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Port Report - Cr Jim Mason 1 May 2018

So many things are happening! The last six months have flown by.

Coming to terms with Council business and responsibilities has been quite time consuming and challenging. We three new Ward councillors are working together to produce not only the best results for the north Bellarine, but for Bellarine and Greater Geelong generally.

We have ensured joint priorities for Bellarine – in unity there is strength!

We were very pleased to attend a community forum in Portarlington a month ago, to report all of this to the community and to listen to and discuss new issues.

We were pleased the Director of City Services Guy Wilson-Browne also attended and provided support. Let’s hope for an even bigger turn-up next time and that community participation is a buzz about the town.

I was pleased to support the recent ‘Use it or Lose it’ public transport campaign opening in Newcombe Street. We really need improvements, but services can only be supplied if there is demand.

I am sure that in future proofing our region, public transport will become more and more prominent, convenient and efficient. The logo can be seen on the back of some buses.

What a pity the Mussel festival was riven with wind and rain. Undaunted, the programme continued and was highly successful. Here’s hoping for a sunny day next year.

I’ve been pleased to see that excellent community participation and volunteerism is everywhere. The Rotunda, The Bellarine Agricultural Society show, their Vintage Machinery group, the Portarlington Film society, the North Bellarine Art Initiative, the Potato Shed, Portarlington Rotary, the Glass Festival, the Bellarine sports associations, the Wreck2Reef swim and the new complex at Drysdale are all good examples.

Much work is still to be done. Land needs to be identified to assist Rotary and the Vintage Machinery group, accommodation for the Neighbourhood House needs to be resolved, we need to fulfil our dreams of a swimming pool, and much more.

As a Council, we have released our proposed Council Plan for the next four years, and our 2018-19 Budget. You can read these in detail online and provide your feedback up until 29 May. Visit www.geelongaustralia.com.au.

Thank-you for being such a vibrant community.