Cr Tony Briffa
There is so much going on in our local area! It’s great to see us coming out of the pandemic and getting on with living with the virus.
I recently had the pleasure of hosting a community drop-in session at Ransom Reserve, Altona. Some of the issues raised by the community include the slow but steady growth of the spit at the mouth of the Laverton Creek, increasing traffic congestion in the Altona area and renovation of the Altona Pier.
Many thanks to everyone who took the time out to come and meet with me – it was a genuine pleasure connecting with you and hearing what matters to you.
One of the issues creating local interest is the Altona Pier Redevelopment, which is a Parks Victoria asset and project. The demolition of our much-loved pier is tentatively scheduled for July, with construction of the new pier expected to start in September 2022 and to finish late next year.
It’s going to be strange not having a pier in Altona during that time, and I hope the new pier will be as much a part of our community as the current one.
You may have noticed construction under way at Weaver Reserve on the corner of Pier Street and the Esplanade. The reserve is being redeveloped as part of a broader project to improve safety and amenity along Pier Street.
It will create a more user-friendly public space that can be used for gatherings, events and as an overflow space for the lifesaving club. Grass mounds will be constructed along the edge of the reserve to reduce the impact of wind from the bay, which will make for a much more pleasant picnic experience. These works are set to finish at the end of this month.
Other improvements that we will see on Pier Street in coming weeks include reconfiguration of car parking spaces, widening of the footpath and replacement of the existing red brick pavers with granite pavers like those north of Queen Street.
These works will complement changes taking place along the Altona foreshore to create a safe and enjoyable beach precinct that we can all appreciate.
The community has until 15 May to provide feedback on the proposed 2022-23 Council Budget and includes funding for the Altona Foreshore, a new Pavilion at HC Kim Reserve in Seaholme, the Brooklyn Hall redevelopment, and the JJ Ginifer Reserve open space upgrade in Altona North.
I always enjoy hearing from residents. If you have anything you would like to discuss with me you can email me on tbriffa@hobsonsbay.vic.gov.au, call me on 9932 1044, or follow me on Facebook at www.facebook.com/CrTonyBriffa.
