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Port Report - Cr Jim Mason 1 April 2019

Community matters

I’ve had a busy month meeting with locals and community groups, talking about this beautiful region and how we can make it even more enjoyable to live in.

It was great seeing everyone at the Bellarine Agricultural Show, which was organised by the Bellarine Agricultural Society, over the Labour Day long weekend.

It was a shame the strong winds won out, forcing an early finish, but overall it was still good the locals came together.

Recently I met up with members of the Portarlington Primary School who spoke about the need for safety changes and improved signage at school crossings.

The City has taken this feedback on-board and is investigating options for improvements there.

I also had the pleasure of meeting with the Portarlington Senior Citizens’ Club, where I was tasked with the light-hearted opening of the new accessible toilets, nicknamed the ‘throne room’.

I am looking forward to our next Community Focus Council meeting at the Indented Head Hall on July 9.

Swimming pool access

I’ve had a number of residents approach me about wanting better access to aquatic facilities on the Bellarine and this was one of the themes that emerged from our Places and Spaces Survey late last year.

We’ll be considering these responses as part of the next stage of our Social Infrastructure Policy & Plan development.

Drysdale Bypass update

I’m pleased to report the Drysdale Bypass, a 6km link from Jetty Road to the north of Whitcombes Road, is progressing well after a recent tour of the construction site with Councillor Stephanie Asher.

We were amazed to learn that thousands of Aboriginal artefacts have been uncovered during construction, which are being identified and registered by the traditional owners, the Wadawurrung.

Once this process finishes, these artefacts will be respectfully interred.

It’s really exciting a wetlands is being established as part of this project, which will no doubt be a welcome place for residents to visit.

The Drysdale Bypass is expected to finish up next year and will see less congestion in the area and improved safety.

If you ever see me out and about, please come say hi!