Heritage, infrastructure, environment, and community building will be at the centre of Mayor of Hobsons Bay Cr Peter Hemphill’s program for his third term as Mayor.
The Mayoral Focus Areas were revealed at the Council Meeting on Tuesday 8 February.
Cr Hemphill said that the program included priorities which pay tribute to the past and secure the future of Hobsons Bay.
“One of my key priorities is to safeguard the character and heritage of our community with stronger protections for sites of significance and opportunities to educate our community about the rich history of their streets and suburbs,” said Cr Hemphill.
“We also need to look to the future, and I look forward to further developing the Virtual Energy Network and progressing the delivery of our ambitious Urban Forest Strategy.”
“As this is a double election year, putting forward our advocacy priorities to state and federal candidates will be another important piece of work for 2022.”
“Finally, I look forward to using my term as Mayor to support our 2022 Citizens of the Year, Kate De Marco and Tahlia Kotiau, to work with Council on the community building programs they are passionate about.”
The initiatives included in Councillor Hemphill’s Mayoral program include:
Heritage:
- Working with community groups to advocate for increased heritage protection for the former Newport Railway Workshops
- Expanding the Hobsons Bay Heritage Street Sign program to Spotswood
- Installing heritage interpretive signage along the new Altona Pier being built by Parks Victoria
Environment:
- Advocating for State and Federal Government support for a large-scale solar battery to enhance the benefits of the Virtual Energy Network
- Launching the next phase of the Urban Forest Strategy which looks to engage the community in the renewal of street trees and introducing a live online tree planting dashboard which will enable the community to monitor planting progress against the Urban Forest Strategy goals
Infrastructure:
- Continuing to advocate to State and Federal Government for funding for the Hobsons Bay Wetlands Centre and Western Aquatic Facility
- Progressing the refurbishment of the Williamstown Swimming and Life Saving Club
- Supporting the upgrades of sporting grounds in the municipality including WLJ Crofts Reserve Pavilion, Digman Reserve, Donald McLean Reserve and JT Gray Reserve
Community Building:
- Supporting Hobsons Bay Citizen and Young Citizen of the Year Kate De Marco and Tahlia Kotiau with their work around community development and youth programs
