Councillor Tony Briffa
Shoppers at Harrington Square in Altona will have noticed some work happening in the car park recently.
It’s a wonderful project that’s going to make that precinct a greener, cooler place in the years to come.
The trees in Harrington Square had been struggling to grow and were unlikely to ever provide the shade needed to reduce the heat in the car park.
So a section of the car park was excavated and a network of underground Stratacells has been installed.
These Stratacells are interlocking octagons that increase the available soil for tree roots so they can access the nutrients and water they need to grow.
Twelve newly planted trees will now be able to grow faster and larger, bringing some much-needed shade to the area.
The Harrington Square revamp also included four new permanent outdoor dining areas outside cafes, and the toilet block was painted by western region artist Justine McAllister.
All work will be completed within the next few weeks.
I was pleased to see significant investment in the Council budget for Altona, Seaholme and Altona North, including $8.2 million to start upgrading the Altona Beach entry and Esplanade.
Works are scheduled to start this month and will continue through to the start of summer.
Altona Beach is a popular spot during the warmer months, and works will be paused during summer to limit disruptions, and then will start again next autumn.
There was also funding in the Council budget to upgrade the pavilion at the Altona Hockey Club and to renovate the Altona North Library.
The library is now closed so work can begin. Once it’s reopened, it will be a Centre of Excellence with a focus on video games and board games, as well as everything you’ve come to know and love about your local library.
A pop-up library will be opening nearby in August, so keep an eye on the Council website for details.
I am pleased to have ensured the funding for these important local projects by working with the community, Council administration and other Councillors, and then voting for them in the chamber. I am grateful for the opportunity to represent the community in our council.
Please feel free to reach out on tbriffa@hobsonsbay.vic.gov.au if I can help you, your local community group or business.
