Surf Coast Shire Council has updated its advocacy priorities with a focus on environmental leadership, funding for key projects, and local initiatives from the community that enhance township character.
Council’s strategic advocacy priorities now include investigating the health of Anglesea River, Karaaf Wetlands rehabilitation, strengthening planning controls to address Climate Change and partnering with the community for key local projects including the Winchelsea Arboretum project.
Council is also calling for reforms to address the national housing crisis, including provision of more social and affordable housing and seasonal worker accommodation.
Council also resolved to include the priority to seek funding to deliver the Surf Coast Aquatic and Health Centre.
Council adopted its updated set of advocacy priorities at its 26 July meeting at an important time four months out from the State Election. Each of the priorities are linked to one of the seven themes in the Council Plan, helping to ensure they are aligned with community goals.
“Council is constantly seeking to advocate with other levels of government in areas including project funding, policy change or partnerships,” Mayor Libby Stapleton said.
“This latest refresh of our priorities brings in some really critical objectives such as actions around Climate Change and seeking funding for key local projects. We know from the responses which shaped our Council Plan that taking action in these areas is of major importance to our community.
“Improving the health of Torquay’s Karaaf Wetlands is also a high priority with strong community interest.
“Our advocacy priorities cover many important topics and the coming months will be critically important for us as we speak to members of parliament and candidates leading into the November State Election.”
Council will continue to deliver actions to attract funding and achieve policy shifts to help realise adopted priorities. Engagement with parliamentarians and candidates, pursuing of grant opportunities and advocacy campaigns will occur throughout the year to help achieve Council’s goals.
