Little Yarra Valley (Powelltown, Gilderoy and Three ...



440343602016Little Yarra Valley Community Planning Group April 2016002016Little Yarra Valley Community Planning Group April 2016-4826004533265127002406650Little Yarra Valley (Powelltown, Gilderoy and Three Bridges) Community Plan00Little Yarra Valley (Powelltown, Gilderoy and Three Bridges) Community PlanProduced by the LITTLE YARRA VALLEY COMMUNITY PLANNING GROUPFacebook: The Little Yarra Valley CommunityEmail:thelittleyarravalley@Members: Nola Adams, Maxine Nott, Vanessa McDonald, Dawn and Michael Adams, Alan and Lorraine Tolley, Colin Kobiolke, Kym Mallamaci, Harold and Carmel Fox, Edward Horton-Crundell, Jill Oliver, Mick Franco, Rebecca Wilson, Peter and Jan Cooper, Nick and Lisa Smith, Ray Brooks, Brian Eagle, Gil Cann, Pam Kroese, John Tie, Elsie Green, Ken Herbert AcknowleDgementsThankyou to everyone who helped create this plan:Residents, landowners, workers, students and traders of Powelltown, Gilderoy and Three Bridges who participated and volunteered in this process.Staff from the Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning, Powelltown OfficePeter Kenyon, Bank of Ideas, asset-based community development expertCr Jim Child, O’Shannassy Ward, Yarra Ranges CouncilChris Riseley, Community Development Officer, Yarra Ranges CouncilTABLE OF CONTENTS TOC \o "1-3" \h \z \u Acknowledgements PAGEREF _Toc448309357 \h 2INTRODUCTION PAGEREF _Toc448309358 \h 4A snapshot of Powelltown, Gilderoy and Three Bridges PAGEREF _Toc448309359 \h 4Our Residents PAGEREF _Toc448309360 \h 4Business Diversity and Employment PAGEREF _Toc448309361 \h 4Community Services and Recreational Tourism PAGEREF _Toc448309362 \h 5Planning and Heritage PAGEREF _Toc448309363 \h 5Assets and Infrastructure PAGEREF _Toc448309364 \h 6PLANNING CONTEXT PAGEREF _Toc448309365 \h 8Yarra Ranges Council PAGEREF _Toc448309366 \h 8Mountain Bike Feasibility Study PAGEREF _Toc448309367 \h 8Powelltown Community Emergency Action Plan PAGEREF _Toc448309368 \h 8COMMUNITY PLANNING ACTIVITIES IN PG&3B, 2014-16 PAGEREF _Toc448309369 \h 8Community Planning Information Night and Dinner, April 2014 PAGEREF _Toc448309370 \h 9Peter Kenyon Workshop, May 2014 PAGEREF _Toc448309371 \h 9Have your Say stand at Powelltown Recreation Reserve, August 2014 PAGEREF _Toc448309372 \h 10Workshop with students at Upper Yarra Secondary College, August 2014 PAGEREF _Toc448309373 \h 10Picturebook making with students at Gladysdale Primary School, September 2014 PAGEREF _Toc448309374 \h 11Powelltown Pub on a Friday night, October 2014 PAGEREF _Toc448309375 \h 12Community Planning Working Group, April 2015 PAGEREF _Toc448309376 \h 12Community Survey, June-August 2015 PAGEREF _Toc448309377 \h 12Family Film Night, Powelltown, August 2015 PAGEREF _Toc448309378 \h 13Community Planning Meetings, August 2015 – February 2016 PAGEREF _Toc448309379 \h 15Developing a Vision Statement PAGEREF _Toc448309380 \h 15Project Development PAGEREF _Toc448309381 \h 15Release of Draft Community Plan, March 2016 PAGEREF _Toc448309382 \h 16THE COMMUNITY ACTION PLAN PAGEREF _Toc448309383 \h 17Vision Statement PAGEREF _Toc448309384 \h 17Themes and Actions PAGEREF _Toc448309385 \h 17INTRODUCTIONCommunity planning is a process where the members of a community work together to identify a shared community vision of the future, and priorities and actions that they can undertake to improve their wellbeing. In early 2014, community leaders from the rural townships of Powelltown, Gilderoy, and Three Bridges decided to start a community planning process. This document describes the process and the outcomes. A snapshot of Powelltown, Gilderoy and Three BridgesPowelltown, Gilderoy and Three Bridges (PG&3B) are rural localities in the Little Yarra Valley, part of the Upper Yarra region. The area is located 80 km east of Melbourne in the Little Yarra River catchment within Yarra Ranges Council. The area is a mix of natural bush which is dominated by towering mountain ash trees, and cleared agricultural land that includes a number of orchards. There are 498 residents in the area. Powelltown is a small township of 200 residents that was established in the 1890s to service major timber milling operations. It was once home to the largest timber mill in Victoria. In the early 1900s the area around Powelltown was opened up by a network of tramways which carried logs from the mountains through Gilderoy and Three Bridges, to Yarra Junction, 16 km to the northwest. Both Gilderoy and Three Bridges hosted post offices that opened in 1902 and 1914 and closed in 1976 and 1956 respectively. The tramway to Yarra Junction, which provided a passenger and goods service, was closed in 1945.Our ResidentsThe following information was obtained from the 2011 Census (see Annex 1).The area has 159 households, of which 42% are households with children, and 25% are lone person households. One third of the population is aged under 25 years old, and 12% are aged