It is far better to address problems before they arise, rather than deal with the fallout after the damage is done.
When it comes to flood prevention, council has created a 10-year program to mitigate the impacts of large storms, and to best prepare the community for any such events.
We have plans to do flood modelling across the whole municipality, with many of the higher priority areas already complete or underway.
The modelling will help us better understand and manage flood risk, identify necessary drainage upgrades, and show us where to focus our investment.
As part of this focused work, City officers are undertaking a detailed study of the Ocean Grove catchment.
The study area includes Ocean Grove, Wallington, Marcus Hill and parts of Point Lonsdale.
During an earlier public feedback period, we received 58 contributions from the community.
The study team is now hoping to progress its understanding, by surveying a range of properties in the area.
Residents may see surveyors out and about over the next couple of months.
They will be taking measurements on various properties, to identify homes that may have above floor flooding.
If your home is included in the survey, you would have received a notification in the mail.
The modelling will help us plan for drainage upgrades and prioritise areas for potential flood mitigation options.
For more information on the Ocean Grove Flood Study, please visit yoursay.geelongaustralia.com.au/OGFS
Community feedback has informed new dog orders across a number of reserves and public spaces.
The biggest response we received during public consultation on the proposed changes came from the Ocean Grove community.
There were 277 submissions related to Buckley Park Foreshore Reserve.
City officers had proposed prohibiting dogs from using the reserve, in a tightening of the seasonal orders that were in place.
Residents told us that the area’s sensitive flora and wildlife warranted protection, however many believed this could be done by keeping dogs on lead in this area, rather than banning them.
Areas to the east and west of the reserve allow dogs on a leash.
For consistency in conditions, it was decided that dogs on a leash should be allowed to access Buckley Park Foreshore Reserve all-year round.
The existing controls for Barwon Heads Community Park – Equestrian Centre will continue, with dogs allowed off leash when no horses are using the space.
While council has deferred a decision around the use of Yellow Gum Nature Reserve in Ocean Grove, until the matter of public pedestrian access has been finalised by City officers.
Thank you to all the community members who provided feedback on the dog control orders.
Council strives to implement orders that reflect the needs of a wide range of users, as well as protect environmental and cultural values.
