Our History
Better West Incorporated acknowledges the people of Yalukit Wilum of the Boon Wurrung Country that makes up the Greater Kulin Nation, traditional owners of lands currently within Hobsons Bay City Council boundary areas.
Better West is a residents group, formed to address issues emerging in Spotswood, South Kingsville, Newport and Altona North. We were established in 2016 when the community was asked to respond to concept designs for the Western Distributor Project. The Western Distributor Project was a market-led proposal to the Victorian Government by Transurban and followed the cancellation of the East West Link project and the 2014 state election.
In September 2016, a group of residents formed the incorporated association Spotswood South Kingsville Residents Group Inc (SSKRG) to formalise our group structure and to nominate a representative on the Western Distributor Community Liaison Group.
In 2020, we decided to change our name to “Better West” to allow membership from residents of surrounding areas who share the history and issues being experienced by Spotswood and South Kingsville. At 2024 AGM the following purposes were adopted:
Better West Inc. is a group of residents who work together to create healthy and resilient neighbourhoods in Spotswood, South Kingsville and the surrounding areas including the Precinct 15 development in Altona North.
We work to see that as our population grows with the change from industrial to dense residential zoning, the re-redevelopment contributes to:
- better bike and pedestrian transport,
- safer streets and environment,
- better open-spaces,
- cleaner air, and
- better connected communities.
We strive to work cooperatively with stakeholders and support neighbouring groups, causes, and projects that share a purpose.
Governance
We hold an annual general meeting at the end of each financial year to elect a committee who represent neighbourhood areas of the suburbs and report on finances and activities.
Meetings and Get Togethers are regularly organised. We administer the Spotswood South Kingsville Residents Facebook Group,
