Spend green on greenery
Queenscliff pushes for eco-investment
BOROUGH of Queenscliffe residents have told their council where to splash their cash in the new budget, with the community pushing for more investment in environmental initiatives.
The borough council recently opened up its budget process to the public, who responded by resoundingly calling for more investment in tree planting and recycling initiatives.
Residents also said they would like to see the council focus on implementing seaweed composting — layering seaweed that will break down and nourish gardens — as well as coastal protection and reducing rubbish and litter.
The 332 people who participated in the survey also called for the council to spend more on public facilities, including footpaths, parks and gardens, weeding and planting, beach maintenance and public toilets.
More than 41 per cent of residents selected assets, facilities and public spaces as the most important category for funding, followed by environment and waste (35 per cent) and tourism and business support (15 per cent).
Only 7 per cent of people said funding should be directed to planning as a priority and 1 per cent said the funding should go to arts and libraries.
The council also consulted with primary school students, with 30 per cent of St Aloysius students suggesting establishing a flying fox and 26 per cent hoping for a trampoline park in the borough.
“Many students said they have to travel a long way to find outdoor activities that are welcoming for families and children,” the council’s budget consultation report said.
Meanwhile, residents suggested the council spend less on planning measures in the upcoming budget.
Respondents who suggested a funding decrease said they made the decision to save money for spending elsewhere, or because they believed existing planning processes were ineffective, the council report said.
Overall, residents said the council was spending the right amount of money on arts, libraries, tourism and business.
In terms of tourism and business, residents called for more funding for caravan parks as well as trader support and Hesse St upgrades.
Queenscliff council said it would use the community responses to shape the budget. A draft budget is expected to be released in April 2020.