A safer cycling connection between Torquay and Geelong and funding for projects to address the affordable housing crisis are among a set of advocacy priorities endorsed by Surf Coast Shire Council.
The Advocacy Priorities 2025 have been developed to help Council secure state and federal government funding for projects and policies that will meet the needs of the local community.
The advocacy priorities are aligned with Council's strategic direction, and have been grouped into five themes:
- Placemaking and Prosperity
- Housing Affordability and Worker Accommodation
- Climate Resilience and Environment
- Roads and Transport
- Stronger Communities
Key projects highlighted in the advocacy document include:
Place planning to support future sustainable growth
Focused on funding to plan for the future needs of Winchelsea, and for improved use of the strategic Baines Crescent and Town Centre precincts in Torquay.
Projects to address the affordable housing crisis
Includes a pitch for funding towards detailed design of a new Anglesea Community and Health Hub (set to feature affordable housing), and towards design and construction of social and affordable housing at Fraser Drive, Aireys Inlet.
Torquay stormwater and Karaaf Wetlands works
In partnership with Barwon Water, Council is seeking funding support for an initiative that would divert stormwater from Torquay away from the ecologically sensitive Karaaf Wetlands, and instead see it used productively on agricultural land.
Anglesea Trails Network
Staged funding to build new or upgraded trails would ultimately deliver a 107km network of 36 recreational trails, with connections to other significant trails and destinations in the region.
Torquay to Geelong cycling corridor
Council is working with the City of Greater Geelong on a safe cycling corridor featuring a separated shared path along Horseshoe Bend Road from South Beach Road in Torquay to Warralilly Boulevard in Armstrong Creek.
Mayor Mike Bodsworth said the priorities had been developed using a range of sources, including the Council Plan 2021-25 and previous Council resolutions.
"Advocating effectively will help us deliver major projects that are important to our community, that we don't have the financial capacity to fund on our own," Cr Bodsworth said.
"Having this defined set of priorities helps our decisions about which projects to put forward as grant applications, or to raise directly with state and federal representatives when opportunities arise.
"Our aim is to have all three levels of government working closely together to deliver the projects and policies that are most needed for the Surf Coast Shire."
In considering the advocacy priorities during Tuesday night's meeting, the Council also requested a report from the CEO for the June 2025 Council meeting featuring options and a recommendation relating to advocacy for drought relief measures in the shire.
