Community members in Healesville are being invited to join a series of Community Placemaking Workshops to help map out the future of the town.
Ryrie Ward Councillor, Fiona McAllister, said the sessions were an important next step to help Council develop a draft Township Design Framework (TDF).
"The TDF will articulate what residents, businesses and visitors love about Healesville and ensure that any decisions we make as Council about developments, projects and infrastructure respect and improve on those qualities," Cr McAllister said.
"It will set out guidelines, standards and plans for things like transport, car parks, streetscapes, design and recreational facilities, and guide Council's decision making for the next 20 years."
"We adopted the Healesville Structure Plan in 2016, and this document will build on that. But to really pin down what's great about Healesville, and what people want to see, we are looking for around 25 passionate locals to participate in this next stage."
"Placemaking is about the community coming together to shape the places they live so they feel welcoming and enjoyable for everyone. That's what these sessions are about, and workshop participants will help test ideas and shape solutions for Healesville's future."
Read about the Community Placemaking Workshops, and register your interest
Cr McAllister also said that an Insights and Opportunities report is now available for community members to read, bringing together last year's engagement feedback, background research and technical information.
"We started this process more than a year ago, asking Healesville residents, business representatives and visitors what they value about the town, and their ideas for its future," she said.
"We've incorporated what we heard into a paper, and I invite anyone interested in the town's future to have a read and, if available, register their interest in the Community Placemaking Workshops.
"We have an incredibly engaged community in the Yarra Valley, and this project is part of an ongoing conversation. While there has been a gap between updates, taking the time to truly understand what people value about their town as we plan for the next 20 years is important to get right."
"Now is another opportunity to have your say. We want to hear from as many voices as possible to help shape a future that reflects what the community wants."
Community members interested in joining the workshops can register their interest at Shaping Yarra Ranges, Council's engagement platform or by requesting a hard copy of the sign-up form at the Healesville Community Link.
Participants must be available to attend all three sessions.
The workshops will be held from 5:30 - 7:30 pm on 27 July, 10 and 24 August, in the Nan Francis Room at The Memo, Healesville.
The Insights and Opportunities report is also available to view in hard copy by request at the Healesville Community Link.
