Mayor meets Environment Minister

This included our Council’s ongoing concerns about the time it takes to seek Coastal Consent approvals for Council foreshore works through the Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action. This often hinders project timeframes for works from installing lighting and beach showers to constructing a new building.

We are also eager for the release of the Port Phillip Bay Coastal Hazard Assessment as this will guide future planning of our municipality as it will provide projections about flooding and sea level rise inundation . The Minister was very receptive and committed to these concerns being raised with the Department.

The Minister was pleased to hear that work is progressing on the Port Phillip EcoCentre under a partnership between our Council and the Victorian Government. When the redevelopment is completed, which we expect in 2024, this sustainably designed building will house scientists, educators and volunteers under one roof. This will allow more students and locals to participate in short courses, community gardening and for the repair café to continue to give new life to damaged objects, diverting them from landfill.

Cr Cunsolo congratulated the Minister on the Government’s introduction of the Container Deposit Scheme (CDS). Since November 1, Victorians have been able to return eligible drink cans, bottles and cartons for a 10-cent refund at refund points across the State. We have already received positive feedback about litter reduction.