Support to bring forward the planning for the Melbourne Metro 2 (MM2) train line, funding a headspace (a youth mental health support service) satellite at the Newport Community Hub and upgrading Grieve Parade to be a preferred truck route are the top three asks Council is advocating for in the lead up to the 2019 federal election.
Hobsons Bay’s key issues have been identified in Council’s 2019 Advocacy Priorities and Council has committed to working hard, along with the community and other stakeholders, to generate change.
The Mayor of Hobsons Bay Councillor Jonathon Marsden said Hobsons Bay faces unique challenges across the city.
“Our city is dynamic, which we love. This also presents us with a range of challenges that need intergovernmental support, such as balancing our urban and coastal areas, growth, transport, social disadvantage, infrastructure demands and addressing service gaps,” said Cr Marsden.
“Local government does not have the legislative ability to tackle these challenges alone. To gain momentum and genuine progress, we require strong partnerships with federal, state, regional and local sectors to meet our community’s growing needs.”
Cr Marsden said the ask for MM2 includes bringing forward the planning for the project as well as maximising resources by duplicating the Altona Loop, providing an additional link from Newport to Sunshine.
“Our ask also includes a new station in Altona North to cater for the growing community within the Altona North Development Site, Bradmill Development and the Brooklyn Business Park. This would also provide a critical connection to the Airport Rail Link,” said Cr Marsden.
“Mental health is a growing issue for our city’s young people. Council is calling on the federal government to support a satellite headspace at Newport Community Hub, integrating a range of holistic services to ensure no young person is turned away from the support they desperately need.”
Council is also calling for Grieve Parade to be upgraded to a preferred truck route, the extension of Grieve Parade north via Jones Road through to Market Road, the provision of freeway access ramps at Dohertys Road west of Grieve Parade, and the development of a regional freight management plan.
Cr Marsden said in addition to the three major priority areas, Council also wants to see collaborative action in areas of public transport, active transport, roads, sport and recreation, environment and the arts.
“Our community deserves reliable transport, safer connections, options for an active lifestyle, a thriving and protected environment and more possibilities for the arts to flourish,” said Cr Marsden.
Council will be contacting federal government candidates over the coming weeks to ensure the voices of Hobsons Bay residents are heard and opportunities for collaboration can be seized.
