Four-year direction finalised

A FOUR-YEAR plan to meet community goals, guide projects and address the “challenges of a changing world” has been finalised by the Borough of Queenscliffe.

The endorsed council plan 2021-25 has been developed in partnership with a diverse cross-section of the borough community through multiple rounds of surveys, open houses, workshops and stakeholder engagements.

A draft of the plan went on public exhibition in September and the council received 12 submissions suggesting additions and changes, which the council has responded to in the final document.

Among the changes were extra actions for council including promoting awareness of responsible gambling, continuing to advocate for the inclusion of Lakers Cutting in the Swan Bay Ramsar wetlands designation and applying for government environmental grants to assist community groups with vegetation programs.

The final document includes more images of Point Lonsdale than the draft, so it isn’t as focused on Queenscliff landmarks, and also states that the council will be “using 100 per cent electricity from renewable sources by 2025”.

In his introduction to the plan, mayor Ross Ebbels says “across five portfolio areas of health and wellbeing; environment; local economy; heritage, planning and infrastructure; and governance and finance, this plan both builds on the work of previous councils while adapting to and addressing the challenges we face in a changing world”.

Explaining the direction of each portfolio, Cr Ebbels said the health and wellbeing portfolio was focused on making the borough a place where all residents, of our demographics, could enjoy active, healthy and well lives.

“Preserving our special natural places while adapting to and preparing for climate change is the dual focus of our environment portfolio,” he said.

“Our local economy portfolio acknowledges and focuses on the small businesses and events that make our community a vibrant place to trade, visit and shop.

“Local businesses are the lifeblood of our community, and by finding new ways to support traders and encourage visitors to discover the borough, council will continue to play a key role in supporting our community’s economic prosperity.

“The way our community looks, feels and moves comes to the fore of our heritage, planning and infrastructure portfolio.

“Caring for our distinctive coast, open spaces and streetscapes, while providing better infrastructure and effective planning, will build on the sense of place that makes the borough special.

“Protecting and celebrating the living heritage and characteristics that define our community will continue to add vitality to our townships; this will help us create a desirable place to both live in and visit.

“Finally, council can only serve our community well with a strong focus on governance and finance.

“This pillar ensures we bring excellent processes and accountability to the table in the work we complete, while continuing to provide for a financially sustainable borough over the long term.”