No ordinary AGM!

In its 20th year of operation, the Southbank Residents Association (SRA) held its biggest annual general meeting (AGM) to date, in a clear reflection of the ever-growing strength of our local community.

Around 70 local residents attended the July 18 meeting and many more tuned in online, with the meeting being live-streamed to audiences via Facebook for the very first time.

And with a line-up of special guest speakers including new Lord Mayor Sally Capp, Member for Albert Park Martin Foley and council’s principal project manager of Southbank Boulevard Steve Perumal, there was no shortage of discussion!

In a welcome contrast to the former Lord Mayor Robert Doyle who never attended an SRA AGM is his nine years in the role, Cr Capp was a breath of fresh air, providing residents with an open and frank insight into her vision for Southbank and the city.

Having only been sworn in as Lord Mayor a few months prior to the July AGM, she promised locals she would continue to make herself accessible to the community, and responded to a range of concerns from locals on the night.

Mr Perumal later provided a presentation into the staged construction of the new linear park at Southbank Boulevard and Dodds St, which officially got underway in July. He also provided an update into the progress of the City Road Master Plan, which council has kickstarted with $500,000 in this year’s budget.

The meeting had a packed agenda with president Tony Penna highlighting the SRA’s initiatives for the past year, including government planning panels, the further growth of the Southbank Owners’ Corporation Network (SOCN) and Southbank Info Nights.

Mr Penna also shared plans for a Southbank Expo in April, 2019, which would also mark the SRA’s 21st birthday and aims to co-ordinate this with the opening of the new Boyd Park.

Local Member and Minister for Creative Industries Martin Foley also addressed the audience at the conclusion of the meeting, sharing further detail into his government’s recently-announced record investment into Southbank’s Arts Precinct.

Following the meeting, the committee welcomed three new faces; local residents Joanne Vanselow, Matt Pyatt and former lord mayoral candidate Nathalie O’Sughrue. Office bearers will be finalised this month.

To become a member visit southbankresidents.org.au