Borough adopts 10-year vision

COMMUNITY and councillors have developed a new 10-year vision for the Borough of Queenscliffe, which identifies the municipality is “a special and restorative place, renowned for its distinctive coast, rich living heritage and vibrant culture”.

The borough’s new Community Vision, adopted at last week’s council meeting, also states “our community is caring, and welcoming to visitors” and acknowledges a “deep respect for the Wadawurrung People and are taking action to protect Country”.

This statement is supported by five themes which will guide the council’s strategic direction and funding over the next decade.

The themes are: enhancing health and wellbeing; protecting Country and our natural environment; supporting business and community prosperity, encouraging an inclusive and engaged community and; protecting and celebrating Wadawurrung and borough heritage.

The vision document was developed in partnership with community representatives, with the initial round of consultation generating thousands of ideas and views, and a second round of engagement involving a 25-member community panel that took part in five workshops.

Queenscliffe mayor Ross Ebbels thanked local residents for their ideas and expertise throughout the extensive consultation process, which took place across a number of months and multiple coronavirus lockdowns.

“I’m so pleased that we have been able to capture what our community represents in just a few short statements,” Cr Ebbels said.

“The last 18 months have shown how fortunate we are to live in a community defined by our incredible nature, coastline and people.

“I’d like to thank the almost 300 individual participants that contributed to this completed document in some way.”

The Community Vision can be viewed on the Borough of Queenscliffe website.