over 65. Volunteerism is high within PG&3B, with community volunteers involved in the maintenance of the Powelltown water supply system, a successful football, cricket and netball club, the CFA, a fishing club, and the renovation of the Powelltown Hall and Union Church. Community spirit is strong and positive in the area.Business DIVERSITY and EmploymentIn total, there are 140 registered businesses in PG&3B. Industries include timber harvesting with a timber mill located in the centre of Powelltown that employs 35 people. Agricultural activities include grazing (beef cattle) and horticulture (apples, blueberries and flower growing). Powelltown is also home to the internationally renowned Biodynamic Research Institute, Marketing Company and Biodynamic Association, as well as a Spring Water Plant and the Powelltown General Store. Bed and Breakfast accommodation is emerging as a growth industry. Community Services and Recreational TourismThe Powelltown Oval and Clubrooms are home to the Powelltown Demons Football Club, netball club and cricket club. A fishing club also exists in town. There are tennis courts in Gilderoy.Tourists are attracted to the area’s forest walks, and a camp ground outside the Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning (DELWP) office in Powelltown hosts caravans and campervans overnight. Trail bike riding, recreational four-wheel driving and deer hunting also occur in the area.While a school bus transports students to schools in Gladysdale and Yarra Junction, there is no other public transport, meaning that residents must drive to Yarra Junction to connect with the nearest bus service. The area sits outside the metropolitan taxi boundary.Residents generally travel to larger towns, such as Yarra Junction or Lilydale for most of their retail and service needs.Heather’s Haven is a respite cottage that offers a place for solitude and peace to those recovering from cancer and also their family members. It is affiliated with Yarra Valley Ladies in Pink and both are associated with the Cancer Council of Victoria.Planning and HeritageFrom a land use planning perspective, the Green Wedge and Rural Conservation zones dominate private land in the Powelltown, Gilderoy and Three Bridges area. Overlays include the Bushfire Management Overlay and Environmentally Significant Overlay. Small areas are subject to the Restructure Overlay and Heritage Overlay.Heritage listed sites within Powelltown include:Powelltown Union Church built in 1927 at 1650 Little Yarra RoadPowelltown mill settlement cottages built in 1912 on Yarra StreetThe Community Hall, built in 1917, also has significance as the location of the first primary school and the Powelltown Honor Roll, which is a record of the names of service personnel in the Second World War.Assets and Infrastructure 321945018732500In addition to the businesses outlined above, Powelltown’s other important assets include the licensed Powelltown General Store, which also serves as the Australia Post outlet and is a focal point for community news and information. The DELWP office and depot at Powelltown provides important fire prevention, response and other community services in the area as does the Country Fire Authority’s Little Yarra Brigade which has a tanker based in Powelltown at the CFA shed on Little Yarra munication is reliant on the Beenak Tower on nearby Mt Beenak which also has a DELWP fire spotter tower.Water Supply and the Powelltown Residents Water AssociationPowelltown’s water supply is diverted from Learmonths Creek. The system has been in place since the 1990s and was established following the Ash Wednesday fires of 1983. Built, managed and maintained by the Powelltown Resident’s Water Association Inc. (PRWA) out of the ‘Blue Shed’ in town, it is comprised of approximately 15 km of pipe and over 20 hydrants located throughout the township.3290570-119888000It supplies approximately 100 PRWA resident members with non potable water for domestic, stock, commercial, recreational and limited fire fighting purposes. Residents in Gilderoy and Three Bridges rely on tanks for their water supply. Spring water is harvested from a plant in Powelltown and sold commercially. It is said to be “the best water in Victoria”. Other Assets Identified by Residents Listed below are additional assets and the things that people value about PG&3B, as identified through the community consultation process:Yarra Junction - Noojee Road – the main thoroughfare linking the Upper Yarra Valley to West GippslandWe are the heart of "The Little Yarra Valley"School history – Powelltown, Gilderoy and Three BridgesHistory - church, hall, rail and rail tracks, timberBush walking and mountain bike trailsMountain ash forest including the significant Ada TreeGifted and talented residentsLots of childrenNeighbourlinessCommunity groupsTown prideFormer Powelltown Demons (and AFL) players David Wirrpunda, Sean Charles, Daniel HargreavesVisiting clubs/groupsPlanning