From today’s Bayside Leader-

PLOT THE PATH AHEAD: Residents asked to have their say in planning Bayside’s next 10 years

Bayside residents have the chance to mould the municipality’s future.

The council is urging people to have their say about how the Bayside community develops over the next 10 years through the Bayside 2020 Community Plan.

A community/council steering committee is overseeing the progress. Ideas can be passed on to the council through surveys, the council website and community forums.

Steering committee members and Sandringham resident Olivia Nakiwain, 27, moved from Uganda to Australia seven years ago to study. She said she joined the Bayside Council steering committee because she had always been interested in making society better. ‘I don’t want to sit back because this is where my children are going to grow up,” she said. ‘ I come from Africa – we are more of a community. I like the feel of being in community and that’s why I want to get my hands dirty here,” she said. The mum of one said by 2020 she wanted Bayside’s roads to be uncongested and low-risk for children.

Business owner, Brighton East resident and steering committee member ron Stark said his interest was small business and he wanted to see more recognition of it. Mr Stark said it was important an expected increase in population didn’t destroy the essence of Bayside as a great place to live.

Mayor Clifford Hayes said he wanted Bayside to be a place where residents could enjoy all stages of their lives.

The next community forum is on October 13. Details: bayside2020.com.au or phone 9599 4636 

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In contrast, Glen Eira:

  • does not have a ‘community plan’ – it has a ‘council’ or ‘business plan’
  • no steering committee in the development of above, and certainly no community reps
  • no online survey, no dedicated website to this (or any) issue