Bellarine residents to meet the candidates as election looms

THE Combined Bellarine Community Associations (CBCA) will hold several

“Meet the Candidates” forums across the Bellarine as the state election approaches on November 24.

The CBCA, which formed in mid- 2017 to identify common concerns across the Bellarine and to communicate effectively with elected representatives, has planned the first debate in Point Lonsdale on October 12, then Portarlington on October 25, and Ocean Grove on November 14.

A fourth event is planned for Leopold on a date to be determined.

The forums announcement comes after representatives from the CBCA recently met with the three Bellarine Ward councillors – Stephanie Asher, Jim Mason and Trent Sullivan – and Bellarine MP Lisa Neville.

The CBCA, which comprises representatives from nine communitybased groups, was pleased to see the preparedness of the three councillors and Ms Neville to listen to community concerns and to respond.

The meeting discussed a wide range of issues, from the possible negative impact of Warralily Village on the Breamlea general store, to the looming impact of questionable urban-style developments at Barwon Heads and Portarlington.

There was also real concern about the impact of planning decisions on the character of Bellarine townships and villages.