CONTEXTYarra Ranges CouncilCouncil’s Open Space Plan includes as a high priority strategy, to conduct an investigation into constructing netball change rooms, and improving the existing pavilion at Powelltown Recreation Reserve. In an audit of pavilions across Yarra Ranges, carried out by the Council in 2014, the Powelltown Recreation Reserve pavilion ranked 9th worst out of 42 pavilions.Council’s Economic Development Strategy (2012-2022) includes tourism as a priority sector and nature-based tourism is seen as a key element. One recommendation is to modify Green Wedge Planning Zones to support appropriate tourism development, and attractions related to the environment and biodiversity.Agribusiness is also strongly supported in the strategy by preserving rural land, supporting local food supply chains, improving water security, and pursuing modifications to the Planning Scheme that enhance agricultural practice and sustainability.Mountain Bike Feasibility StudyRecently, Yarra Ranges Council has advocated for the creation of a new Mountain Bike Trail Network in the Warburton area. With the completion of “The Warburton Mountain Bike Feasibility Study” council has committed $300,000 towards a master plan and its design, which could potentially include 100 to 150 kms of trails, including some trails shared with walkers. The network would be a major destination for local, national and international mountain bikers. While the trails would cost between $3 and $4 million to build, they would generate almost $24 million per annum of benefits to the local economy, and generate up to 175 full-time jobs. Areas near Powelltown have been flagged as suitable for the downhill trail zone and if proven suitable, could see the town as a service hub for international level events.Powelltown Community Emergency Action PlanThe Powelltown Community Emergency Action Plan was developed by the Powelltown Emergency Committee that formed following a public meeting in February 2012. The aim of the Plan is to communicate actions that will improve the ability of residents and the community to prepare, act and recover in the event of an emergency, and in particular, when the services of emergency agencies are stretched and not immediately available to assist. The Plan in its original format was written primarily for, and distributed to, residents who live within the Powelltown township as well as those that live on the Little Yarra Road to Saxton’s Creek extending to the west. The Plan is currently under review.The Plan is supported by an Annual Action Plan. Elements of the Community Emergency Action Plan, as well as the Annual Action Plan, have been included in this broader Community Plan, to reduce duplication and optimise coordination between the respective community planning groups (see pages 21-22). Actions are consistent with the “Make our community safer” theme that emerged through the community planning process described below (see page 14 and Annex 2).Community Planning Activities IN PG&3B, 2014-16In total, about 125 people actively participated in the PG&3B community planning process, by attending events and meetings and by providing suggestions via email, Facebook, phone calls and a survey. The various events and activities that were held are described munity PLanning Information Night and Dinner, April 201476644528194000Twenty residents attended a Council facilitated information session about community planning in April 2014, at the Powelltown Hall. Examples of community planning in Yarra Ranges and in other parts of Victoria were provided. The main outcome was a decision to invite Peter Kenyon, a well-known expert in asset based community development, to visit the PG&3B area.PETER KENYON WORKSHOP, MAY 20142921000280670This successful workshop was attended by 30 local residents. After providing a series of inspiring stories from around the world of community building, residents were asked to talk in groups about:what are the assets of the area?what are the things you want to keep?what do you want to change?what do you want to see improved or created?what do you want to drop?3126105-11112500Hundreds of ideas and thoughts were collected with key themes summarised in a poster. The poster (right), and the questions above, were used again at other consultation activities described below.Have your Say Stand at Powelltown Recreation Reserve, August 2014 57150219075At a Powelltown Demons Football/Netball Club home game day in August, Yarra Ranges Council staff member Chris Riseley collected more ideas through conversations with about 10 players and spectators. Weather conditions were not conducive to wider engagement!Workshop with students at Upper Yarra Secondary College, August 2014Fifteen students living in PG&3B gathered at lunchtime to talk to Yarra Ranges Council staff and Cr Jim Child about their aspirations for the area.When asked what is “awesome about PG&3B”, the beauty, rural aspect, heritage, seclusion