Kardinia Park Stadium builder appointed

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Work on the fifth stage of the Kardinia Park stadium redevelopment will begin after the AFL season with one of Australia’s leading construction firms – BESIX Watpac – confirmed as the project builder.

The state government has provided funding of $142 million to deliver the final stage of the landmark remaking of Australia’s premier regional stadium, supporting more than 120 construction jobs.

BESIX Watpac has completed dozens of major infrastructure projects across Australia including Brisbane’s Suncorp Stadium and sports facilities at Albert Park and Lakeside Oval and is currently building the City of Greater Geelong’s Civic Administration Building.

Local workers and suppliers will be big winners under the state government’s Local Jobs First policy, which requires minimum 91 per cent local content for declared strategic projects such as Kardinia Park Stage Five.

The Major Project Skills Guarantee means apprentices, trainees and cadets will perform at least 10 per cent of all work on the project, and at least $1.2 million in goods and services will be procured from social enterprises.

At the heart of the Kardinia Park Stage Five project, which is a G21 Economic Development Pillar project, is the construction of a 14,000-capacity, two-tier northern stand to replace the ageing Ford Stand and Ablett Terrace. This will increase the stadium’s capacity to more than 40,000 people, boosting Geelong’s ability to attract and host national and international events.

The new stand will include facilities for professional and community sport, including unisex change rooms and administration facilities for the Geelong Cricket Club.

Kardinia Park is widely used by the local community for activities and events, and this project will enhance facilities for patrons with a new northern entry plaza, sports museum, function room and a suite of technology upgrades including additional high-speed public wi-fi and LED signage.

Stadium operations will be bolstered through the delivery of a new administration area for stadium and event staff, a crowd management centre and additional CCTV capability.

The redevelopment will also provide dedicated sustainability measures including solar panels on the roof of the new grandstand and provision for battery storage. The works are forecast to be completed in mid-2023.

Previous stages of the redevelopment have delivered the Brownlow, Players, Premiership and Reg Hickey stands along with broadcast-quality lighting and an array of function rooms.

 

Chisholm Road jobs exceed GROW target

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The new Chisholm Road Prison under construction in Lara has surpassed local employment goals with more than 45,000 labour hours completed by Geelong and Colac workers, exceeding the project target by 50 per cent.

The project has now injected $200 million into the local economy – $126 million for services and supplies from businesses in Greater Geelong and Melbourne’s western suburbs, and $74 million to employ local sub-contractors and workers living within 30 kilometres of the project site.

Specific employment targets for workers in the Geelong suburbs of Corio, Norlane, Whittington and parts of Colac were set prior to the start of construction in February 2020.

These postcodes were identified as focus areas for targeted recruitment in consultation with the G21 Regional Opportunities for Work (GROW) initiative. GROW is a joint initiative of G21 and the Give Where You Live Foundation which aims to address disadvantage and maximise investment in the region’s workforce by increasing local job opportunities.

The Chisholm Road Prison Project is continuing to recruit from targeted postcodes, after exceeding an initial offering of 30,000 labour hours to workers in these areas.

The project entered its peak construction phase last month. More than 1,200 workers are now on-site to construct the new prison near the existing Barwon Prison Precinct. Workforce numbers are expected to top 1,400.

At least 10 per cent of labour hours on the project are allocated to young workers including apprentices, trainees and cadets. An extra $16.3 million has been directed to social enterprises that support Indigenous and disadvantaged Victorians and people with a disability in gaining employment.

Construction of the prison is being managed by John Holland, overseen by the Community Safety Building Authority, which delivers infrastructure on behalf of the Department of Justice and Community Safety.

The project is scheduled for completion in 2022.

New fountains quench thirst for water and knowledge

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New cultural water fountains at Deakin University will provide free access to fresh drinking water and reduce plastic waste while also quenching students, staff and visitors’ thirst for knowledge about Traditional Owner culture and history.

A joint initiative between Deakin University, Barwon Water, and Wadawurrung Traditional Owners, the fountains feature Aboriginal artwork and inscriptions created by Wadawurrung artists Billy-Jay O’Toole and Corrina Eccles, designed to facilitate storytelling and an understanding and appreciation of Traditional Owner culture and history.

The fountains are designed to teach, inspire and raise awareness of Wadawurrung values while also expressing gratitude and thanks to the Traditional Custodians for nurturing and caring for Country, which sustains us all.

