Briefs

Campaigners opposing a planned gas terminal at Viva Energy’s Geelong refinery protest on the steps of Victorian parliament on Wednesday. (Supplied)

Special rate scrapped

Geelong council has scrapped a special rate for Central Geelong Marketing, saving CBD businesses an average of $771 per year.

Councillors on Tuesday night voted to dissolve the Central Geelong Marketing Committee and allocate $700,000 in its draft budget to deliver marketing and events for central Geelong for 2021-22.

The funding will also cover a review of the program, including engagement with CBD businesses and the Central Geelong Business Reference Group, to consider future delivery models.

Parliament gas protest

Campaigners opposing a planned gas terminal at Viva Energy’s Geelong refinery protested on the steps of Victorian parliament on Wednesday.

The campaigners oppose Prime Minister Scott Morrison’s gas-led recovery due to climate change concerns and fear a potential environmental “catastrophe” occurring in Corio Bay as a result of the gas hub.

Positive ageing strategy

Geelong council has called for older people to have their say on a draft strategy to improve and protect their health, with the city’s elderly population to increase from 72,000 to 120,000 in 20 years.

The draft Positive Ageing Strategy 2021-47 is open for comment for four weeks at yoursay.geelongaustralia.com.au/PAS.