By Michael Doran
In 2016 a group of Badger Creek residents were talking about how to get their community more connected and what needed to be done in the area.
After two years of consultations, meetings, events and surveys the group has produced the Badger Creek Community Plan 2018-2021.
At the launch of the plan on 19 October at Badger Creek Primary School’s Fete, committee chair, Doris Pozzi said that the plan sets out a three year program for the community to focus on.
“We have worked for two years to find out what people did and didn’t like about living here and what they wanted to see done. The plan sets out the action steps and the priorities for us to work on.”
“Even at this early stage the council has already re-prioritised some infrastructure works to match what the community sees as important. The Roma Street playground was set for work in five years but it is now been moved to happen in 2019.”
“The terrible state of Badger Weir Park is a hot topic with residents and one of the main issues was the lack of communication from Parks Victoria about what was happening.”
“People here are extremely passionate about that park and not being able to use it is a really sore point. At last it seems something is happening next year but three years is just too long.”
The plan was presented to Yarra Ranges council in July where it was formally acknowledged by council, an important step when future grants are applied for.
“We have a really good working relationship with the council,” Ms. Pozzi said. “Jess Adams from the council has guided us through the development of the plan and she comes to all our meetings and keeps us on track.”
“We found out that the council had a program to help communities get a plan together so we contacted them in 2016 to get the project started.”
Yarra Ranges Community Development Officer, Jess Adams, said the councils role is to facilitate the process but not to influence the outcomes.
“We are trying to help them strengthen relationships and build communication within their community,” she said. “This is not a council plan but we do help make the connection between the community and council.”
“Our role is to help gather people, share our experience of what has worked with other groups but then leave it to each community to decide what their plan includes.”
“Community planning is not just about giving council a wish-list from a few residents. It works best when the community comes together and sets its own priorities for what they want to see achieved. This group has done that well.”
Since starting the program in 2012, Yarra Ranges council has worked with 12 local communities and all details are at www.yarraranges.vic.gov.au
