President’s Report
Winchelsea, a gateway to the Otways, continues to be one of the Surf Coast’s best-kept secrets. We enjoy life on the banks of the Barwon River, live and work in a productive farming district with great history, rich heritage and access to the coast, the Great Ocean Road and nearby Geelong.
With the predicted population growth there is the need for Winchelsea to grow in a way that makes it a better place to live and work – growth that is in line with community aspirations for its future.
Comprehensive community engagement has underpinned our plans for growth and the recent 3 year Winchelsea Community Action Plan identififies projects for advancement. This combined with the Surf Coast Shire Economic Development Plan 2021 – 2031 , Growing Winchelsea Shaping Future Growth 2015 and Draft Urban Futures Strategy provides focus and direction. It is vital key partnerships are formed with business, community and government working together to encourage planned growth.
Again we have had another successful year with a number of initiatives either coming to fruition, under development or reintroduced:
- Development of a Corella Management Plan
- Carols by the Barwon 2023
- Council led Mud Hut redevelopment & community engagement for cob wall installation
Reports from our volunteer subcommittees will provide further detail of our successes, working in partnership with council staff to deliver a diversity of outcomes based around people, place, culture and heritage.
The continued sponsorship by Community Bank Winchelsea & District has been greatly appreciated. I would like to thank my committee and the various subcommittees for their continued dedication, commitment and advocacy to growing Winchelsea. I would also like to acknowledge the outstanding contribution our Secretary/Treasurer has made and personally, the great support provided to me.
JOHN TEBBUTT