They also reduce the need to purchase single-use plastic bottles and the amount of waste generated on campus. This will bring the university one step closer to its goal of achieving zero waste by 2030, a target that aligns with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.

Mental health building blitz begins in Geelong

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Residents in Greater Geelong will soon have access to better local mental health support with a construction blitz now underway on two major projects thanks to the state government.

Work on a new world-class 16-bed acute mental health facility at Barwon Health’s McKellar Centre will create and sustain more than 230 local construction jobs when Victorians need them most. It will also deliver on a key recommendation made by the Royal Commission into Victoria’s Mental Health System.

The facility’s frame will be constructed as individual modules off-site, then transported and completed on-site – reducing disruption to the operational hospital and local residents while construction is underway.

Designed in consultation with people with lived experience of the mental health system, the facility will deliver more than 5800 days of care – which equates to approximately 355 people each year.

The facility will reduce pressure on University Hospital Geelong’s emergency department, delivering inpatient acute mental health services and community-based care in a contemporary, safe and high-quality hospital setting.

Geelong-based Lyons Construction has also begun work on the $16 million Mental Health and Drug and Alcohol Services Community Hub in Moorabool Street, in central Geelong, with construction on track to be completed in late 2022.

Operated by Barwon Health, the five-storey hub will provide better access to treatment and support services for people experiencing mental ill-health and addiction – further supporting them on their recovery journey.

The hub will consolidate existing services onto one contemporary, fit-for-purpose site. Clinicians will provide telephone, online, walk-in, at-home and outreach services over extended operating hours – and the facility will also include space for clinicians and researchers to collaborate to improve mental health outcomes across the region.

The state government invested $3.8 billion in the Victorian Budget 2021-22 to transform Victoria’s mental health system, in the single largest investment in mental health by any state government.

Source: A state government media statement

Golden Plains adopts social housing plan

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Golden Plains Shire Council recently (27 July) adopted the Golden Plains Social Housing Plan to work with the Victorian Government on addressing the lack of social housing in the municipality.

As part of its participation in a regional Social Housing Planning project facilitated by the G21 – Geelong Region Alliance, the Golden Plains Social Housing Plan has been developed to sit alongside similar plans for each G21 council and a combined regional plan.

In Golden Plains Shire, there are currently only eight social housing properties and there is unmet demand for an additional 113 homes. Unmet demand statewide has been recognised by the Victorian Government through its $5.3 billion Big Housing Build to build thousands of new dwellings and update existing social housing across the state, including a $15 million guaranteed minimum spend in Golden Plains Shire.

The Golden Plains plan outlines the need for more subsidised social housing properties and provides local information and perspectives to help shape the Government’s $15 million commitment and support Council to work constructively with the government, developers and housing providers to increase access to local social housing.

The plan commits Council to working with these partners on identifying, assessing and developing underutilised state- and Council-owned land, as well as where developers can include provision for social housing in greenfield sites. Council will maintain a public register of opportunities, and undertake a rigorous planning, assessment and consultation process before finalising proposals on Council-owned land.

With renewed government interest in tackling the lack of social housing across the state, Mayor Cr Helena Kirby says Council was pleased to adopt the plan following participation in the G21’s regional social housing project.

“The Golden Plains Social Housing Plan commits Council to constructively working together with our neighbouring councils, the Victorian Government, housing associations and developers to increase social housing in Golden Plains and support local economic recovery and jobs,” Cr Kirby said.

“The data shows we have higher rates of rental stress in and around Bannockburn and Smythesdale and a startling gap between the current supply and demand for social housing in our Shire.

“The Plan positions Golden Plains and the Geelong region to work constructively with the state government on its Big Housing Build, which includes a $15 million commitment to developing social housing in Golden Plains. This investment is one of the largest single government investments in Golden Plains Shire and will make a big difference,” Cr Kirby said.

The G21-facilitated project was funded by philanthropic grants from the Percy Baxter Trust and the Anthony Costa Foundation.

The Golden Plains Social Housing Plan is available on Council’s website at: goldenplains.vic.gov.au/strategies.

Source: A Golden Plains Shire media statement

G21 housing crisis spreads

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Two G21 municipalities have declared a housing crisis in response to the lack of affordable accommodation for key workers in towns along the Great Ocean Road.

