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Ocean Grove Voice column by Cr Jim Mason – 19 May 2021

Reconciliation Week begins next week (27 May) and this year’s theme is ‘More than a word. Reconciliation takes action’.

It really is an opportunity to think about what concrete action we can all take in the ongoing journey of Reconciliation.

Council recently voted to write to the Prime Minister in support of the Uluru Statement from the Heart and last year adopted the Reconciliation Action Plan.

There’s more work to do and I hope you’ll join us.

Let’s have a conversation about Reconciliation. Let’s listen and learn.

Information on Reconciliation Week events can be found here: geelongaustralia.com.au

There’s still time left until consultation ends on 25 May about the Draft 2021-22 Budget.

As Shared Trails portfolio chair, I’m excited about the $5.35 million to implement the Shared Trails Master Plan over the next four years.

It’s been a long process and we’re making headway in creating a connected network of shared trails across the region.

Construction of a trail linking 13th Beach Surf Life Saving Club to Barwon Heads is underway and there are more works planned as a result of this funding.

Have your say on the Proposed Budget here: yoursay.geelongaustralia.com.au

While you’re there, you’ll spot an expressions of interest process for the Rural and Peri Urban Advisory Committee, of which I’m chair.

The committee advises council on matters important to rural and peri-urban areas, such as bio-security strategies and advocacy.

If you’re a farmer, a resident in these areas or perhaps part of a community environmental network, please consider applying.

Last year I wrote about the Southeast Bellarine Coastal Reserve Strategy.

I’m pleased to report that the City has appointed a staffer to develop this strategy, to investigate combining the Buckley Park Coastal Reserve and the Lake Victoria wetlands.

A community-based committee is also being formed externally and I look forward to further progress being made.

 

Various photos of Jim Mason
I acknowledge that the Land I work on, live on and play on is the Traditional Lands of the Wadawurrung People. I pay my respects and homage to Wadawurrung Elders, both past and present, to all Wadawurrung people and to all Australia's First Nation's people.