and dirt bike tracks were mentioned. To the question, “what’s happening in PG&3B for young people”(i.e. under 25s), the only response was “The Pub”, meaning the Powelltown general store and hotel, which they regarded as a family friendly venue.When asked “what would you change or do to make PG&3B better”, the most common response was better public transport, particularly on the weekends. Another popular response was having a skate park (or better access to one). Better internet and mobile phone coverage was another common response. There were also comments about improving the Powelltown Hall and public toilets generally.Picturebook making with students at Gladysdale Primary School, September 201416700570485Two Council staff members visited Gladysdale Primary School, the closest primary school to the PG&3B area. Twenty students from the area made booklets using collage techniques to show ways to make their townships better. Here are some examples:“Three Bridges would be better if there was a closer café.”“Powelltown would be better if we could feed fish.”“Three Bridges would be better with a child care centre.” “Powelltown would be better if there were more different sport clubs.”“Three Bridges would be better if there was a lake.”244030515049500“Powelltown would be better if there were more places to climb trees.”“Three Bridges would be better if there were benches to sit on.”“Gilderoy would be better if it had a motorbike club.”Powelltown Pub on a Friday night, October 2014336550012001500One night at the Powelltown Hotel, the consultation posters were put up on the big windows (see background of photo) and about 20 people provided their views, through discussion with community munity planning working group, April 2015412750021844000Following a break for Christmas, New Year and the bushfire season, the community planning process recommenced. Ten community members gathered to analyse the hundreds of ideas collected since May 2014. These were first divided into three categories – economic, environmental and social. Then, each category of ideas was grouped into themes. Finally, the themes were grouped together into twelve objectives. The results are provided in Annex munity Survey, June-August 2015The next step was to ask the community for feedback about their top five priorities.Votes were collected via a survey, which was put in letterboxes in the three towns, sent electronically by email and through Survey Monkey, and made available at the pub/store. People who attended the cinema night below also completed survey forms.A total 40 surveys were completed. The survey form is included in Annex 3. Family Film Night, Powelltown, August 2015-127000127571524765001276350About 30 people came to a family movie at the beautiful Powelltown Hall. It was the first movie to be shown in Powelltown for many years, and was held in response to what community members had suggested. More surveys were completed on the night. Everyone brought a plate to share and it was a great success. The survey results, along with a tally of the number of ideas and suggestions that were collected, are summarised in the table below. Running community events emerged as the most popular theme, along with building pride, promoting the area and attracting visitors.The results were used to start the next stage of the process, which was to call interested people together to start developing projects.Survey ResultsThemeNo. of Ideas collectedVotesRankRun more community events and activities 42311Build a stronger sense of pride in our towns 41222Promote the Little Yarra Valley and increase the number of visitors 112213Better transport 38204Support existing local businesses and create new ones 47195Preserve and promote our pioneer heritage 19186Increase community involvement and connections 5015=7Support and promote the mountain ash timber industry 1915=7Maintain our sports clubs and start new ones 1115=7Create better services for children 221310Lobby for better mobile phone coverage and internet access 111211Make our community safer 111112 =SUM(ABOVE) 423 =SUM(ABOVE) 212Community Planning Meetings, August 2015 – February 2016Open community meetings were promoted to interested residents from Powelltown, Gilderoy and Three Bridges and held at the DELWP office in Powelltown in August, November, February and March 2015/16. Between 15 and 20 community members attended each meeting, along with representatives from Council and DELWP.The group decided to focus on the priority areas of building pride and promoting the Little Yarra Valley, better transport as well as existing initiatives that relate to community events and supporting community safety. In addition to the existing Powelltown Emergency Committee and Hall and Church Committee of Management, two new groups were formed. Project ideas were then developed, using the 423 ideas and suggestions that had been collected.Developing a VISION STATEMENTEveryone was asked to individually think