A state-of-the-art wetlands facility, a new aquatic centre and implementing projects from the Better Places program top the list of Hobsons Bay City Council’s advocacy priorities for the coming 12 months.
Council adopted the Hobsons Bay Advocacy Strategy 2021-25 at its Council Meeting on Tuesday 16 November. The strategy is divided into two parts – the first sets out the framework that will guide Council in determining and actioning 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 and includes:
Transformational outcomes – projects that are ready to implement and can significantly transform the city’s economic, environmental and/or social opportunities
- Western Aquatic and Leisure Centre
- Hobsons Bay Wetlands Centre
- Better Places Place Guide projects across Laverton, Spotswood/South Kingsville, and Brooklyn/Altona North
- bringing forward Melbourne Metro 2 (and reinstatement of Altona North Railway Station)
- large-scale Solar Virtual Power project to enable battery storage and the ability to offer a blueprint of the project to other Victorian communities
- youth mental health and identifying service delivery opportunities in Hobsons Bay
High impact with clear evidence – projects that address a demonstrated community need, address inequity and will have a positive impact on the city and region’s liveability
- fund and deliver traffic improvements to relieve congestion in the west (resulting from West Gate Tunnel Project) in:
- Millers Road
- Grieve Parade
- Blackshaws and Geelong Roads
- Brooklyn and Altona North Air quality alleviation
- waste and recycling support in the form of processing infrastructure and community education programs
- western major transport infrastructure projects, including a Queen Street Bridge pedestrian and cycling connection and Point Cook Road/Central Avenue intersection safety and congestion improvements
- support the implementation of Hobsons Bay’s top 10 shared trail and cycling projects
Supported and aligned – projects that are in keeping with the Council Plan 2021-25, have history in the community with local support and are time critical
- a cultural and arts precinct in Altona Civic Centre area (with on-site library, and redevelopment of the existing Altona Library building)
- infrastructure preservation, including protection for heritage buildings and railway stock at the Newport Railway Workshops and the Williamstown Rail Museum
- planning and building reforms
- affordable housing in Epsom Street, Laverton
- western transport infrastructure improvements (entry and exit ramps at Newland Street, Altona Meadows and High Street, Laverton)
- seek opportunity for government partnerships to further Council’s objectives as part of Reimagining our Industrial Areas
- develop a partnership approach with relevant agencies to deliver projects and programs identified within their Coastal and Marine Management Plans
- seek state government support for the future use of the BAU site and foreshore infrastructure renewal in Williamstown
Over the coming months, particularly in the lead up to state and federal budgets and elections, Council will be rolling out individual campaigns on each of its top priorities and will be inviting the community and key stakeholders to get involved.
For details on Council’s advocacy work, visit www.hobsonsbay.vic.gov.au/advocacy
Quote attributable to Mayor of Hobsons Bay Cr Peter Hemphill
“As the closest level of government to the community, Council is responsible for advocating on behalf of the people of Hobsons Bay. As our community grows and changes, so do our needs.
“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.
“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.
“While our city faces unique challenges, we are also presented with great opportunities. Our recovery from COVID and the many partnerships we share across the west give us a great platform to have real, effective, long-lasting change to support our community and see it flourish.”
