Advocacy
Advocating to other levels of government in the interests of our community is an essential role of local government.
Through our advocacy we are the voice of our community, working to deliver infrastructure and policy in partnership with other levels of government to meet current and long-term needs.
Council is focusing on three key themes for advocacy on behalf of our community. These themes support the aspirations of the Bayside community as expressed in the Bayside 2050 Community Vision and Council's priorities as expressed in the Council Plan 2021-2025.
Our Planet
Climate change represents significant challenges for Bayside, now and into the future. Our advocacy includes initiatives targeting climate mitigation as well as adaption.
Key initiative - Elsternwick Park Nature Reserve
The transformation of Elsternwick Park Nature Reserve represents a once in a lifetime opportunity to create an extraordinary natural space in an urban setting. It also has significant potential benefits for improving water quality in Port Phillip Bay via nitrogen capture as well as flood management, biodiversity and urban cooling benefits.
Council is seeking financial and technical support from the Victorian and Australian Governments to transform the former golf course site.
Find out more about Elsternwick Park Nature Reserve
Key initiative - Recycled Water Pipeline
Bayside is supporting South East Water’s proposal to construct a water pipeline from the Eastern water treatment plant to transport Class A recycled water which can be used for irrigation including locally in Bayside parks and gardens. This will help to save 300 mega litres of precious drinking water.
Other advocacy initiatives
We are also seeking action on:
- reducing emissions with ambitious targets to combat the Climate Emergency through our membership of the South East Councils Climate Change Alliance (SECCA)
- short and long term action on coastal erosion including at the iconic Dendy Street Beach and other coastal areas
- support for the roll-out of additional electric vehicle charging stations across Bayside
- improved water quality and bay health
- reduction in packaging and waste minimisation.
Our Place
We are advocating to the Victorian Government for improved public transport services in Bayside, particularly in the southern part of our municipality.
Key initiative - Suburban Rail Loop
The Victorian Government’s Suburban Rail Loop is a city-shaping project that will transform Melbourne’s public transport system, connecting suburbs and creating opportunities in great places.
The selection of Sir William Fry Reserve in Cheltenham as a station location represents an opportunity to improve sustainable, efficient, and connected public transport across and onward from Bayside. Initial works for Stage One are expected to commence in 2022 with commissioning of the railway expected by 2035.
Council is providing strong input to the Suburban Rail Loop Authority to advocate on behalf of the Bayside community to minimise impacts from the construction of the new station and maximise long term benefit from the new transport infrastructure.
Find out more about the Suburban Rail Loop.
Other advocacy initiatives
Our advocacy for Our Place also includes:
- expanded commuter parking at Bayside railway stations
- the removal of Highett Road and Wickham Road railway station level crossings
- enhanced safety on pedestrian railway crossings across Bayside including at New/Dendy Street in Brighton.
Our People
We are seeking policy reform and funding to ensure that all Bayside residents are celebrated, included and feel they can actively participate in community life.
Key initiative - Aged care reform
Bayside has an ageing population and our older residents need support to remain independent, healthy and safe in their homes so they can age in place in the community. We are seeking federal support to help our residents navigate upcoming changes to aged care assessments and the provision of in-home aged care services in 2023.
Other advocacy initiatives
Our advocacy also includes:
- calling for greater affordable housing across the south east region
- action to support residents experiencing homelessness
- public housing renewal.
