New CEO reveals vision for his city

Jessica Benton
GEELONG’S new City Hall boss has declared a vision centred on growth, development and “creating a vibrant place for living and enjoyment”.
Stephen Griffin has settled into City of Greater Geelong chief executive officer’s chair after winning the nod of councillors to step up from the acting CEO role last month.
He outlined his vision to the Independent this week.
“The vision is that we’re going to continue to grow and we need to facilitate quality services, so there are great opportunities for jobs and development in Geelong,” he said.
“We want to enhance and develop the natural advantages of Geelong so that people don’t have to go up the highway to Melbourne.
“Geelong is very much stronger than it was 10 years ago. There are more jobs here and our services and health sector has grown as well as the development of the waterfront, education facilities and infrastructure.
“We’re in a good place to move into the next economic development phase, which I think Geelong will play a great role in over the next five to 10 years.”
Befor joning Geelong’s council Mr Griffin worked for 14 years at City of Wyndham where he had roles as director of corporate services and manager of enterprise services. He also spent time at City of Melbourne in “a number of key roles”.
Mr Griffin has a long association with his new community as a resident at Ocean Grove for the past 28 years. He raised his family on the Bellarine Peninsula.
Mr Griffin said he also had affiliations with groups including the Ocean Grove Surf Club, Geelong Falcons and other sport organisations.
Mr Griffin was appointed during the height of a City Hall controversy over the sacking of two council workers for accepting a free steak sandwich each after filling two potholes at Leopold Sportsman’s Club.
Mr Griffin said his focus was now on ensuring excellent service delivery from engineering and recreation staff through to “the lollipop man and lady”.
He nominated major projects as another focus, ranging from development of Geelong’s Armstrong Creek growth area to revitalisation of the city’s arts precinct and securing a ring road extension to the Bellarine Peninsula.
However, he also wanted to ensure opportunities for disadvantaged areas through “changed landscapes and environments”.
Mr Griffin acknowledged City of Greater Geelong faced challenges.
“One challenge is making sure we get a share of infrastructure money for projects and that we get the amount of financing required to drive the projects,” he said.
Mr Griffin said he would launch a series of council service reviews.
“Council needs to make sure its listening and responding to the outcomes for the community. Of course, we’ll be having a look at council structures as well but I don’t see there’s going to be massive change.”