We are looking to join with other councils to lobby the federal government for improved mobile network coverage and greater investment in active transport projects.
Concerned that unreliable networks are impacting public safety during peak visitor periods, we will table a motion about the issue at the upcoming Australian Local Government Association (ALGA) national assembly.
The motion will call on the Australian Government 'to require mobile and data carriers to provide adequate network coverage to support peak loads, especially in areas at high risk of bushfire or other natural disaster.'
A report presented during Tuesday night's Council meeting noted that the Australian Parliament is considering a Bill that seeks to ensure a minimum standard of mobile coverage Australia-wide.
However, Deputy Mayor Tony Phelps said the Bill does not account for the impact of peak demand in popular tourist locations such as the Surf Coast, where spikes in visitation place mobile networks under pressure.
"In many places along our coast, mobile coverage consistently fails as soon as large numbers of visitors arrive," Cr Phelps said.
"Without functioning networks in an emergency situation, the results are potentially disastrous.
"We are one of the most bushfire-prone areas in the state, and we need federal legislation that requires network carriers to provide enough coverage to meet peak demand, rather than just a bare minimum."
We will also table a motion calling on the federal government to increase funding for projects that support active travel such as cycling and walking.
The government has allocated a total of $100 million to its National Active Transport Fund over five years between 2024-25 and 2028-29.
Our motion asks that the government commit to the fund beyond 2029, and increase its funding to a level closer to the United Nations' recommendation for investment in active transport.
The UN recommends countries spend 20 per cent of their transport budgets on walking and cycling infrastructure.
Councillor Phelps said while several nations in Europe and the largest cities in China are allocating between 10 and 20 per cent, Australia is well short.
"More funding for active travel projects would help create safer connections for people to ride or walk, reducing congestion on the roads and contributing to a healthier community," Cr Phelps said.
The ALGA national assembly is in Canberra between 23 and 25 June.
If our motions are accepted, they will be included in the ALGA's official advocacy program to the federal government.
At a state level, we will table a motion to the Municipal Association of Victoria (MAV) State Council meeting on 29 May regarding funding for local libraries.
The motion calls on the Victorian Government 'to increase its funding to public libraries and ensure allocations are needs based and reflective of population growth.'
Previous MAV campaigns have noted that local councils have been required to contribute an increasing proportion of libraries funding over time, with the state's share gradually decreasing.
