COMMUNITY input into a definitive plan is the way to once and for all resolve Warrnambool’s decades-long campaign for harbour upgrades, the city’s new mayor says.
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Cr Tony Herbert wants community members to come up with and support a plan for upgrades to the Lady Bay boat ramp and breakwater precinct after more than 10 studies and three failed funding bids.
He said it was important to build a strong funding case through a new $330,000 study announced by Western Victoria Upper House MP James Purcell in July.
"We need to fully understand the application process and I think a community group would greatly assist with the advocacy of such a project," he said.
Cr Herbert said Phillip Island had received funding for a similar project with a coordinated approach.
"Politicians can come down here and talk to a range of people - councillors, council officers, etc - but when you get people who are users of those facilities in the room, it just takes the level of passion to a whole new level," he said.
"We've had three tries at the harbour now, but I think it's time to try another approach. We need to get the community back on board."
Cr Herbert said the council was struggling to maintain the breakwater precinct but it seemed support for a $7 million plan could be attracted from both sides of state politics.
"Something needs to be done. We appear to be in a very good position," he said.
"The involvement of independent candidates has added a lot of interest in the seat of South West Coast leading up to the state election.
“We've already seen the benefits of independents like Suzanna Sheed in Shepparton and James Purcell and the great outcomes James has achieved for the community, like $7 million for the redevelopment of Reid Oval.”
