Council’s CEO Rebecca McKenzie and I recently met with local Labor, Liberal and Greens candidates from the Divisions of Higgins, Hotham, Goldstein and Macnamara to discuss Glen Eira’s future priorities in the lead up to the Federal Election on Saturday 18 May.

We used this opportunity to set out our priority asks from a future Federal Government and advocate for funding to support our future community infrastructure, open space and smart cities projects, including:

• The new Bentleigh Library and Youth Hub — we are seeking a $1 million contribution to transform the Bentleigh Library into a new community centre that integrates the adjacent youth centre and provides new multipurpose spaces.
• Bentleigh Eat Street — we are seeking a $1 million contribution towards the creation of a new Eat Street in the heart of Bentleigh. The space will be activated by cafes, restaurants and bars, with increased trading hours.
• Carnegie Market and Open Space Project — we are seeking a $4 million contribution towards the construction of a new market hub in the heart of Carnegie.
• Murrumbeena Park redevelopment and new community hub — we are seeking a $4 million contribution to help deliver a new multi-purpose community hub for the current and future residents of Murrumbeena and Hughesdale.
• Elsternwick Cultural Precinct — we are seeking a $2 million contribution towards the creation of a new Jewish Cultural and Arts Precinct to be set around Selwyn and Gordon Streets in Elsternwick.

We are also seeking funding of $2.9 million towards technology initiatives that help Glen Eira’s transition to being a ‘smart’ city through lighting and engagement projects.

This stage in the Federal Election cycle presents the perfect opportunity to advocate for and influence future government investment in our community. These are all projects that have been prioritised through engagement and consultation. I encourage all residents who are eligible to vote to join with Council in raising these priorities with their relevant candidates.