Jennifer Pittorino
Hobsons Bay council supported three motions to be put to the Municipal Association of Victoria (MAV), for the State Council Meeting, which provides an opportunity for local government to submit motions for key priorities that require state or federal government support.
The MAV will be holding its second State Council Meeting for the year on October 13.
The three motions developed by Hobsons Bay council to be put to the MAV included a review of the Maternal and Child Health Key Age and Stages framework and to rectify a funding shortfall, to assess existing and future transport needs of the western suburbs and to recognise the Ramsar-protected Cheetham Wetlands.
Councillor Matt Tyler said his previous motion to MAV on gambling reform, shows the relevancy to Hobsons Bay residents as well statewide.
“These reforms will make a really tangible difference to people’s lives and a significant contribution to recognising gambling harm,” he said.
Council has previously spoken about the need for better public transport services in the west, which councillors Jonathon Marsden and Diana Grima said needs to be assessed.
“Council is tackling these hard issues which are important for all of us, and people of all ages,” said Cr Grima.
“They impact the environment , our young ones, we have to make it safe for them to have access to transport.”
Cr Marsden agreed the transport is lacking.
“The transport system has taken a tumble in recent times, and there is a question of the airport rail which is currently pending a review of the federal government,” he said.
The wetlands proposal aims to highlight the significance of inner western coastal wetlands, while promoting education and support tourism in Melbourne.
Cr Marsden said the wetlands are of international significance and deserve attention at the MAV.
“This easily qualifies to be treated as an item of particular interest by the MAV, as it deals with the precious wetlands which are under threat from rising sea levels, storm surge and the impact of climate change,” he said.
