By Molly Magennis
A wetlands facility and a new aquatic centre are among Hobson Bay council’s advocacy priorities for the coming 12 months.
Council adopted the Hobsons Bay Advocacy Strategy 2021-25 at its council Meeting on Tuesday, November 16.
The strategy is divided into two parts, with the first setting out the framework that will help council determine and put into action its advocacy priorities, while the second part is a key list of advocacy projects that council will review annually.
The list of advocacy priorities is divided into three levels: Transformational outcomes, high impact with clear evidence and supported and aligned.
Transformational outcomes are projects that are ready to implement and can significantly change the city’s economic, environmental and/or social opportunities.
Western Aquatic Leisure Centre, Hobsons Bay Wetlands Centre and a large-scale Solar Virtual Power project will be included under this level.
Council will also seek to implement the Better Places projects across the suburbs of Laverton, Spotswood/South Kingsville, and Brooklyn/Altona North.
High impact with clear evidence projects are ones that address a particular community need, address inequity and will have a positive impact on the city’s liveability.
Council’s priorities under this level include Hobsons Bay’s top 10 shared trail and cycling projects and Brooklyn and Altona North air quality alleviation.
Over the coming months, council will be rolling out individual campaigns on each of its top priorities and will also be inviting the community to get involved.
Mayor Peter Hemphill said as the closest level of government to the community, the council is responsible for advocating on behalf of the residents who reside in Hobsons Bay.
“Our previous advocacy work has seen some great success stories, including funds for the Altona Foreshore Redevelopment and the Altona Sports Centre expansion, open space improvements in Brooklyn and Altona North as part of the West Gate Tunnel Project, sporting facilities at Bayside College and road improvements across Hobsons Bay,” he said.
“We want to build on that great work over the next 12 months. These priorities aren’t just a wish list, they are activities that are realistic, attainable and are backed by evidence and research to meet a clear community need.”
Details: www.hobsonsbay.vic.gov.au/advocacy
