I put my hand up to be Mayor of Geelong because I want to lead this great city, and can visualise the path to a wonderful future. Leaving a lasting legacy for future generations is what gets me out of bed every morning!
Geelong and the Bellarine
Wow. I’ve travelled the world and I’m still blown away on a daily basis by the natural beauty and amazing lifestyle we enjoy in the Geelong region. Our stunning Waterfront, happening city centre, world class surf beaches, winery and farm gate trails on the beautiful Bellarine Peninsula are all so close, and in an affordable place to live. No wonder our population is 218,000 and growing!
People
I’m passionate about engaging with the community and staying connected through my Geelong Mayor Facebook and Twitter accounts. In my first 100 days in office alone, round the clock conversations reached out to 75 million people.
I take great heart from the support I get every day from people on the street who tell me to keep up the good work and fight the good fight for a prosperous future for Geelong. The strong community mandate and ongoing support sustains me during the long 16 hour working days and seven day weeks.
A strong voice
Lobbying is the most valuable thing a Mayor can do for their city to ensure adequate funding and infrastructure. My goal is to be a loud, strong voice, passionately advocating for Geelong’s future prosperity and success. We are on the cusp of great things and I am boldly marketing Geelong as a 21st century smart tourism city.
I’m thrilled to use my international profile to better Geelong. Since I was elected Geelong has had unprecedented national and international media attention. In my first 100 days in office the total media value was estimated at $15.6M, averaging $166,077 of exposure a day.
The future
Times are changing and my main focus is to attract new business to Geelong. We are a smart city working closely with Deakin University and CSIRO to leverage off our considerable intellectual assets. Advanced manufacturing is taking off and has huge potential. Our economy is diverse and strengthening. SMEs are the powerhouse of our economy, employing 80% of our workforce so boosting their capacity and confidence to grow is a priority. Enterprise Geelong opens the door for new development, investment and jobs.
My number one funding priority is Yarra Street Pier. Why? Because the construction of an international terminal will bring more cruise ships, more tourists and more jobs. Geelong’s sparkling north-facing Waterfront never fails to impress cruise ship visitors. This is a high growth, high yield industry and we want more of it.
Fanfare
A packed calendar of major events brings extra zing to our city – arts and culture, sport, music and performances in our city streets. I want to share the love for this city, the beaches, the rivers, the bay and the rolling hills.
Follow the future as it unfolds on Twitter: @Geelong_Mayor and www.facebook.com/GeelongMayor