Springdale Messenger - Cr Jim Mason 1 Jun 2019

This is my first solo column for the Springdale Messenger, since Bellarine Councillors Stephanie Asher, Trent Sullivan and I introduced ourselves to readers in April.

There is plenty going on in our neck of the woods, so there is plenty to say!

Councillors Asher, Sullivan and I had the pleasure of meeting with many of you at High Street, Drysdale on Saturday 25 May, as we spruiked the many projects and upgrades for Drysdale and Clifton Springs in the Draft 2019-20 Budget.

One allocation that I’m particularly passionate about is the $8.3 million towards accessible grants for community groups and clubs, who are at the heart of our community.

I strongly recommend groups check out the funding options at www.geelongaustralia.com.au/grants. Grant applications open on 7 June and close on 2 August, so get in quick!

Successful applicants for the previous grant round have been announced and one of recipients is the Bellarine Peninsula Basketball Association in Drysdale, which received $2,000 for equipment and uniforms – a great result!

We also had a question or two about the status of the Drysdale Town Centre redevelopment, following the adoption of the Urban Design Framework for the area.

The first works of the implementation of the UDF Concept Plan have started, with the undergrounding of power in the Town Centre Square.

The Draft Budget has also allocated $300,000 to start the design development for the Drysdale Regional Library & Community Hub.

Meanwhile, I’m pleased to report the $13 million Drysdale Integrated Children’s Centre is progressing nicely.

Construction is well underway, with services such as long day childcare and kindergarten to start in January 2020.

There’s also $200,000 set aside for the Clifton Springs Golf Course landslide remediation, to treat stormwater and construct reinforced earthen walls and rock chute.

I’ve given you just a small snapshot of the opportunities available through the Draft Budget.

These towns are great places to live and these allocations will further improve them.

I’m always out and about, so if you see me, please feel free to say hello!