Matt Hewson
Geelong council released the quarterly report for its Our Community Plan 2021-25 this week.
The report shows that, of 75 actions planned for completion in 2023-24, 57 were complete while 18 were ongoing.
The plan, intended to inform the community of what the councillor group aimed to achieve during their four-year term, includes strategic directions, desired outcomes and four-year priorities.
The 2021-25 plan was the first to integrate the Municipal Public Health and Wellbeing plan, identifying five health and wellbeing priorities that include tackling climate change, increasing healthy and active living, promoting gender equity and improving mental wellbeing and social connection.
Councillor Jim Mason said he was pleased by the 76 per cent completion rate demonstrated in the report.
In particular, Cr Mason noted the council’s work on the prevention of family violence and violence against women, support for maternal and child services, a strategic approach to end homelessness, conservation efforts for the Northern and Western Growth Areas, incorporation of environmentally sustainable design principles and the review of annual environmental and climate change action plans.
However, he noted the 18 incomplete, ongoing actions, saying there was still “a lot of work to do”.
“Especially, we need to note implementation of the social housing plan 2020-41 is ongoing, (as is) the Drysdale Sporting Precinct Master Plan and the preparation of the heritage strategy to expand cultural inclusivity,” he said.
“And lastly, ongoing, is advocacy for the funding for the implementation of the Bellarine Arts Centre-Potato Shed business case.”
