Southbank News is one of the few remaining printed local media publications and is increasingly expanding its presence within Fishermans Bend and Montague more broadly.

As the newly elected Councillor for Montague Ward in the City of Port Phillip, I was interviewed by Southbank News, to share my vision for Montague Ward:

Community collaboration and the pursuit of funding commitments for urban renewal in Fishermans Bend will be front and centre for Montague Ward’s newly elected councillor Alex Makin.

Cr Makin had previously served eight years as a councillor, including a year as Mayor of the City of Maroondah, and said that experience provided him with insights to the problems plaguing Fishermans Bend.

“If the state government doesn’t get its act together and invest in Fishermans Bend, all we are doing is recreating the problems we see in the outer suburbs of Melbourne.”

Growing up in the outer eastern suburbs of Melbourne, I have seen how a lack of public transport investment detrimentally impacts the economic, social and environmental wellbeing of our suburbs. While Ringwood was relatively well serviced, to its south suburbs like Wantirna or Rowville, lacked the public transport required to support mobility. Further afield, Cranbourne East, still lacks a long-mooted rail service, despite significant growth pressures.

Fishermans Bend, which is located just 3km to the southwest of the CBD, should not suffer the same fate.

Cr Makin was elected to Port Phillip Council in November after what he labelled a “tough contest”.

“Other candidates had fairly substantial backing from external parties,” Cr Makin said.

“I’m the only candidate who lives in the ward. My campaign was supported by volunteers who lived in the ward and know the community, so this was a win for the community ultimately,” he added.

“I am here for the community,” Cr Makin said. “This is about collaborating together to make sure that after four years Fishermans Bend and Montague more broadly is in a better place than where we started.” •

Together we have further Fishermans Bend and ensure Council works in collaboration with our community – I look forward to making this happen.

Read more at: Local News: Collaboration and Fishermans Bend priorities for Montague’s new councillor