaustralia.com. au/youthcouncil

VISION FOR THE FUTURE The City’s first Reconciliation Action Plan is on its way.

We are working closely with Wadawurrung Traditional Owners and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people to create a plan that helps build relationships, commitment and respect.

It’s about turning good intentions into action.The plan will detail

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steps and priorities to provide more opportunities for local Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in Geelong.

Completion of the plan is expected in May. For more information visit geelongaustralia.com.au

Image: Corio by Dr Jenny Murray-Jones.

Geelong has the largest population of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people outside of Melbourne in Victoria.

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ACTIVITIES

EXPLORE AND BE INSPIRED Want to browse the library, join a virtual story time, watch live shows and get creative ideas? Start here:

Geelong Regional Libraries grlc.vic.gov.au Geelong Arts Centre geelongartscentre.org.au Geelong Gallery geelonggallery.org.au

GEELONG CITY

KIDS CHALLENGE

Use daily ideas and get creating with drawings, lego bricks, clay, story telling and more. See geelongaustralia.com.au Share your creations with us #mygeelong

COLOUR IN GEELONG

This illustration of The Carousel and Steampacket Gardens has been generously provided by retired local architect Peter Campbell, from his Geelong City of Dreams collection.

We acknowledge the Wadawurrung people as the traditional owners of this land.

Share your completed creations on social media using the hashtag #mygeelong

For more Geelong-inspired colouring-in activities, including the history of our local landmarks, visit geelongaustralia.com.au