By JESSE GRAHAM
COLDSTREAM residents are working away on projects to improve, beautify and grow their town, with a council-run draft structure plan set to be released in coming months.
Discussions have been taking place in the Coldstream community about how to improve the town, in a series of meetings since 2013, organised by the Yarra Ranges Council.
Now, the council has finished its consultation period on its Issues and Opportunities Paper, which will inform the town’s draft structure plan, expected to be released in October by Hansen Partnership.
But while the official document is being worked on, residents continue to gather to try and improve their town, such as in the recently-formed group, Coldstream Voice.
President, Liz Howell, said the group was where residents could bring all of their ideas together and organise projects or report to council on suggested works.
One of these projects was applying for funding to expand the town’s playground to include new equipment, which is being constructed in the near future.
But not all of the group’s works are about infrastructure – some are simply about the little touches that will draw people into the town.
“We did a community arts program … we designed and painted 30 flags, which will be flown whenever there is a community event alongside the highway,” Ms Howell said.
“We’ll have 30 flags in beautiful, vibrant colours – when you’re driving down the highway, you’ll say ‘Hey, there’s something happening in Coldstream today’.”
Ms Howell said each success would give the group more momentum to get others involved.
“I think we’re actually getting somewhere,” she said.
“As we achieve things, like the flags and the playground, it will encourage people to get on board.”
One of the bigger projects for the town is the Melba Connection Project, which is being run by the Yarra Ranges Council in partnership with Coldstream Voice.
Yarra Ranges Council Community and Cultural Development Officer, Santha Press, said the project aimed to link the three areas of Coldstream – the Gateway shopping Centre, the central area of town and Coombe Cottage at the Healesville-end of town – by a path.
Currently, the areas are not connected by pathways, and the Connection Project’s path aims to showcase the history of the town and its link with Dame Nellie Melba with art, horticulture and installations.
“Coombe is very supportive on this and has lots of ideas, and we’re definitely wanting to start a conversation with traders and businesses in the area about how everyone can work together to realise this vision,” Ms Press said.
“It’s very much in its formative stages and people are very welcome to join in.”
To get involved with the Melba Connection Project, call Yarra Ranges Council on 1300 368 333 and ask for Kym Murphy.
For more information on Coldstream Voice, visit www.facebook.com/groups/coldstreamvoice.