of five descriptive words that describe what their town should be like in the future. Small groups then discussed and decided on their five words, and then the whole group talked about words they wanted to use. People were then asked to write sentences using those words. At the next meeting, the group then read everyone’s sentences, chose their favorites, and then decided on wording that was supported by the group as a whole.This is the vision created by the people:Powelltown, Gilderoy and Three Bridges are proud and enthusiastic communities that welcome visitors seeking a tranquil, picturesque and historical place.Project DevelopmentOver the four meetings, project ideas were developed and refined. The final list of projects and the partners and people involved are contained in the Community Action Plan, below.Release of Draft Community Plan, March 2016The draft plan was completed by the Community Planning Group in March. The broader community was provided the opportunity to comment via a letterbox and postbox drop, Facebook, email, and the local newspaper. Four written submissions were made in addition to numerous comments of general support.The plan was finalised and presented to Yarra Ranges Council for acknowledgment on 19 April 2016 by two community leaders. The plan will be reviewed in 2 years.The Community Action Plan Vision StatementPowelltown, Gilderoy and Three Bridges are proud and enthusiastic communities that welcome visitors seeking a tranquil, picturesque and historical place.Themes and ActionsTheme: Little Yarra Valley Community Co-ordinationTo ensure the effective implementation of this plan, and to maximise opportunities as they arise, the Little Yarra Valley Community Planning Group will meet at least quarterly to discuss progress, opportunities and issues as they relate to the implementation of this plan. The existing group will be a conduit to broader community consultation and will work towards attracting new members with a view to establishing a more formalised overarching committee. ThemeLittle Yarra Valley Community Co-ordination ObjectivesTo oversee the coordinated implementation of the Little Yarra Valley Community Plan (Version 1).To provide a forum for broad community consultation.To progress the establishment of an overarching and formalised committee that has the interests of Powelltown, Gilderoy and Three Bridges at its heart.LeadLittle Yarra Valley Community Planning GroupProjectActivities / Actions / Next StepsLinksTimeframeLittle Yarra Valley Community PlanMeet quarterly to discuss progress.Yarra Ranges Council (Community Development), DELWPMarch, June, Sept, DecMountain Bike Feasibility StudyProvide community input into the Mountain Bike Feasibility Study.Yarra Ranges CouncilDELWPCommunity groups, networks and residents in the PG3B area.2016Little Yarra Valley Community Planning GroupApproach interested individuals.Identify and confirm preferred organisational arrangements.Establish formalised overarching group.Yarra Ranges Council (Community Development) Community groups, networks and residents in the PG3B area.June 2017The Little Yarra Valley Community Facebook pageScopeApproach Gladysdale community Re: Facebook page and interest in broader munity groups and networks (PG3B area).Gladysdale communityJune 2016Branding Name Scope the Branding competitionLaunch itCommunity groups and networks in the PG3B area. SchoolsDec 2016Theme: Social activities and restoration of Powelltown Hall and Union ChurchThemeSocial activities and restoration at Powelltown Hall and Union ChurchObjectiveTo?restore and enhance Powelltown's historic Church and Hall so that?the Powelltown, Gilderoy and Three Bridges community?has access to?appealing, secure and safe venues that can be used?for local community activities and other social?and special interest?events.?LeadPowelltown Hall Reserve Committee of ManagementProjectActivities/Actions/Next StepsLinksTimeframe Formalise management of Union Church DELWP to reserve Church “for community purposes”.DELWP2016Country Rockabilly Dance nightsHold two dances per year to raise funds for Hall and Church restoration.Black Hill Ramblers, Bill Rowley and his bandApril and November every yearCommunity MarketsHold two markets per year to bring community together, including up to 40 stalls, chainsaw carving and live music.Stallholders, community groups, Powelltown SawmillMay and November each yearRestoration work at Powelltown Hall and Union Church Apply for funding to re-stump Hall.Re-roof and re-wire Church.Upgrade kitchen in Hall.DELWP, Upper Yarra Community Enterprise, volunteer tradespeople2016-17Fundraising activities to support restoration workHold fundraising events in the church such as craft days.Run cake stalls at local events such as Crank Up in Yarra Junction.Local event organisers2016 onwardsUnion Church 90th birthdayPlan celebration.Upper Yarra Valley Historical SocietyJuly 2017Increased use of Hall and ChurchDevelop promotional