Hobsons Bay City Council has welcomed funding commitments from the State Opposition towards the development of the Hobsons Bay Wetlands Centre and a pedestrian and cycling bridge across Laverton Creek in Altona.
Mayor of Hobsons Bay, Cr Peter Hemphill, joined Opposition Leader Matthew Guy and local Liberal Party candidates Daria Kellander (Williamstown) and Angela Newhouse (Point Cook) for the announcement of a $5.5 million commitment towards the wetlands centre, and a $3.4 million commitment to the bridge.
Mayor of Hobsons Bay, Cr Peter Hemphill, welcomed the announcements.
"Hobsons Bay welcomes these commitments, which are the first for our community from any party in the lead-up to the November state election," Cr Hemphill said.
"The $16 million Hobsons Bay Wetlands Centre is a key advocacy priority for Council, which has committed $5 million to the project and is seeking the remaining $11 million from the state and federal governments.
"With a strong community-based organisation behind it, the wetlands centre will be located at HD Graham Reserve in Altona Meadows, near internationally recognised Ramsar-listed Cheetham Wetlands and other biodiversity hotspots.
"The pedestrian and cycling bridge will also be welcomed by the community, which has been asking for a safe way to cross Laverton Creek at Queen Street for many years.
"At present, pedestrians and cyclists travelling along Queen Street risk their safety crossing the existing bridge, which is used by more than 19,000 vehicles each day.
"In 2020, the Victorian Government commenced the Queen Street Bridge strengthening project, but despite advocacy from Council and a large local campaign, disappointingly a safe and accessible crossing for cyclists and pedestrians was not included."
Photo (from left): Cr Peter Hemphill, Mayor – Hobsons Bay City Council; Daria Kellander, Williamstown candidate; Matthew Guy, Victorian Liberal Party Leader; Angela Newhouse, Point Cook candidate; Gordon Lescinsky, Hobsons Bay Wetland Centre.
