There’s a buzz about the place

I’m so excited about what’s in store for 2016, especially after such a successful year just gone!
In 2015 we celebrated the opening of our fabulous library and heritage centre, the creation of a funky pop-up space in Malop Street and new life for our mall, the colourful catenary lights, the opening of new integrated child and family centres, and a host of amazing major events that brought in millions of dollars.
And there’s so much more to look forward to!
This year I’ll lead council to attract more investment, support our local businesses and drive economic growth and jobs through a range of initiatives.
I’ll continue to lobby federal and state governments and spruik Geelong to national and international audiences at all the right forums, expos and functions.
We’ll drive strategic projects that support and diversify our economy such as the Geelong Digital Strategy and the Land 400 bid.
We’ll also push new ‘smart jobs’ through the Co-working Hub, GovHack and the NBN roll-out.
We’ll also stage our sixth Geelong Small Business Festival, which last year attracted nearly 3000 attendees.
As well as the annual Cadel Evans Great Ocean Road Race, we can also look forward to the Pako Festa, the National Celtic Festival, Mountain to Mouth Walk, Geelong After Dark, Motor City Music Festival, Geelong Revival, the Highland gathering and a host of triathlons and other top sports events.
In February we’ll welcome two cruise ships, bringing in thousands more visitors.
This year we’ll also see the greening of even more public space together with feature lighting and public art to make central Geelong and the waterfront even more inviting.
Our love of cycling continues and we’re getting the facilities to match.
We’ll start construction this year on the Geelong Criterium Circuit to make us the true Home of Cycling.
Soon we’ll also start work on a beginner mountain bike park in Newtown to cater for would-be mountain bike champs and provide a crucial training hub for any skill level.
All this activity is certainly paying off and we’re attracting interest locally, nationally and even internationally.
Our region has great momentum, there’s a real buzz in the air and I’m committed to building on this.
Darryn Lyons,
Mayor of Geelong.