Council plans need to deliver practical improvements

EVERY four years, after a new council is elected, the community gets bombarded with a plethora of planning and project consultations as the new council sets its course for the future.

It would be easy to roll your eyes and turn the page or click through to something more interesting.

But it’s important to take an interest and have your say before these plans are set in stone, because they really do matter when it comes to having an influence on how $105.2 million is spent annually in the case of Bass Coast and $94 million at South Gippsland.

Both shires have a range of consultations going on at the moment. South Gippsland has its ‘Shaping South Gippsland’ process going on ahead of preparing a new council plan. The community has listed roads, weeds, supporting community volunteers and government advocacy on such things as public transport and reliable electricity as key issues.

They’ve also gone out to the community on the Memorial Hall development plan and the proposed skate park at Foster.

Bass Coast has some weighty plans out for public consultation at the moment including its four main planning documents; the Community Vision, Council Plan, Long Term Financial Plan and Asset Plan for which a 45-member community panel has been appointed to represent the community.

Wasn’t that what we voted for at the council elections in October last year?

Prior to the appointment of the 45-member panel, the general community came up with its five priorities; 1. Roads and footpaths. 2. Playgrounds and open spaces. 3. Supporting local business. 4.

Waste and recycling. 5. Environment and climate change.

Bass Coast also has a Coastal Management Plan, Healthy Communities Plan and the San Remo Structure Plan out for community consultation.

In fact, there’ some pop-up events coming up over the next few weeks on the Healthy Communities Plan including at Bass Valley Community Group Neighbourhood House on Wednesday, April 9,

Berninneit on Friday, April 11 and at the Corinella Community Market this Saturday, April 12.

The San Remo Structure Plan is open for consultation until April 28 and you can arrange a one-on-one meeting with a shire planning official to discuss your thoughts.

But our planners would do well to take note of the practical suggestions that come forward from community members.

As you can see from the community priorities for both councils, improving local roads and footpaths is high on the list.

They’re not talking about the 14 kilometre shared pathway between Inverloch and Wonthaggi or the extension of the Great Southern Rail Trail, as much as we welcome these facilities. They’re talking about better roads outside their own homes and around their towns, and footpaths that get their kids off the street.

The majority of people are concerned about the impact of climate change, support recognition of our indigenous heritage and healthy lifestyle initiatives including “delivering a whole of community approach to family violence” but it’s also important to draw the line between state and federal responsibilities and local responsibilities.

What people really want is practical measures that improve their lifestyle and to see that their councils are taking care to ensure every dollar of community money is well spent.