Candidates across the political divide today attended a community forum hosted by Glen Eira City Council, where community priorities were highlighted for MPs and candidates.

The candidates — including contenders for the marginal seat of Caulfield, held by Liberal David Southwick by 0.3% — heard that action on climate change, including developing open space, improving integrated transport and investing in green infrastructure were priority issues for residents of Glen Eira.

Glen Eira Mayor Cr Jim Magee said the 2022 Working Together for Glen Eira Breakfast was an important example of community advocacy at work.

“Glen Eira residents should have confidence their preferred candidate shares their local priorities,” Cr Magee said.

“That’s why we are actively and transparently advocating on behalf of the Glen Eira community in the lead up to the 2022 Victorian state election.

“Today, candidates from all sides of politics heard from their Council and community about the projects they want to see funded and the policies they want to see reformed.

“Issues like climate action, infrastructure, open space and transport could help sway the outcome of the election in key seats like Bentleigh, Caulfield and Oakleigh.”

At the event, City of Glen Eira councillors and community members called for:

• targeted funding and policy reforms to respond to the climate emergency and deliver net zero community emissions by 2030;
• a $10 million contribution to turn the Carnegie Memorial Swimming Pool — a much-loved community pool — into one of the most environmentally sustainable leisure facilities in the world, with a 6-star Green Star rating;
• funding to create new or improved open spaces, in an effort to reduce the impacts of climate change, improve biodiversity and improve the health and wellbeing of residents; and
• $1.75 million in investments to improve integrated transport and connectivity at Caulfield Station, reducing congestion and emissions through non-car transport.

The municipality in Melbourne’s inner south has a track record of successfully advocating for the
community, having secured $17 million of commitments from the new Federal Labor Government in
May this year.

For more information on Glen Eira’s advocacy priorities, visit: gleneira.vic.gov.au/state-election