Advocacy Priorities

Hobsons Bay is a community abundant with opportunity, as well as plenty of challenges to tackle. It has never been more vital for Council to advocate for investment in infrastructure, programs and services that meet the needs of our community. 

This work is guided by our Advocacy Strategy 2021-25, which aligns with the values of the Council Plan 2021-25 and the Hobsons Bay 2030 Community Vision.

Click on the tiles below to find out more about each of Council's advocacy priorities.

Council is also advocating on the following initiatives:

Brooklyn and Altona North Air quality

- Calling on the state government to fund and deliver air quality alleviation measures resulting from the West Gate Tunnel Project, and the Inner West Air Quality Community Reference Group’s report, "Air Pollution in Melbourne’s Inner West: Taking direct action to reduce our community’s exposure."

Waste and recycling support

- Calling on the state government for a funding contribution to support more recycling processing infrastructure and community education programs.

Precincts – Altona & Williamstown

- Seeking state and federal government funding contributions to support the implementation of a cultural and arts precinct in the Altona Civic Centre area (and redevelopment of the existing Altona Library building). Also seeking further government investment for building upgrades along Altona’s foreshore.

- Seeking state government support for the Williamstown Maritime Precinct Framework final report recommendations analysis (for advocacy regarding the future use of the BAE site and foreshore infrastructure renewal).

Infrastructure preservation

- Seeking state and federal government support to protect heritage buildings and railway stock at the Newport Railway Workshops and the Williamstown Rail Museum.

Planning and building reform

- Seeking partnerships with the state and federal governments for any changes to government service delivery or improvements.

Affordable Housing in Laverton

- Seeking state government funding through the Big Housing Build Fund program to deliver affordable housing at a site in Epsom Street, Laverton (delivered via the Hobsons Bay Affordable Housing Trust).

Re-imagining our Industrial Areas / Hobsons Bay Land Management Strategy

- Seek opportunities for government partnerships over the coming years to further Council’s objectives to re-imagine our industrial areas.

Foreshore management partnership approach

- Engaging with relevant stakeholders, land managers and government bodies to develop a partnership approach towards the management and upgrade of Council’s foreshore areas.

- Seeking funding from the state government for a coordinated, integrated approach with coastal councils to deliver projects and programs identified within Coastal and Marine Management Plans.

 

 

 

 

 

Advocacy Priorities 2020

Game changers (transformational)

Western Aquatic Centre (Bruce Comben Reserve) - Funding support of approximately $30 million to support the development of a new aquatic facility to service the people of Hobsons Bay and Melbourne’s western region.

Ferguson Street Precinct Upgrade – Funding support of approximately $5 million for a comprehensive upgrade for the Ferguson Street Level Crossing precinct to create an integrated transport and multi modal hub, making the precinct’s public space more usable with better connectivity.

Alleviation of West Gate Tunnel traffic in Altona North and Brooklyn– Fund and deliver initiatives as defined by the Millers Road Corridor Working Group, which will improve local connectivity and traffic flows and better manage heavy vehicles throughout Altona North and Brooklyn and onto the freeway network. Furthermore, in light of the expected 4,500 extra trucks per day expected on Millers Road resulting from the West Gate Tunnel, Council calls for funding and delivery in relation to: Grieve Parade being upgraded to a preferred truck route; the extension of Grieve Parade north to Market Road; the provision of freeway access ramps at Dohertys Road west of Grieve Parade; and the development of a regional freight management plan.

Point Cook Road congestion treatments and safety/amenity enhancements – Fund the delivery of the recommendations in the state government’s business case on modifications to the Point Cook Rd / Central Avenue (double diamond freeway access) and the Point Cook Rd corridor to improve pedestrian and cyclist safety and reduce congestion.

Foreshore infrastructure and response to sea level rise – Funding support of approximately $4 million over the next four years for the renewal and upgrade of foreshore infrastructure consistent with future climate change scenarios.  Council is also advocating for a coordinated response to sea level rise and coastal inundation across the bay and coastline, which is consistent with Council’s advocacy associated with the declaration of a climate change emergency.

Regional

Hobsons Bay Wetlands Centre – Funding support of approximately $5 million for a state of the art sustainability-focussed Wetlands Centre in Hobsons Bay to increase community education and participation in the preservation of the local environment.

