Local coast represented on national body

GEELONG is set to be represented on a national coastal committee with the appointment of City of Greater Geelong councillor Jim Mason.

Cr Mason has been elected to join the Australian Coastal Councils Association’s Committee of Management in a casual position.

As a member of the national body, he will represent the interests of coastal councils and their communities along with 12 members, made up of two representatives from each state.

The Committee of Management advocates on challenges facing these areas such as climate change adaptation, population growth and planning matters.

The new appointment follows Cr Mason’s ongoing work as the chair of the City of Greater Geelong’s Rural and Coastal portfolio, as well as his involvement in the Association of Bayside Municipalities and the Geelong – Queenscliff Coastal Adaptation Program.

Along with national representation, the city has made efforts to address the environmental challenges facing coastal townships across the region.

Implemented initiatives include the award-winning artificial Ramblers Reef in Portarlington made from recycled materials to reduce erosion, a wave attenuator at The Dell in Clifton Springs to restore marine reed communities and Amendment C394 which applies to coastal properties that are prone to future flood events.

Cr Jim Mason said he was looking forward to complementing his work across the region with the national position.

“I’m thrilled to have been appointed to the Australian Coastal Councils Association’s Committee of Management and I thank the Victorian member councils for their support,” he said.

“I will use my voice to advocate strongly for the interests of Greater Geelong and Australia’s other beautiful and unique coastal communities.”