DRAFT PLANNING SCHEME CONSULTATION THIS SATURDAY 25th OCTOBER
Ask anyone what they value the most about living in our region (apart from their family and health) and they’re likely to tell you that it’s the lifestyle on offer. What they may not realise is that the most important document that underwrites that asset is Council’s Planning Scheme or ‘Town Plan’.
Town planning - let's get it right
From the provision of infrastructure through to what you or your neighbours can do on your/their land or how high buildings can be built, the Planning Scheme represents the hierarchy of all strategic documents and determines what our region will look like in the immediate and long-term future. When the final document comes before Council, eleven of us are going to asked to put our hand up for its adoption which will then lock it into place for many years. We need to get it right and to do that we need to know your thoughts and expectations.
Council is currently engaging with the community right across the region seeking feedback on the Draft Planning Scheme which it hopes to adopt early next year. Consultation however is a two-way street and I strongly encourage members of the community to take this issue seriously and give up an hour or two of your time to run through the draft with our planning staff and give them your thoughts.
Do you want to see ten storey buildings on the foreshore?
Do you want to see higher density development replace larger allotments?
Do you want sewerage in your area?
Do you want to see more land freed up for commercial or industrial uses?
Do you want your neighbour to be able to run a business from his/her garage?
There are a heap of questions and the list is way too long for this article but they certainly form the vast majority of the inquiries and complaints that I deal with.
COUNCIL WILL BE HOLDING A COMMUNITY INFORMATION SESSION AS PART OF MY COMMUNITY CONSULTATION DESK OUTSIDE CAFE CAPRICE, BARGARA CENTRAL SHOPPING CENTRE THIS SATURDAY 25th OCTOBER BETWEEN 10.00am & 1.00pm
A Senior Town planner will be on hand to run through the draft document and hear what your thoughts are for the future of the entire region or if you like, just your neck of the woods. Please rest assured that your input is vital for a successful outcome.