Max Hatzoglou
Brimbank council has adopted its advocacy plan 2022 ahead of the upcoming federal and state elections.
Key priorities in the advocacy plan were spilt into four categories; gold, silver and bronze and a fourth general business category.
’Transforming Brimbank’ and ’mental health and wellbeing’ topped the list in the gold category.
’Employment pathways’ and ’road infrastructure’ were in silver.
’Local business support’ and ’Climate Emergency’ were in bronze.
In the general business category, four items were announced, including ’Melbourne Airport’s third runway and measures to mitigate community impact’, ’major parks and playgrounds’, ’gambling harm’ and ’Calder Park Station’.
Brimbank mayor Jasmine Nguyen said the council is proud of its previous advocacy achievements although admitted more is needed.
“Brimbank council is proud of our successes in lobbying for a better deal for Brimbank – such as the State Government’s commitment to remove level crossings in Brimbank, and securing the Sunshine SuperHub on the proposed Melbourne Airport Rail Link,” Cr Nguyen said.
“But we need to do more to achieve council’s vision for a beautiful, thriving, healthy and connected Brimbank.
“The advocacy plan is an essential step to delivering key priorities and actions to improve quality of life across our municipality.”
Since Brimbank council’s advocacy plan was released in October 2019, council has successfully advocated for more than $200 million in state and federal investments for the community.
These investments include funding for sport and recreation facilities, upgrading schools, Westside Lodge mental health service upgrade, the redevelopment of the Sunshine Law Courts and Justice Precinct, and safety improvements to the Calder Freeway and other roads across the municipality.
“As we look to the future, council will continue to lobby hard and work together with all governments to build a resilient community that is proud, welcoming and prosperous for everyone,” Cr Nguyen said.