material including online.Promote availability of Hall and Church for hire e.g. clubs, weddings, munity groups, clubs, tourism operators, wedding planners2017Theme: More Transport OptionsThemeMore transport optionsObjectiveTo provide residents of all ages in Powelltown, Gilderoy and Three Bridges, with some viable options for transport facilities in order to meet their specific needs.LeadTransport Sub Group (Carmel Fox, Rebecca Wilson, Brian Eagle)ProjectActivities/Actions/Next StepsLinksTimeframe Improved scheduling of school bus between Yarra Junction and PowelltownWrite letter to Cindy McLeish seeking change in scheduling so that LYSS students can catch bus.Upper Yarra Secondary College, Little Yarra Steiner School, Department of Education2016Advocate for school bus to be used by general publicSurvey residents in PG&3B to determine demand.Seek support from schools and students.Lobby Department of Education.Department of Education, Martyrs Bus Service 2016-17Community bus service from Yarra Junction to PowelltownSurvey residents, especially young people, to determine demand.Approach mini-bus owners about availability of buses, e.g. Brittania Ridge Caravan Park, Eastern Volunteers, and Warburton Advancement League.Recruit volunteer drivers.Determine cost of fares.Trial minibus service.Upper Yarra Secondary CollegeLittle Yarra Steiner SchoolBus owners and operators2016-17Transport for aged and disabledDetermine number of people who need a lift to get to Yarra Junction for occasional trips.Find drivers who are willing to provide lifts.Create a list of drivers, contact details and days/times when they usually travel to Yarra Junction.Sub Group2017Theme: Little Yarra Valley PrideThe Little Yarra Valley Pride theme encompasses the desire to build a stronger sense of community pride, attract visitors and support local business through projects that maintain the peace, seclusion and rural / forest environment and are respectful of the area’s timber heritage and natural features. Projects will provide an opportunity for greater volunteerism and make use of, and build the skills of our people and our assets. They will enhance the beauty and amenity of our area for resident families, children and visitors alike, and in doing so, support existing and emerging local business.ThemeLittle Yarra Valley PrideObjectiveTo build community pride through projects that draw on the skills and knowledge of the community and promote the town’s natural and historic features. LeadLittle Yarra Valley Pride Sub-GroupProjectActivities / Actions / Next StepsLinksTimeframeDirectional signage to PowelltownWork with Council to advocate to VicRoads for a Powelltown sign at the Little Yarra Road / Warburton Hwy intersectionCouncilVicRoadsJuly 2017Welcome to PG&3BObtain approval for revised signage at eastern end (quarry site) and western end of town (under powerline easement?).Develop draft design concept.Submit grant for signs.Engage designer / manufacturer.Erect signage.CouncilDELWPDec 2016Self-Guided Timber Town Heritage TrailFinalise sites, topics and design for interpretive signs and 2 x information boards (DELWP campground and Blake Street Carpark).Submit grant for interpretive signs and information boards.Allocate research pile information.Engage manufacturer.Erect signage.DELWPCouncilVicRoadsPrivate Property OwnersYarra Junction MuseumJuly 2017People’s ShedInvestigate options for the development of a “Men’s Shed” type concept at the PRWA Shed on Blake Street.Apply for funds that will enhance the existing shed as a meeting place and workshop.Sub GroupJuly 2017Theme: Community Emergency Action PlanningThe community of Powelltown, Gilderoy and Three Bridges has a strong appreciation of the real and regular threat of bushfire, and in some cases, members have personal experience with the bushfires that have impacted the local area in the past.As a community, we understand that in the event of fire, we could be just one of many impacted towns which stretch emergency services. The bush that surrounds us and single road access means we could also be isolated or cut-off, and without phone reception, power or water.This means we need to be ready and able to look after ourselves, our families and our community; to be self sufficient in our decision making; to have plans and backup plans; and to be well connected to each other and those that are prepared to help. The community is well placed to be resilient in the face of the emergencies that threaten us - whether that be fire, storm, accidents or service outages. Our strength exists in our people - through strong personal connections, friendships and networks, experiences and a range of practical skills, knowledge and resources.But there is always room for improvement such as creating a range of shelter options; improving local communications and awareness; building our knowledge and understanding of local conditions; learning from each other; and working with emergency