There are many ways the community can put its views forward.
Whether it’s via a survey; a petition; or just chatting casually to a councillor down the street, we are always evaluating the feedback and using it to better meet the needs of those we represent.
Around Ocean Grove, one of the biggest messages received in recent times emerged during the rolling COVID-19 restrictions.
Of the makeshift bike jumps that popped up across Geelong, more than half of them were built in Ocean Grove and Barwon Heads.
That sent a clear message to the Council that a challenging bike track would be a good fit for the area.
While there are high-class facilities in Newtown (The Hill) and the You Yangs, mountain bike riders don’t have access to the same type of experience on the Bellarine.
The Ocean Grove District Ride Centre aims to address the need, and to provide another recreation space that encourages people to be active and enjoy the outdoors.
Detailed design work is set to begin on the centre, which will be located in Kingston Park.
A community reference group has helped advance plans, which balance creating a course for a wide range of abilities and ages, with the ongoing needs of other parks users.
The ride centre would take up about half of the large open grassed area, leaving space for dog walkers and others.
While there is no funding in place, completing the detailed design will ensure the project is well placed to access government grants.
If you would like more details, visit the Ocean Grove District Ride Centre project page at yoursay.geelongaustralia.com.au/OGDRC
Staying on two wheels, I wanted to mention a great initiative that showcases the Bellarine’s cycling and walking trails.
The new Bellarine Active Travel Map, created by the BBUG (Bellarine Bicycle Users Group), helps locals and visitors get out and about and to explore some new areas.
Council provided a grant to the BBUG, to ensure there will be free copies of the map available across shops, cafes, visitor information centres and other venues.
The map details the existing cycling and walking trails, but also highlights where gaps exist and connections can be made.
There have been some great additions to Geelong’s active travel network in the past year.
A further 31km of bike paths were created in the year to the end of June 2023 – taking the total length of bike paths across the city to 115km.
And 27km of shared paths were built, pushing the total up to 208km.
But there is scope for improvement, and I’m keen to explore any federal or state government funding opportunities to provide an even better active travel network.
