Greater support for pandemic recovery and meaningful climate action are among the key issues on which Nillumbik Shire Council's advocacy efforts will be focused over the coming year.
Council has launched its Advocacy Priorities: 2022 document, which is aimed squarely at the upcoming Federal election and the Victorian state election – both due to be held this year.
Endorsed by Council in December 2021, the document will provide the framework for Council's advocacy, on behalf of its community, to those at state and federal government level.
Each priority item has been linked to one of the four overarching themes that guide the 2021-2025 Council Plan.
The priority items for which Council will advocate this year include:
- Strengthened Youth Support and Outreach services;
- Greater funding and support for Men's Sheds in the Shire;
- Funding to enable greater connectivity between shared trails in the Shire;
- Greater investment in renewable energy infrastructure; and
- Investment in bushfire preparedness technology.
Nillumbik Mayor Frances Eyre said Council would work tirelessly this year to advocate for the best possible outcomes for our community.
"In a year of both Federal and State elections it is imperative that we as a Council take every opportunity to be vocal advocates on our community's behalf to both, those in government and those aspiring to government," Cr Eyre said.
"The priorities identified align closely with the overarching themes of the Council Plan, as well as focusing on the prevailing issues that engage and affect those in our community and beyond."
"Ensuring our community has the necessary support – social, physical, mental and economic - as we continue to navigate our way through the pandemic is probably the most prominent issue we face."
"The need for meaningful climate action and greater support for Council's and our community's sustainability goals is another."
"Achieving the best community outcomes across these priority areas will require action from all three levels of government and Council will advocate passionately, both in public and private, to achieve this aim."
Council's Advocacy Priorities: 2022 can be viewed here
