Council is calling on community members to put forward what they value most about Sassafras, and what areas they feel Council should prioritise to improve the town.
Sassafras is a much-loved part of the Yarra Ranges, that comes alive along the central spine of the Mt Dandenong Tourist Road, with popular shops and cafes, outdoor seating and open space set amongst the beautiful forests of Dandenong Ranges National Park.
Council wants to hear ideas and insights from community on how Sassafras could be improved, and what the future of Sassafras may look like. Feedback gained from community will help inform a draft Sassafras Village Streetscape Plan, a guiding document for Council to provide improvements to the town over the coming years.
Streeton Ward Councillor, Jeff Marriott, said that a Streetscape Plan for Sassafras was needed.
"This Plan will help us preserve the character of these places we love, while helping us prioritise works and plan for the future of Sassafras," Cr Marriott said.
"By working closely with our residents and local groups, we can ensure that Sassafras remains a cherished destination for both locals and visitors to the area.
"While it's one of our smaller centres, Sassafras is a key part of the Yarra Ranges and attracts quite a bit of visitation to the area as well.
"We've heard from the Sassafras community previously that they face some significant traffic challenges, such as lack of parking availability, unsafe pedestrian movements and footpaths that are highly constrained.
"We've also heard from local traders that the town could do with some physical improvements, such as consistency in garden beds, street furniture and signage.
"Celebrating local culture and heritage through artwork and other activations of community spaces have also been put forward as ideas."
The Sassafras Village Streetscape Plan will be the first of a series of village streetscape plans to be developed in the hills area, ensuring these destinations are prepared for future growth in visitation. Improving accessibility as well as the look and feel of the town centre will create a lively, welcoming space for the community to thrive in.
Previous consultation, including feedback on a pedestrian crossing proposal for the centre, will be considered in this project as we look at pedestrian and traffic movement across the whole activity centre.
Council have also heard previously from community their concern at the condition and safety of the existing public toilets. In response, Council has brought forward the work on this project to bring a fresh and more welcoming public toilet area over the coming year.
Council would like to test this previous feedback and hear from community in more detail to ensure the Plan encompasses the priorities of this community. Community members have until 28 September to provide feedback.