Colac Otway Shire councillors voted to declare a ‘key and essential worker housing crisis’ as a lack of affordable housing starts to significantly impact on the region.

Pressure is being felt across the whole community with essential service providers such as doctors, teachers and police unable to take up work Colac Otway.

The shortage is also affecting economic activity with small businesses unable to open their doors, as they struggle to find workers.

There is a need for a diverse mix of rental and market housing suitable for professional services workers, hospitality and seasonal workers, and timber and meat industry workers.

Apollo Bay and other coastal towns offering a long-distance commute, are at particular risk due to their remoteness and a growing trend for short-term rental of properties on platforms like Air BnB.

An investment in more affordable, safe, secure housing stock in these areas will help grow their permanent populations, accommodate seasonal workers during peak tourism periods and provide a more stable local economy.

Colac Otway Shire is already making preparations to build social and key worker housing in Colac and address the shortage in coastal towns. Council will deliver a report on proposed solutions for the coming summer.

Surf Coast Shire faces a similar challenge and declared a ‘key worker accommodation crisis’ in May.

Tourist hotspot Lorne was used as a case study for the municipality, demonstrating the effects of a high turnover of staff, a lack of international backpacker and student workforce (95 per cent of Lorne’s seasonal workforce) and lack of suitable accommodation.

Businesses there are reducing their trading hours or closing for days at a time due to a lack of staff, which is reducing the quality of the visitor experience.

One business in Lorne said the nearest accommodation option for staff is in Armstrong Creek, which also has high demand and prices. It is not viewed as a long-term option given the late hours in hospitality and the long commute time.

Surf Coast Shire has allocated $60,000 for an Action Plan to explore ways to address the issue.

There is an opportunity here for all three levels of government to put together a creative solution in collaboration with the private sector, and not just for our region.

Other regions in Victoria and nationally are experiencing the same pinch and the problem looks like it will be with us for a while.

New Structure Plan for Smythesdale

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Golden Plains Shire Council has commenced the preparation of a new Structure Plan for Smythesdale, providing direction for future growth and development in the town.

The new Smythesdale Structure Plan will comprehensively address factors influencing Smythesdale including bushfire risk, the natural environment, land supply and projections for residential and commercial growth.

The Plan will provide a framework for new residential and commercial land and may propose changes to planning controls affecting land as well as identify the need for new projects, open space, recreation and community infrastructure to meet requirements for the future.

Currently, there is an Urban Design Framework for Smythesdale that was created in 2006. Most of the land designations within this Framework have been rezoned, developed or are soon to be activated which means a new plan is needed to guide decision-making on growth matters in Smythesdale for the next 25 years.

Have Your Say on the Smythesdale Structure Plan (see also update due to COVID below)

Council wants to hear from local Smythesdale and Scarsdale residents about how they want Smythesdale to develop into the future. The Smythesdale Structure Plan Survey is open from Thursday 8 July to Thursday 12 August and has been sent by mail to all residents of Smythesdale and Scarsdale, arriving in mailboxes next week (from 12 July).

The survey can also be completed at goldenplains.vic.gov.au/consultations or you may pick up a copy of the survey at Council’s Customer Service Centre, The Well, 19 Heales Street, Smythesdale. Completed paper surveys may be emailed to enquiries@gplains.vic.gov.au or mailed to: Golden Plains Shire Council, PO Box 111, Bannockburn, VIC, 3331, marked ‘Attention: Smythesdale Structure Plan’.

Council planning staff will hold engagement sessions, welcoming Smythesdale and Scarsdale residents to stop by and talk about the Smythesdale Structure Plan. Visit a drop-in session at The Well, 19 Heales Street, Smythesdale from 4.30 to 6pm on Thursday 15 July or Council’s stall at the Smythesdale Market from 10am to 2pm, Saturday 17 July (in the event of inclement weather, this consultation will be held at The Well).

Council’s Strategic Planning team is also available to speak directly with residents about the Smythesdale Structure Plan – call 5220 7143.

Mayor Cr Helena Kirby encouraged local residents to share their views on the future of Smythesdale.

“We look forward to hearing from Smythesdale and Scarsdale locals to ensure Council develops a Smythesdale Structure Plan that meets the community’s expectations and guides positive growth in the township over the next 25 years,” Cr Kirby said.

