Surf Coast Shire Council will continue along its journey towards reconciliation as it sets clear actions that build on indigenous learning and growth.
The Innovate Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP) 2025-2027 was adopted during council’s 28 October meeting, with five councillors voting to adopt the plan and two against.
Councillor Libby Stapleton said the Surf Coast community often showed a strong appreciation and respect for the deep cultural heritage of First Nations people.
“Over many years, many Indigenous people have been excluded from economic development opportunities due to colonisation and historical marginalisation,” she said.
“We can see how far we have come through completion of the Reflect RAP, which focused primarily on internal cultural awareness learning for our organisation.
“Now the Innovate RAP will invite us to focus more on external reconciliation actions and strengthening of relationships with Traditional Owner organisations and the First Nations community.
“I’m hopeful that the RAP leads to more sustained and measurable outcomes over the next two years, building stronger partnerships and paving the way for continued change and improvement.”
The Innovate RAP will build on foundational work listed in council’s Reflect RAP, which was established in November 2023 to strengthen relationships and foster learning with the First Nations community.
Cr Joel Grist said there were aspects of the policy that he supported, like heritage site protection, but was worried that it would introduce “race-based decision-making into council operations”.
“A policy that favours or disadvantages people based on race is divisive and risks creating unequal treatment within our community,” he said.
“It seems driven more by political pressure and alignment with higher levels of government actions and funding priorities than by the real needs or will of our local community.
“At a time when many residents and ratepayers are struggling to meet rising living costs, it is important that every new policy represents value for money and delivers benefits that reach the wider community, not just a small percentage of it.”
