More than 30 community members have shared their ideas and local knowledge to help shape the future of Healesville through the development of the upcoming Healesville Township Design Framework.
The community members took part in a series of Community Placemaking Workshops held in July and August, working alongside Council staff to explore opportunities and challenges in the township.
Ryrie Ward Councillor Fiona McAllister said the workshops had been highly collaborative and provided valuable local insights.
"We invited community members to register their interest in June and were pleased to see a strong response from a diverse group of residents from the community," Cr McAllister said.
"Across the three workshops, participants shared their thoughts on what makes Healesville special and how we can protect and enhance its unique character into the future.
"We discussed a broad range of topics, from building design and parking to how people move through the town centre and experience public spaces. We also explored ways to address existing challenges, including difficult pedestrian connections and underused open spaces.
"The ideas and local knowledge shared through these workshops will play an important role in shaping a draft Township Design Framework that reflects community aspirations from the very beginning."
Cr McAllister thanked everyone who had contributed to the process so far.
"We are now progressing the draft framework and continuing conversations with community groups across Healesville ahead of broader community consultation in 2027," she said.
"The response to this process has been incredibly positive. We're already looking at how a similar approach could be used in other townships across Yarra Ranges.
"I encourage residents to follow the project on the Shaping Yarra Ranges website and stay tuned for future opportunities to have their say in 2027."
