Councillor update from Cr Blair Barker 

The North East Link or the Eastern Freeway widening has presented major challenges, with noise, construction dust and regular freeway closures. I am comforted knowing one day it will be complete and we’ll have access to an improved road and the shared path and open spaces will return, albeit in some instances smaller.  I deeply appreciate the patience you have all shown, especially those households closest to the freeway.

I am also deeply appreciative of the Council staff that behind the scenes have been diligently auditing the NE Link plans for our open spaces and bringing significant improvements to the design and supporting our residents in their dealings with the project.

With winter fully upon us, and some of the cold grey days, I am incredibly proud of the local sporting groups and the volunteers that power them. They enable all ages to be active and social in the winter months; these folk add much to the civic life.

The new sensor lights on the Elgar Park South West Oval are now active, enabling locals to exercise themselves and their dogs in the darker months both in the morning from 630am and at night until 9pm. It’s a great system simply walk onto the ovals in the dark hours the lights come on.  Getting more use out of our open spaces is important.

If you have an idea involving modest investment for more use out of our assets please reach out to me.