services so our plans and capabilities are known.These opportunities are the focus of the Powelltown Emergency Committee which continues to serve the community on the understanding that any collective effort put in now, will benefit the many friends and families within the area during our greatest time of need. (Source: Powelltown Community Emergency Action Plan, 2012)Community members at Exercise Ada 2015/16ThemeCommunity Emergency Action PlanningObjectivesTo improve the knowledge and skills of residents by providing localised training and information.To maximise local awareness of emergencies that may impact the town.To reduce the threat of fire and impacts on the community.To improve the level of active involvement and understanding of Powelltown community emergency planning amongst the community, business groups and emergency service agencies.LeadPowelltown Emergency Committee (PEC)ProjectActivities / Actions / Next StepsLinksTimeframeEmergency involvement and awarenessConduct bimonthly meetings of the PEC.Attend one meeting per year of Municipal Emergency Management Planning Committee as a minimum.Distribute PEC meeting minutes to partners (see links).Participate in community emergency planning forums and collaborate with neighboring towns as appropriate.Council, DELWP, CFA, Vicpol and community groups and businesses within PG&3B.OngoingAnnual community information / training eventConduct one event / series of events per year.See aboveBy November each year.Powelltown Community Emergency PlanUpdate and distribute the Plan.Distribute to community members.May 2016Community SirenAdvocate for the use of the CFA siren for community alerting purposes.CFA OngoingCommunity Message TreeManage the SMS based community messaging system. Powelltown Residents Water AssociationOngoingRisk mitigation Work with DELWP to identify fuel management opportunities on private and public land. Advocate for the establishment of a designated community shelter option In Powelltown.Advocate for the redevelopment of the Powelltown Sporting Clubrooms to accommodate both recreational and emergency relief benefits (ensuring the ongoing integrity of existing ember proofing works).DELWP Sporting Club President Peter Podolinsky Links to Fire Operations Planning OngoingOngoingAnnex 1: Demographic dataThree Bridges, Gilderoy and Powelltown ruralPowelltown townshipTotalPeople298200498Born in Australia222169391Speak another language at home21 021School students583593TAFE students707University students404Median age414141Median weekly family income$1,075$1,075$1,075Average household size2.72.3NAUnder 25 years old9971170Over 65 years old371259Needing assistance141529Volunteers (15 years and over)543084Providing unpaid assistance to a person with a disability182745Providing childcare6747114Households8574159Households with children353368Couple family without children411758Lone person households142539Dwellings9473167Dwellings with a mortgage483886Rented5813No internet connection222547Source: Australian Bureau of Statistics, Census of Population and Housing 2011.Annex 2: Ideas and Suggestions Collected during the ProcessHundreds of ideas and suggestions were submitted during the community planning process and arranged into possible project ideas. In April 2014, these were categorised by the community planning group into themes and objectives.Numbers in brackets indicate the number of people who suggested or voted for the project idea, or something very similar. Highlighted items are those addressed in the current Community Plan.ObjectivePossible projectsPromote the valley and increase the number of visitors (112 total)?Promote the special heritage, mountain ash forest, and natural features of the area (22)Create a rail trail to Yarra Junction, build a section of the trestle bridge (17)Re-open the Bump Tunnel (9)Restore an operating train to attract tourists (8)Better overnight camping site with amenities (7)Brighten up the rest area at the big log and better signage (7)More accommodation options in the valley (6)Keep DEPI, who maintain tracks and attract tourists (4)Maintain and extend bushwalking tracks and access to the forest, with better signage (3)Have a "Powelltown" sign at Yarra Junction (3)Create the "Little Yarra Valley" brand name (2)Create fish feeding/catching spots (2)Take advantage of opportunities of events happening nearby or car/bike clubs passing through (2)Promote mountain bike and motorbike tracks and improve signage.Increase community involvement and connections (50)More volunteer community involvement and commitment by positive individuals is needed (21)A progress association for Powelltown is needed. (9)Support our great organisations like the CFA, DEPI, the water association and sports clubs.