Plan Ideas Sought

By MARA PATTISON-SOWDEN
WILD ideas are being sought to create a community plan for Woori Yallock, Hoddles Creek, Yellingbo, Launching Place and Don Valley (WHYLD).
From having a new medical centre to better bike paths and cafes, creating more employment in the area, encouraging businesses to come, a long-term plan for the district is quite a big undertaking.
But WHYLD committee member Angelo Campione said it was the one way that residents could say what they wanted in the area and develop a clear direction for the community in the coming years.
Mr Campione, a Launching Place resident for more than 10 years, said he joined the committee with the interest of seeing what the community wanted and helping what direction it could go in.
“I got this sense that it was important to be part of a future direction,” he said.
“I did some surveys with mothers at Launching Place Primary School, a lot of them felt they wanted more for young people to do.
“While it’s great to live out of the city, it still feels like it can be a bit isolating for the young ones.”
He said while the committee had discussed different ideas as a starting point, and consulted the Yarra Ranges Council’s 2020 Vision, the project was all about what the community really wanted.
“By having forums and opening it up, we can see what comes out of it as a way of tying it in with 2020,” he said.
The WHYLD committee was instigated by the Woori Yallock Community Bank to determine what community ventures may need financial support.
It received a Department of Planning and Community Development grant and hired a consultant to prepare a community vision and plan.
Community forums will be held at Hoddles Creek Primary School on Thursday 19 July, Woori Yallock Primary School on Wednesday 25 July, Yellingbo Primary School on Thursday 26 July, Don Valley Primary School on Wednesday 1 August and Launching Place Primary School on Thursday 2 August. All workshops are from 7pm to 10pm, with tea and coffee provided.