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Community feedback wanted on long-term strategic vision for Longwarry in Baw Baw Shire

Baw Baw Shire Council is seeking community feedback on a plan that will guide the future growth of Longwarry.

By news@gippsland - 1st March 2022 - Back to News

The Longwarry Structure (Framework) Plan sets out a long-term strategic vision for the town, considering important issues like land use, open space areas and connectivity. It provides a clear planning framework that will guide decisions about development, investment, and infrastructure improvement.

All residents are invited to attend to provide feedback, ask questions and have their say on the draft plan that will help shape up Longwarry's future

Available for review and feedback

Following extensive background research, analysis, and community consultation in 2021, a draft version of the plan has been prepared on behalf of council by Echelon Planning Consultants and is now available for community review and feedback. To fully engage the community, council will be holding both daytime and evening face-to-face consultation sessions in March at the Longwarry Public Hall:

• Saturday 5 March from 10.00am to 12.00pm
• Tuesday 8 March from 5.00pm to 7.00pm

All residents are invited to attend to provide feedback, ask questions and have their say on the final draft of the Plan.

In addition to the community engagement sessions, a short survey is available now via council's Draft Longwarry Structure (Framework) Plan website. The consultation period will be open until 25 March 2022.

Following the community's input, the Longwarry Structure (Framework) Plan will be finalised over coming months, before going before council for adoption. To read the draft Longwarry Structure (Framework) Plan in full and to provide feedback, please visit the Draft Longwarry Structure (Framework) Plan webpage.

The Longwarry Structure Plan outlines council's approach for the growth and land use mix in Longwarry in response to changing community needs. Specifically, the Structure Plan serves a number of purposes

Meeting community's needs

Mayor Cr Michael Leaney said, "The Longwarry Structure Plan is an absolutely vital planning tool that will guide council's approach to growth and land use mix Longwarry. It is so important that this Plan is designed to meet our community's changing needs."

"A lot of the hard work has already been done. There's been extensive community consultation, and a lot of background research and analysis that has gone into this draft Plan. Now, we are presenting it back to the Longwarry community to make sure it is hitting the mark."

"I strongly encourage all Longwarry locals to read the Plan, to complete the survey and to pop in for one of the consultation sessions to learn more, ask questions and - crucially - to give their feedback." Mayor Leaney concluded.

Accommodating growth

Deputy Mayor Cr Annemarie McCabe said, "The project considers the capability of the land and existing infrastructure to accommodate growth.
The attached plan from Echelon Planning is thorough, informative, and well laid out."

"It has incorporated initial community input from the Longwarry pop-up at the start of the year and now is the time for the community to read the report and let us know what they think. Input from the community helps to shape the final document and I look forward to seeing the final draft following the consultation period." Ms McGabe said.

Lots to be developed

West Ward Cr Tricia Jones said, "This draft structure plan is based on information gathered from members of the Longwarry community, stakeholder engagement and background information. It is projected there will be an increase in population of 2,310 people by 2041. To accommodate this growth hundreds of residential lots will be developed, and this will require land to be rezoned."

"I urge the Longwarry community and anyone else interested in the future of the town to take up this opportunity, go through the document and make comments within this consultation." Ms Jones said.

Shape up Longwarry's future

West Ward Cr Keith Cook said, "The draft Longwarry Structure plan is a key to meeting the needs of Longwarry's growing population. I thank the community members who showed up in numbers to the pop-up sessions held during phase one of this consultation."

"Your guidance has helped develop this draft plan. Now, I greatly encourage those who are passionate about the future of Longwarry to visit us at one of the upcoming consultation sessions and to jump online and complete the short survey. Your input is so important to ensuring we get this right." Mr Cook said.

Pictures from Baw Baw Shire Council website and Google maps.

Source: http://gippsland.com/

Published by: news@gippsland.com