The City of Greater Geelong has launched a direct and unusually named campaign to tackle local issues, from a missing chicken to dangerous potholes. Dubbed 'WTF' – which stands for 'Where's The Fix?' – the initiative invites residents to report problems needing urgent attention.
From Fowl Play to Road Repair: The WTF Campaign in Action
The campaign's launch was highlighted by a range of real resident reports. One of the more unusual cases involved a community member seeking help to locate a missing chicken. More typical, yet critical, issues were also flagged, including a significant pothole on Church Street in Newtown and malfunctioning pedestrian crossing lights.
Geelong Mayor Trent Sullivan explained the campaign's blunt name is designed to cut through the noise. "We're giving our community a direct line to tell us exactly what they want fixed in their neighbourhood," he said. The council has committed to reviewing every submission and providing updates on the progress of fixes.
A $1.2 Million Commitment to Rapid Repairs
Backing the campaign is a substantial financial commitment. The City of Greater Geelong has allocated $1.2 million specifically for rapid responses to the issues raised through the WTF platform. This fund is intended to ensure that legitimate problems identified by the community can be addressed swiftly, without being delayed by standard bureaucratic budgeting processes.
Council officials have outlined the types of concerns they are prioritising. These include:
- Public safety hazards like deep potholes and broken footpaths.
- Non-functioning or damaged public infrastructure.
- Localised issues impacting neighbourhood amenity.
The campaign, which went live recently, is primarily hosted on the council's official website and promoted through its social media channels.
Community Response and the Path Forward
The initial community reaction has been a mix of amusement at the campaign's acronym and appreciation for the direct approach. Residents have long complained about reporting issues only to see them languish unresolved. The dedicated fund and public reporting mechanism are seen as positive steps towards greater accountability.
However, the true test of the WTF campaign will be in its execution. The council's ability to deliver timely, visible repairs for the problems logged will determine its long-term success and credibility with locals. If effective, it could serve as a model for other councils seeking to improve their responsiveness to everyday community concerns.
Mayor Sullivan has encouraged all residents to participate, emphasising that no issue is too small if it affects their quality of life. The council promises to provide clear communication on what can be fixed, the timeline, and explanations for any requests that cannot be actioned.
