New council looks to future for a better Warrnambool

Whether it's big ticket items or smaller projects, Warrnambool councillors want a clear vision for the future during its elected term and beyond.

The city's seven new councillors have been in talks with the staff about creating a vision for the city which will guide decisions on future development and projects.

Workshops for Warrnambool residents have been planned for next month.

Mayor Vicki Jellie said councillors were focused on ticking off the projects that were underway such as the new $20.25 million library and $11 million Reid Oval redevelopment.

A decision on a replacement for Edward's Bridge in South Warrnambool will also be on the agenda along with securing funding for a new boat ramp and breakwater upgrade.

A number of potential new projects were flagged by councillors during the election campaign - from major upgrades to the ageing AquaZone facility to a Flagstaff Hill Maritime Village revamp.

Cr Ben Blain unveiled his vision to turn AquaZone into a state-of-the-art facility with 24-hour gym, waterslides, diving board and spa during the election campaign.

He even flagged the possibility of creating a whole new facility on a greenfields site to create a centre that was more suitable for hosting major swim meets.

Cr Otha Akoch unveiled a series of ideas during the election campaign such as including the region's indigenous history at Flagstaff Hill along with a multicultural centre with an international produce garden.

He also suggested a bridge over the Merri River at Bromfield Street be fast-tracked.

While he welcomed the work at Reid Oval, he said there needed to be more investment in other sporting facilities to cater for women and all-abilities.

He also said The Arc stadium was not big enough for the city's growing population.

Cr Max Taylor highlighted his vision for a Queensland-inspired overhaul along the foreshore, and the need for the free parking issue to be put to bed once and for all.

While the new councillors have made no decisions what projects they are keen to pursue, they want to know what the community wants to see in the next four years and beyond.

Cr Jellie said Flagstaff Hill and the saleyards were two facilities that the new council was looking at.

"I know staff are pulling together reports for us on both of those," she said.

She said some of those issues, such as the future of Flagstaff Hill, had been around for a long time with no resolution.

"I think for everyone's sake we need to get it resolved either way. Whatever the best outcome could be," she said.

"Whatever decisions are made, as usual with council, we're not going to please everyone but we need to look at every aspect of it so we can make our final decision."

She said movement on any "shiny and new" projects could take 10 years to realise. "But you've got to start somewhere," she said.

The council is seeking to recruit 70 Warrnambool residents to participate in one of two workshops to help shape the council's new plan.

The three-hour workshop will be held on Wednesday, March 17.

"These workshops will be a great opportunity for people to have their say - we'll also be providing other opportunities for people to get involved including listening posts and online surveys," Cr Jellie said.

Between April and May, the council will also be engaging with the community to develop its health and wellbeing plan.

To have your says visit: www.warrnambool.vic.gov.au/council-plan-2021-2025

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