This time of year is a great chance for many of us to take a breather, weigh up the 12 months that has passed, and to reset for the year ahead.
Not all of us, unfortunately, have that luxury of a festive shutdown.
As with all essential services, there are many aspects of the City’s operations that do not slow down during this period.
Whether it’s in waste, leisure and recreation, parks and gardens, community care or emergency services, our frontline workers remain committed to delivering services to all residents.
In many ways, December is a busier month than the ones that come before it.
The expanding Christmas in Geelong program has offered events in more locations than ever before, and has supported an increasing number of community celebrations.
Our events season is in full swing; our visitor economy rises to another level; and those leading projects and initiatives work tirelessly to meet milestones before the calendar flips to 2023.
The multiple flood events during the latter part of Spring have placed an enormous strain on our road repair crews and our contractors.
Since mid-October – when the first major storm lashed the region – about 1700 potholes have been repaired.
For context, that is a 300 per cent increase in workload compared to last year.
It has been a challenging period, as a swathe of repairs were carried out on roads that were then washed away and flooded again, in a matter of weeks.
Given the floods impacted on a large part of the state, it has also been difficult to source both the workers and the materials to carry out the vital works.
In those difficult circumstances, we’re proud of what the crews have been able to deliver.
That work will continue, with the remaining gravel roads damaged by the floods expected to be repaired in the coming weeks.
In the capital works space, it was great to see construction begin on the Barwon Heads Bowling Club pavilion earlier in December.
The development is a project that has the support of all levels of government.
With $500,000 from the Federal Government, $500,000 from Council and $200,000 from the state, the works will deliver compliant and accessible social, spectator and storage facilities.
There will be a welcoming social area, with a bar, kitchen, amenities and office.
An undercover verandah for spectators, storage space, landscaping, fencing and additional carparking round out the new offering.
The development will be significant for the club, as it seeks to attract new members for both
recreational and competitive bowling.
As we do all-year round, Council continues to gauge your views and get your feedback on a range of proposals.
If you have some time, please check out our Have Your Say page at yoursay.geelongaustralia.com.au
There, among other things, you can help shape our master plan on the Ramblers Road foreshore at Portarlington; contribute to the master plan for the Kardinia Park precinct (areas outside of the stadium); or provide input to our 10-year Plan for Nature, which aims to protect and enhance habitats for our wild species.
