By Jed Lanyon
Yarra Ranges Council is putting together the Warburton Place Plan that will help guide future decisions about the town and how it may change over time.
Councillors unanimously approved the development of the Warburton Place Plan at the 22 October Yarra Ranges Council meeting held at the Warburton Arts Centre.
The place plan will be a document that will guide council’s directions and actions in the area over the next 20 years, ensuring that the town’s future matches the values and culture of the area.
With large upcoming projects such as the Warburton Mountain Bike Destination and the Community Recreation Precinct that are set to shape the Warburton community, council identified the need to create a place plan to help guide their decisions regarding the town.
According to council, a significant proportion of Warburton residents face social and day-to-day living issues at higher than average rates compared to the average Yarra Ranges resident.
One resident voiced her concerns for the place plan at the 22 October Yarra Ranges Council meeting, which was held at the Warburton Arts Centre.
She believed the community involvement and feedback regarding was not accurately represented as some residents were not informed of the place plan due to information being sent out electronically.
Acting director of social and economic development Greg Box informed council that information regarding the Warburton Place Plan was available for viewing at the Warburton Arts Centre over the past months.
Yarra Ranges Enterprise Centre manager Alison Fitzgerald said that the place plan was a great start for the Warburton community.
“The community can’t do it on its own and council can’t do it on their own. We need to work together on this.
“Change is here, it’s not coming, it’s already here. So it’s about looking at those opportunities and starting to think about the changes in Warburton.
Ms Fitzgerald urged council to simplify the place plan to make the document more understandable for the local community.
Councillor Jim Child showed his approval for the place plan.
“I really believe this is the best starting position we can have with a Warburton Place Plan.
“The time has come, we have to really look at this town and the towns around it including Wesburn, Millgrove, East Warburton and Big Pats Creek.”
Mr Child said that it was important to be looking at how actions will impact the town 10 and 20 years into the future.
Last month, council approved the Lilydale Place Plan to guide long term decision making around programs and infrastructure such as the Level Crossing Removal Project and the Kinley development.
