Port Report - Cr Jim Mason - 1 Feb 2020

It’s my first Port Report for 2020 and it’s so great to be back updating you on council happenings.

Firstly, caring for 13.6 hectares of land in Indented Head, that was handed to council as part of a land swap with a developer, is going well.

Council officers have been removing weeds, including eight species of national significance, and spraying new regrowth.

A ‘Friends of the Indented Head Woodland Reserve’ group has been set up and has about 20 members, who are continuing the small-scale weed control while council carries out large scale works.

A Latham’s Snipe wetland bird has been spotted there, and the reserve is full of red gum trees, native grasses and plants.

Community groups and clubs in and around Portarlington will be excited to know another round of grants are open.

Head to www.geelongaustralia.com.au and search for ‘grants and funding’.

It’s well worth looking through what’s on offer, as I recently met with recipients of the 2019-20 Community Infrastructure Program who spoke of the positive impact the funding would have for years to come.

And on a personal note, I had a lot of fun completing my third Wreck2Reef swim in February, which raises funds for the Indented Head Yacht Club’s young sailor program.

While I didn’t set any world records, it was really enjoyable to spend some time in the beautiful waters of Indented Head and meet some new people.

With everything that’s happening with the bushfires across Australia, I feel really lucky!