“Over the past few months, we’ve had some fantastic engagement with the people of Smythesdale, Scarsdale and the northern townships with residents talking to us at Coffee with your Councillors and consultations on the Digital Hub at The Well, Three Trails Project and Northern Streetscapes Project. There is great work happening in the north of the Shire and this community feedback has had a real impact in shaping these projects.”

The Smythesdale Structure Plan builds upon the planning work of the Northern Settlement Strategy, which was adopted by Council in 2019. The Plan is expected to be presented to Council in late 2021.

UPDATED 19 July 2021 – SMYTHESDALE ENGAGEMENT RESCHEDULED

Due to the current snap lockdown, Council has rescheduled the weekend’s postponed in-person engagement on the Smythesdale Structure Plan.

The in-person session that was planned for Saturday 17 July will now take place from 10 am to 12 pm on Saturday 31 July at The Well, 19 Heales Street, Smythesdale.

Community members will also be able to take part in an additional online engagement opportunity via Zoom on Thursday 22 July from 4 to 6pm.

For all the details on how to participate, visit goldenplains.vic.gov.au/consultations.

Residents can also complete the Smythesdale Structure Plan Survey available on Council’s website or complete the paper survey mailed to all Smythesdale and Scarsdale residents and return by email to enquiries@gplains.vic.gov.au or mailed to:

Golden Plains Shire Council, PO Box 111, Bannockburn, VIC, 3331, marked ‘Attention: Smythesdale Structure Plan’.

The Smythesdale Structure Plan Survey is open from Thursday 8 July to Thursday 12 August.

Source: Golden Plains Shire media statements

Life changes, keep moving

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The STREETFACE project, featuring photos and stories of nine residents from across the G21 region, demonstrates how movement provides a wealth of health and wellbeing benefits, both physical and emotional.

The project shines a light on older members of our community who have experienced a life transition.

From Josie’s story of moving from farmland to suburbia without knowing anyone, to Bob’s experience of open-heart surgery and lymphoma, each of the real-life stories provides insights to encourage others to find resilience and empowerment through physical activity to improve health and wellbeing.

City of Greater Geelong mayor and G21 chair Cr Stephanie Asher said it was great to see STREETFACE bringing awareness to another important campaign.

“Each year, STREETFACE reinforces the adage that every person has a story. Through the compelling personal narratives, we also learn some common threads and universal truths that help us to take care of our own health and wellbeing,” Cr Asher said.

“It’s exciting to see this year’s STREETFACE become a partnership with neighbouring councils, G21 and others working together to raise awareness for active living in our community.

“I encourage anyone out and about to stop by the nine locations and read the stories told by each community member.”

G21 Health & Wellbeing Director Zoe Barnett said the STREETFACE project builds on the work of/ complements G21’s Healthier Eating and Active Living (HEAL) initiative.

“It’s so important to support people, particularly the older people in our community, to remain physically active,” Ms Barnett said.

“It’s inspiring to showcase the lived experience of people in our region already benefiting from being out there and active, celebrating their achievements and reminding everyone that physical activity goes a long way towards good mental and physical health and wellbeing.”

The large STREETFACE decals went on display in late June and will stay until Friday 27 August at the following Greater Geelong locations:

  • City Hall
  • Bus Port
  • Geelong West Town Hall
  • Leisurelink
  • Bellarine Community Health, Portarlington
  • Civic Centre car park; and
  • Grovedale Neighbourhood House.

A STREETFACE decal will also be displayed at Kanyana Seniors Centre in the Colac Otway Shire.

As part of STREETFACE this year, community members are also encouraged to take part in the online survey, which includes a series of questions on this year’s project and theme (before 25 August 2021).

The current project has brought together G21 – Geelong Region Alliance, the City of Greater Geelong, Colac Otway Shire, Golden Plains Shire, Barwon Health, Dementia Australia, Bellarine Community Health and Humans in Geelong.

STREETFACE started in 2009 as a City of Greater Geelong project, with previous campaigns recognising NAIDOC Week, Refugee Week, the VALiD Having a Say Conference and National Youth Week.

Read the stories of each of the nine STREETFACE participants by visiting humansingeelong.com
To download a PDF of the stories of the nine STREETFACE participants click here

Colac Otway Shire appoints new CEO

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Colac Otway Shire Council has announced Anne Howard as its new Chief Executive Officer.

Currently in the role of acting CEO with Surf Coast Shire, Ms Howard has held the role of General Manager Governance and Infrastructure with Surf Coast since 2016.

