From taking important steps on the reconciliation journey and delivering valued new community spaces, to environmental leadership and key advocacy campaigns - Surf Coast Shire Council's recent achievements have been highlighted in the 2021-22 Annual Report.
Council noted the 2021-22 Annual Report at its October meeting, with the document outlining Council's performance for the year against its four-year plan and annual budget.
Surf Coast Shire Council Mayor Libby Stapleton said the report reflected Council's many achievements during the past 12 months, along with the challenges ahead.
"The 2021-22 period saw the delivery of some key community projects including Lorne's Stribling Reserve Pavilion, Winchelsea's refurbished Shire Hall, the Deans Marsh Festival Stand and the Jan Juc Yellow Gums Performance Space, just to name a few," Cr Stapleton said.
"Concept plans for the Surf Coast Cultural Centre and Surf Coast Aquatic and Health Centre were finalised, and advocacy campaigns seeking funding for both were initiated and continue to gain momentum."
The Annual Report also highlights Council's deep commitment to its reconciliation journey through dedicated events and by working closely with Traditional Owners on projects and education programs.
"I'm glad to see Council's vision to promote unity, respect and understanding being expressed via a number of important occasions and events such as National Reconciliation Week and the NAIDOC Week exhibition," the Mayor said.
"Listening to First Nations people and their sharing of powerful reflections provide a path for us to walk together to achieve genuine reconciliation in our community."
Sustainability gains for Council are outlined in the report, with 2021-22 recorded as Council's first full carbon-neutral year for corporate operations under the national Climate Active Carbon Neutral Standard.
Other steps forward include Council's adoption of an emissions reduction target of zero by 2030 for its corporate operations, excluding the Anglesea landfill.
The 2021-22 period also featured Council's resolution to seek urgent investigation into the health of Anglesea River, and the impacts of groundwater extraction, land use and climate change on its catchment.
Council recorded a net surplus in 2021-22 of $4.7million which will be important in future years as the long term financial plan shows deficit results from 2024-25 for several years before moving back into surplus.
An affordable housing and key worker shortage prompted Council's Affordable Accommodation Action Plan in January, and adoption of the Social Housing Policy 2021.
"I'm proud of the many achievements we have delivered in 2021-22 and am confident that together we will rise to any challenges we are yet to face. I thank my fellow councillors and staff at Council for their hard work and dedication to help the Surf Coast Shire community and environment to thrive," Cr Stapleton said.
