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Most pressing needs for 2023 being advanced by Baw Baw Shire Council

Council is now actively inviting community feedback on the draft priorities to ensure they meet resident needs and inspire grassroots support.

By Portal Admin - 9th January 2023 - Back to News

Baw Baw Shire Council has committed to advancing the region's most pressing needs in 2023 by putting forward a set of draft advocacy priorities designed to balance the challenges of growth while enhancing Baw Baw's lifestyle, character and environment.At the Wednesday 14 December council meeting, council endorsed the draft Advocacy Priorities 2023 and moved to put them on public exhibition from Monday 9 January to Sunday 26 February to seek community input and support.

Council will look for ways to further support the implementation of strategic initiatives outlined in council's Economic Development and Visitor Economy Strategy 2022-2025

Focusing on advocacies

Once adopted, council proposes to focus its advocacy efforts on these identified priorities, seeking support and investment from State and Federal Governments, relevant agencies and other key stakeholders to deliver real outcomes for Baw Baw residents. Tier One Priorities are most pressing and include:

• Baw Baw Culture and Connection Precinct
• Drouin & Warragul Arterial Road Network Planning
• New Hospital and Increased Health Services and Support
• Longwarry Logistic and Employment Hub
• Securing Resources for Ongoing Growth

Tier Two Priorities reflect infrastructure projects and issues which will make a significant difference to the liveability, safety and sustainability of Baw Baw Shire. Priorities include:

• Investment in Education
• Erica Mountain Bike Hub
• Industry transition
• Innovation in the Visitor Economy
• Leveraging Commonwealth Games' Opportunities
• Sealing South Face Road
• Securing Utilities
• New library for the Trafalgar community

Tier Three priorities focus on supporting objectives from key council strategies, including Environmental Sustainability, Economic Development, Long Term Infrastructure and Municipal Early Years' plans.

Feedback wanted

All residents - young and old, newly settled or locals for generations - are invited to review the priorities and provide feedback. It is resident input and support that will help shape and drive Baw Baw's future.

Residents can view council's Draft Advocacy Priorities 2023 in full and contribute their feedback via Help shape our 2023 Advocacy Priorities page.

To learn more about Baw Baw Shire Council's ongoing advocacy efforts, visit Advancing Baw Baw page or email advocacy@bawbawshire.vic.gov.au.

Support residents' needs

Mayor Annemarie McCabe said, "We want to ensure these advocacy priorities reflect our communities' expectations. We need your feedback to make sure we are putting the most important projects on the table when we work with the government to make things happen."

"All councils are reliant on other levels of government to fund and provide crucial infrastructure and services. Baw Baw Shire is one of the fastest growing regions in the country and there are serious infrastructure and service gaps that council cannot solve or fund on its own. These areas are where our advocacy work needs to be focused, and we will be shouting from the rooftops seeking state and federal government support for our residents' needs." Ms McCabe said.

Advocacy priorities

The advocacy priorities aim to reflect the Community Vision for a sustainable, healthy and thriving future and include:

• Mix of important projects and issues for the people of Baw Baw
• Our need for new community infrastructure and recreational facilities
• Better road planning
• Greater access to healthcare and education
• Ensuring we are equipped to manage our region's ongoing growth

"It is crucial that we continue to advocate for projects and services on behalf of our community to support a connected, resilient and prosperous Baw Baw now and into the future." Ms McCabe said.

Pictures from Google Maps.

Source: http://gippsland.com/

Published by: support@gippsland.com