Colac Otway Shire mayor Kate Hanson said today (17 June 2021) there was a competitive recruitment process with a strong field of candidates.

“Anne has 20 years of experience in local government and we’re really impressed with the diverse range of skills she will bring to Colac Otway Shire Council,” Cr Hanson said.

“Anne has a strong background in working for Local Government in regional Victoria, having worked with Campaspe Shire Council, and coming to Colac Otway from Surf Coast Shire Council.

“Already having a thorough understanding of the G21 region means that Anne has a good knowledge of the district and she’ll be ready to continue the trajectory of work Colac Otway is undertaking.

“Council sees great value in Anne’s experience with rural and coastal based communities and the knowledge she will bring from those backgrounds to this leadership role,” Cr Hanson said.

Ms Howard said she was thrilled to be appointed as CEO of Colac Otway Shire.

“Having lived most of my life in regional Victoria, and the last five years in the G21 region, I have a good understanding of the environment, economy and lifestyle enjoyed by residents as well as visitors to the region,” Ms Howard said.

“This role presents a unique opportunity to use my diverse skills and experience to help shape and strengthen the Colac Otway community.

“I am looking forward to building on my commitment to regional communities by working with the Councillors and staff of the Colac Otway Shire.

“I look forward to becoming part of the Colac Otway community and I am excited by the many opportunities we have to ensure that the shire continues to be a great place to live, where people can have full and successful lives.

“I have 20 years of experience in local government and since joining the executive team at the Surf Coast Shire in March 2016 I have been responsible for an unusually diverse portfolio that includes finance, governance and risk, information management, civil infrastructure and waste, strategic asset management and digital transformation.

“I have been the Acting Chief Executive Officer at Surf Coast Shire since 1 August 2020 and privileged to support the organisation and community through the uncertainty of a pandemic.

“Prior to working with Surf Coast Shire Council I was a member of the executive at Campaspe Shire Council where my responsibilities included economic development and tourism, corporate planning, community development, strategic land use planning, infrastructure services, asset management and the program management office.”

Ms Howard’s qualifications include a Master of Business Administration, Master of Infrastructure Engineering and an undergraduate of a Bachelor of Engineering.

Mayor Hanson thanked outgoing CEO Peter Brown for his significant contribution to the shire.

“Councillors wish to thank Peter Brown for his time as CEO of Colac Otway Shire. Peter has guided Colac Otway through a very challenging couple of years,” Cr Hanson.

“Peter has become an important member of our community and a strong advocate for the region that will see Colac Otway well into the future. We wish Peter and Wendy all the very best for the future.”

Source: A Colac Otway Shire media statement

Photo: Anne Howard

Former G21 CEO made Deputy Chair of new Ports body

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The state government has announced the Board for Victoria’s new state-wide ports body, Ports Victoria, to be based in Geelong.

Howard Ronaldson will chair the new body, with former G21 CEO Elaine Carbines as deputy chair.

Ports Victoria brings together the Victorian Regional Channels Authority (VRCA) and Victorian Ports Corporation (Melbourne) to lead the strategic management and operation of Victorian commercial ports and waterways.

Mr Ronaldson brings extensive experience to the role as a former secretary of the Victorian Department of Infrastructure and Department of Business and Innovation. He has also been an administrator with Ambulance Victoria and most recently assessed the viability of the Port Rail Shuttle proposal for the Department of Transport.

Elaine Carbines has been chosen as deputy chairperson due to her strong regional leadership and the ability to provide critical knowledge of Geelong and the Barwon region.

Other members appointed to the board include Des Powell AM, Janice van Reyk and Peter Tuohey, with all members to work alongside the Department of Transport.

The new organisation will begin operating out of Geelong on 1 July, recognising the city’s important role in Victoria’s ports system – through GeelongPort and the future relocation of the Spirit of Tasmania.

Approximately $26 billion of locally produced and manufactured exports pass through Victoria’s commercial ports annually, handling almost a quarter of Australia’s total food and fibre exports.

With freight volumes expected to more than double over the next thirty years, the safe and efficient operation of our ports remains key to our state’s economic growth.

The establishment of Ports Victoria is a key finding from the Independent Review of the Victorian Ports System, a comprehensive review set to cut red tape, boost safety and improve the way this vital industry operates.

Source: A state government media release