Just as we look back and admire the vision of people like Ed Johnson who left us Lake Pertobe in the late 1970s, could a transformation of the arts precinct at the southern end of Liebig Street be our gift to future generations? Today we opened discussions about the future of Warrnambool’s art gallery and more broadly, the Civic Green precinct.

It is a conversation we have to have.

Warrnambool Art Gallery’s visitation is booming, its existing spaces are squeezed and cultural heritage assets are rarely seen or at the risk of being compromised.

The gallery is about to create an indigenous art space and there needs to be a dedicated children’s space.

The gallery needs to be bigger. Should it expand on the current site? The Civic Green, at its front door, is arguably the city’s most under-utilised piece of open space.

Could it be transformed into a Federation Square-style asset? Imagine a big screen, imagine it being the meeting place in the city’s heart. Imagine the entertainment, displays, opportunities a Fed Square-inspired area could open up.

The city council’s historic revamp of Liebig Street has brightened up what used to be an uninspiring main street. But as you move north to south, does there need to be a drawcard? There is no long-term vision for the gallery and the Civic Green. It’s important to open discussions, create dreams. If there’s a community desire for change, let’s then explore the possibilities.

The state coalition this week unveiled its own dream of creating a $19 billion super fast regional rail network which would cut the travel times between Warrnambool and Melbourne in half. While the announcement lacked funding and specifics, it’s the kind of thinking we should applaud.

Voters are fed up with decisions for short-term self-interests. We need to think big, we need aspirations and only by talking about them will we have any hope of bringing them to fruition.