Shire identifies new focus areas for Council Plan

THE Surf Coast Shire is continuing to make progress on the goals set out in its Council Plan and has identified its new focus areas for the next 18 months.

The plan, which identifies 19 strategies divided under seven core themes, outlines the council’s top objectives for its four-year term and provides a road map for how those objectives will be achieved.

It was adopted by the council in September 2021.

Since the last reporting period in September, notable developments have been made in the Council Plan, including the Surf Coast Aquatic and Health Centre project shifting to the tender stage and the adoption of the Reflect, Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP).

According to the progress report for March, however, some of the council’s priorities will compete for funding over the coming year and may therefore change in size and scale or be postponed.

Several new focus areas have also been identified for the next 18 months. They include:

• Delivery of the Reflect RAP and the development of the next Innovate RAP,
• Support for developing community-led reconciliation groups,
• Installation of electric vehicle charging stations at key locations across the shire
• Support for community advocacy and agency initiatives to improve the health of the Anglesea River,
• Connecting businesses with ethical, social and sustainability initiatives, and
• Climate risk assessments to identify areas and assets across the shire most vulnerable to climate impacts, helping to prioritise adaption efforts.

“It is great to reflect and acknowledge the achievements that have been made by the council over the last three plus years,” Cr Gary Allen said.

“A lot of the work achieved by the council relates back to the input from our community to establish the Community Vision in the Council Plan, to enhance our natural environment and our unique neighbourhoods and leave the Surf Coast better than how we found it.

“We know the work is not complete yet and we will keep progressing towards the stated outcomes in the Council Plan.”

For more information, head to surfcoast.vic.gov.au/CouncilPlan