Council has outlined its advocacy priorities for Hobsons Bay, highlighting key projects and themes.
The Hobsons Bay Advocacy Plan 2026-29 was endorsed at Council's 24 March meeting, outlining Council's strategic approach to advocacy with state and federal governments over the Council term.
The priorities were shaped by existing Council strategies and plans, current advocacy work, and feedback provided by Councillors through workshops.
The plan identifies various projects and focus areas, allocated into three priority categories:
Primary priorities: initiatives requiring significant government investment or policy support
Secondary priorities: matters where Council will continue to seek government funding or partnership
Infrastructure priorities: specific projects where Council is seeking government investment in local infrastructure.
Among the primary priorities is continued calls for funding for the Hobsons Bay Wetlands Centre, enhanced public and active transport networks, improved access to health and community services, as well as advocating for efficient and climate-resilient homes to protect against future climate risks.
Projects including upgrades to the BayFit Leisure Centre, transformation of the Nelson Place maritime tourism precinct and restoration of the Williamstown Mechanics Institute are also priorities, subject to feasibility endorsement.
Key secondary priorities include calling for investment to address flooding and sea-level rise impacts, ongoing infrastructure maintenance and strengthening funding for aged care, youth, maternal and family services.
The infrastructure priorities include enhancements and upgrades to various open spaces, activity centres and sport and recreation facilities, including:
Logan Reserve, Altona playspace redevelopment
Regional all abilities nature playspace at Cherry Lake, Altona
GF Stirling Reserve, Altona Meadows playspace redevelopment
Duke Street, Altona North playspace redevelopment
Woods and Lohse Street, Laverton district playspace upgrade
Pipeline Reserve, Seabrook safety lighting
Carinza Reserve, Seabrook playspace redevelopment
Homestead Run Community Garden, Seabrook
Riverside Park, Spotswood upgrades
Sadler Reserve, Williamstown playspace upgrade
RJ Long Reserve, Williamstown North playspace upgrade
Pier Street, Altona streetscape upgrade
Aviation Road, Laverton masterplan implementation
Ross Road, Newport shared pathway lighting
Hudson Road, Spotswood streetscape improvements
D.N. Duane Reserve, Brooklyn pavilion redevelopment
A.W Bond Reserve, Altona North pavilion redevelopment
Paisley Park, Altona North pavilion redevelopment
Greenwich Reserve, Newport pavilion redevelopment
Loft Reserve, Newport recreation precinct upgrades
Edwards Reserve, South Kingsville pavilion and sport field redevelopment
The plan comes into immediate effect, with the upcoming state election providing an opportunity to advocate to make them a reality.
Quotes attributable to Mayor of Hobsons Bay, Cr Diana Grima:
"Our advocacy plan is a crucial piece of work we will use to push state and federal governments to support key work to be done in Hobsons Bay.
"With a state election coming in November this year, it is fantastic to have a clear plan of what we want and need in Hobsons Bay.
"There are some very important projects and matters outlined that we will advocate for, to get the best we can for our city."