Improvements to pedestrian and cycling connections – Fund and deliver pedestrian and cycling improvement works throughout the municipality to reduce congestion and increase health and wellbeing outcomes, including:

  1. Queen Street Bridge separate pedestrian and cyclist creek crossing
  2. Queen Street / Central Avenue pedestrian and cyclist improvements
  3. Kororoit Creek Road / Millers Road pedestrian and cyclist intersection improvement works
  4. Kororoit Creek Shared Trail Stages 4 and 5 at the cost of approximately $7 million

Youth Mental Health – Fund and deliver increased mental health services and programs (both preventative and responsive) for young people in Hobsons Bay and/or the inner western region. Council is also advocating for increased funding to expand Council’s youth counselling service.

Melbourne Metro 2 – Bring forward the funding and planning for Melbourne Metro 2 and ensure its completion prior to the building of the outer suburban rail line. This includes the addition of an Altona North Station to service the increasing population along Blackshaws Road (set to increase due to Precinct 15), employees at the Brooklyn Business Park and residents of the Bradmill site development in neighbouring Yarraville (City of Maribyrnong).

Waste and recycling – Fund and deliver better outcomes for waste and recycling including: more recyclables processing infrastructure; the introduction of a container deposit scheme; and the strengthening of state and federal government oversight and regulations.

Local

Affordable Housing – Increased investment in affordable housing and the introduction of controls and planning mechanisms that mandate the delivery of affordable housing by developers through Victoria’s planning system.

Social services information connector – Funding for an information/connector service delivered by Council to assist older people and people with disabilities and their carers to navigate and access appropriate MyAgedCare, NDIS and HACC-PYP services, including those delivered by Council and by other local providers.

Boat Ramp Management - Funding for both the operational maintenance and the capital infrastructure investment to improve boat ramp infrastructure in lieu of ceased Council income, while continuing to make usage free for all users.

 

North and West City Deal Plan 2020-40

The North and West City Deal Plan 2020-40 is a 20-year proposal of projects and investment for the region. It aims to kickstart economic recovery in one of the fastest growing regions of Australia, reboot business, boost social and economic inclusion, and leverage existing strengths in health, food production, manufacturing and logistics.

The Plan includes intergenerational investment projects, some of which are underway or planned, while others are brand new.

The 66 transformative and enabling projects will unlock economic development opportunities across eight key precincts and are aligned to four priorities for the region – Future Economy; Transport and Connectivity; Health and Wellbeing; and Liveability.

The Plan has been developed through unprecedented collaboration of 13 local councils represented by LeadWest and the Northern Councils Alliance, La Trobe and Victoria Universities, and economic development bodies NORTH Link and the West of Melbourne Economic Development Alliance.

Advocacy Priorities 2019

Melbourne Metro 2

Council is seeking the federal government to support the Melbourne Metro 2 (MM2) project and for the state government to bring forward the planning for MM2, with the plan to include the duplication of the Altona Loop and a link from Newport to Sunshine. Council is also seeking that MM2 be completed prior to building the outer suburban rail line.

 

For more information read Council's Melbourne Metro 2 Advocacy Fact Sheet

See the proposed rail link route map

 

 

Youth Mental Health - Satellite Headspace in Newport

Council is seeking funding to support the establishment of a satellite Headspace at Newport Community Hub providing an integration of resources and the expansion Council’s youth counselling services.

For more information read Council's Youth Mental Health - Satellite Headspace Advocacy Fact Sheet

Grieve Parade to be upgraded to preferred truck route

Council is calling for Grieve Parade to be upgraded to a preferred truck route, the extension of Grieve Parade north to Market Road, the provision of freeway access ramps at Dohertys Road west of Grieve Parade, and the development of a regional freight management plan.

 

For more information read Council's Grieve Parade Truck Route Advocacy Fact Sheet.

 

 

Public Transport

The vision for Hobsons Bay is to have an integrated, innovative and equitable transport system, providing a range of sustainable, efficient, accessible and safe ways for people and goods to reach their destination.

Active Transport

Creating and improving our active transport network (on-road and off-road cycling paths, pedestrian paths) increases physical activity and provides residents the option to use alternative transport to cars. 

Roads

Safe road connections between neighbourhoods and to regional destinations in Hobsons Bay will generate more efficient movement of people and goods, attracting and providing links to jobs, services, and industry. 

Sport and Recreation

Sport and recreation creates healthier communities, increases social connections, and builds creates economic growth and jobs. Hobsons Bay is experiencing an increased demand on sports infrastructure. 

Environment

Hobsons Bay’s rich natural environment is one of its greatest assets. The area boasts over 20 kilometres of beaches and foreshore areas and is home to significant coastal wetlands, five creek systems, remnant native grasslands, and important flora and fauna habitats. 

Arts

Council aims to position Hobsons Bay as a centre of cultural excellence through the delivery of innovative and sustainable programs. 

Council submissions

Visit our Council Submission webpage to view Council’s current and previous submissions on various advocacy issues.