By JESSE GRAHAM
A CAMPAIGN to improve Coldstream has come back onto the agenda, with a draft Community Plan being formed and advocacy work set to begin next year.
On Friday 12 September, the Coldstream Community Plan Draft was released by the Yarra Ranges Council, via its Yarra Ranges Views site.
The plan was formed by Coldstream Voice – a group of residents and business owners in the town – and outlines projects for the town and their initial stages, leading up to 2016.
Some of the projects include introducing community markets from spring to autumn, bringing more activity to the Community Centre and advocating for more footpaths, a rail trail and the eventual expansion of the township.
Coldstream Voice secretary, Candice Bruggink, said the group wanted to get as much local feedback on the plan as possible, and urged residents and business owners to take a look and have their say.
“We encourage any kind of feedback – getting people interested and involved is what this is about,” she said.
“It’s expanding the social aspect of Coldstream and including everybody.”
The plan is the result of a number of community meetings, workshops and events, held between July 2013 and June 2014, which featured about 350 Coldstream residents – about 15 per cent of the population.
Ms Bruggink said that after public submissions on the draft plan close on 5 October, it will be circulated to the community, and projects will get underway.
One of the first items on the agenda is the community market, which will be held on Saturday 29 November – the same day as the Victorian election.
The Draft Community Plan can be found online at yarrarangesviews.com.au/coldstreams-future.
Comments can be made online, by calling 9294 6123 or by writing to PO Box 88, Coldstream, 3770.
Stalls for the community market can be booked through the Coldstream Post Office.
