This week Deputy Mayor, Cr Michael Whelan, steps in while Mayor Cr Brett Tessari takes a break.

It’s a pleasure to step into the Mayor’s shoes while he takes a well-earned break.

Last week I attended a strategic planning meeting of the South Eastern Councils Climate Change Alliance (SECCCA) where I chair the Councillor Advisory Group. Councillors and sustainability officers met to set an ambitious climate change vision and projects for the South East region. There was great energy in the discussion due to the global shift in sentiment around climate action with the election of President Biden as well as being able to meet face to face with colleagues from the SECCCA councils for the first time in a long while.

Expressions of Interest are now open for the Community Panel to help us create a Long Term Community Vision. Applications are open to anyone aged over 16 who lives or owns a property or business in Bass Coast. Our Community Panel will be made up of over 40 community members from a diverse range of demographics and backgrounds. So if you or someone you know would like to be involved then visit our website at www.basscoast.vic.gov.au/ourfuture to find out more information.

Speaking of the future, our proposed Budget for 2021/22 is now available for community comment. I strongly encourage you to provide us with your feedback, to help us deliver an efficient and financially responsible budget for the next 12 months. You can read the Proposed Budget and submit your feedback through our website, at www.basscoast.vic.gov.au/budget.

Parks Victoria is currently looking for your feedback on their draft access and infrastructure plan for the new Yallock-Bulluk Marine Park. The draft plan includes information about visitor areas, facilities and proposed trail routes. Now is the time to have your say, with lots of information available about the Park at www.engage.vic.gov.au/yallock-bulluk.