One of the most significant changes within local government is the comprehensive training and induction process required for all Councillors. This is a welcomed change and one that I advocated for back in 2007 in recognition of the skillset required to adequately serve as an elected Councillor.

Since that time, a formal council induction process is legislated under the Local Government Act 2020 and encompasses three days of team building and exploration of the Council Plan and budgetary considerations. One of the most important tasks of any new Council is setting the direction through the new Council, where I personally want to see greater emphasis on community safety, improved community engagement, public transport advocacy and community infrastructure for Fishermans Bend and Port Melbourne.

Part of the induction process included a tour of Council’s key precincts, beginning with Carlisle Street, Balaclava and will encompass other areas across Port Phillip. These tours provide an opportunity for Councillors to identify key issues within each ward and identify both issues and solutions that could apply across Port Phillip.