By NICOLE VALICEK
HOBSONS Bay City Council has joined its neighbours as a member of LeadWest, a regional organisation that supports sustainable growth and regional development in Melbourne’s West.
Councillors supported the motion to become a full member of LeadWest, alongside five local representatives for each of the cities of Brimbank, Maribyrnong, Melton, Moonee Valley and Wyndham.
The regional organisation works to “foster and undertake actions that will support sustainable growth and development of the region”.
Councillor Paul Morgan said the newly formed council has been forming some strategies for economic development and that it was a good opportunity to join. “Becoming a member will allow us more representation on (the) board and participation in the formulation of strategy and try and attract investment opportunities and infrastructure to the municipality,” Cr Morgan said.
Previously the council utilised the services on a “help basis”.
The Strand ward councillor said LeadWest also adopted an advocacy role and lobbied issues at state and federal government level.
“(They have) lobbied on things like the regional rail link, additional infrastructure and trying to bring jobs and economic activity to the area,” Cr Morgan said.
Councillor Colleen Gates said the council had the potential to make a “significant contribution” to LeadWest.
“In addition to looking at the economic development (we are) also looking to strengthen our advocacy to needs of the west,” Cr Gates said.
“I look forward to the work we will do with them as we should do as a united front for the western suburbs,” Councillor Tony Briffa added.
