By Peter Douglas
WHAT is your vision for the future of Healesville and nearby surrounds?Now is the time to put forward your ideas, as the community is being asked to help shape the town’s direction.
Yarra Ranges Council endorsed the draft Healesville Structure Plan at its Tuesday, 8 December, meeting, with the Draft Plan available for community feedback.
The Plan provides a framework to guide future development of the Healesville and surrounding areas, including Chum Creek and Badger Creek.
Important points include the development of key sites and improvement of public spaces, as well as exploring options around car parking.
The Plan aims to strengthen the role of the town centre, as well as manage residential growth.
Cr Fiona McAlister said the Draft Plan had come a long way since more than 100 people attended the initial town meeting.
She said the community should consider providing input.
“The Draft Plan has been two years in the making to get to this point,” Cr McAlister said.
“I know structure plans are sometimes not that engaging, but many people have participated with what we have.”
Cr McAlister said key points included the balance between amenity development and bushfire risk, as well as what must happen in terms of minimising risk.
She also predicted volume development would be another key point, with surveys suggesting 25 per cent wanted no development, while 50 per cent were content with predicted development.
Population projections, which were prepared for Council, predicted the population of Healesville and surrounds will increase by 1327 to 2036, which would bring the total population to 10962.
This would require an additional 717 dwellings.
After a six-week community consultation period, which begins in February, a report will be presented to Council with the community feedback and recommended changes.
For more information on coming consultation sessions, visit www.yarraranges.vic.gov.au/healesville.
