By Molly Magennis
Hobsons Bay council have shortlisted several community ideas, allowing residents to vote for which one they’d like to see come to fruition.
Thirteen community-driven ideas have been chosen as a part of the councils 2022/23 Community Pitch. Residents can now vote on which one they like best, which will also put them into a draw to win one of three $50 vouchers to use at any Hobsons Bay business.
Ideas and pitches were received from community groups, residents, organisations and businesses from October 2021 to February 2022.
The shortlisted ideas range from reducing Hobsons Bay Toy Library membership fees for families who experienced financial hardship during the pandemic, hosting a Hobsons Bay Volunteer Expo and holding a ‘diversity potluck’ to celebrate the variety of cultures in the municipality.
Residents can vote online via the Participate Hobsons Bay website, where they will be given three points and can choose to vote for one, two, or three ideas but cannot use all three points for one idea.
Funding of up to $50,000 is available for the highest rated ideas.
Mayor of Hobsons Bay Peter Hemphill thanked the community for pitching such a diverse range of ideas.
“The thirteen successful pitches which progressed to vote stage all demonstrated a theme of reconnecting with the community as we recover from COVID-19 or focused on the environment,” he said.
“Council officers have assessed each application against the selection criteria and are committed to delivering the projects with the highest number of votes.”
On top of that, a number of community submissions have been modified slightly and will be established through council’s day to day operations, such as developing indigenous signage that acknowledges the Bunurong Peoples of the Kulin Nation as the traditional owners of the lands, rivers and coastal areas in Hobsons Bay.
Voting will close on May 1 2022.
To vote, visit participate.hobsonsbay.vic.gov.au/community-pitch-202223.