(8)A Facebook page for Powelltown should be set up. (7)Encouraging children and young people to participate in community activities is important (2)Support existing local businesses and create new ones (47)Retail outlets like a cafe, bakery, barber and service station are desirable (21)Keep existing jobs and create new ones (10). People want to see the Powelltown pub/store/Australia Post outlet to stay. It's an important community gathering place for all ages. (10)Run more community events and activities (42)Run other kinds of social events, such as bush dances, cards, indoor games, high tea, second-hand book stall, at the hall and elsewhere. (16)Bring back film nights at the hall. (13)Organise fundraising events to raise funds for lights at the oval.(3)Have a community market (including trash n' treasure, kids' donkey rides). (2)Bring back the library van visits. (2)Start a "Girls' shed" with male mentors.Start a BBQ/pasta feast at Powelly Pub on 1st Wednesday of the month.Run dog obedience classes.Build a stronger sense of pride in our towns (41)Maintain a peaceful, secluded and rural environment in the valley (13)Make the town look more attractive, e.g. deciduous trees in the main street, Xmas decorations (11)Have a better way to share information about the skills and assets amongst the community (3)Increase our population so that we keep Powelltown's "town" status (3)Clean up the town by providing more bins on the main street Better transport (38)Start a public or community bus service to Yarra Junction (36)Create better services for children (22)It's important to keep the school bus, and the bus run could be extended to other schools in Yarra Junction. (7)There is a desire to make the valley more attractive to children and families (4)Start a playgroup, perhaps even a pre-school (there were 30 pre-schoolers in the valley in 2011) (2)Preserve and promote our pioneer heritage (19)Preserving our built heritage (the church, hall) is important, by applying for grants (13)Promoting our timber heritage is important also, e.g. a bushman's gallery or timber industry museum could be established (2)Create heritage walk plaques along the main street (2)We could re-connect with the former students of Powelltown and Three Bridges schools.Support and promote the mountain ash timber industry (19)Keeping the timber mill going is important (14)Set up information centre about sustainable forestry, and tours of the mill. Create a Big Chainsaw! (3)Make our community safer (11)Lower the speed limit in residential areas (3)Create a Neighbourhood Safer Place and increase individual bushfire preparedness (3)Reduce fuel around reserve and the townships (2)Maintain our sports clubs and start new ones (11)Support our sports clubs (footy, netball, fishing, cricket) and start new ones (e.g. Motorbikes) (7)Present and former AFL footballers who played at Powelltown are an asset.Lobby for better mobile phone coverage and internet access (11)Improve mobile phone coverage and internet access (11)Annex 3: Survey4535805-212090Powelltown, Three Bridges, GilderoyCommunity Planning Vote for your TOP FIVE priorities – tick FIVE boxes in the right-hand column. THANKS!!!PriorityVOTEPromote the Little Yarra Valley and increase the number of visitors e.g. promote the area’s heritage, forests, and natural features, create a rail trail to Yarra Junction or Noojee, overnight camping and other accommodationIncrease community involvement and connections e.g. more volunteers and commitment by positive people, create a “progress association” and a Facebook page, support our groups and clubsSupport existing local businesses and create new ones e.g. create more retail outlets, support the Powelly pub/store, create new jobsRun more community events and activities e.g. social events, film nights, dances, games, fundraising, market, dinners, classes - at the Powelly hall and elsewhereBuild a stronger sense of pride in our towns e.g. maintain a peaceful secluded and rural environment, beautify the townships, share info about skills and assets in the communityBetter transport e.g. start a community bus service to Yarra Junction or advocate for a public busCreate better services for children e.g. extend school bus run to other schools, attract families to the area, start a playgroupPreserve and promote our pioneer heritage e.g. apply for grants to preserve our built heritage, timber industry museum, plaques in townSupport and promote the mountain ash timber industry e.g. support the mill, set up an info centre about sustainable forestryMake our community safer e.g. lower speed limit in residential areas, advocate for a recognised bushfire refuge Maintain our sports clubs and start new ones e.g. support our sports club and start new ones, ask current and former AFL players who have played for Powelltown to promote our clubsLobby for better mobile phone coverage and internet access (see overleaf for more info)Yes, I want to be involved! Keep me in the loop!!Name:Phone:Email:Drop this off at the Powelly Pub or scan and email to kym.malla@Or go to and fill out this survey online!What’s this all about?Community Planning in Powelltown, Three Bridges and GilderoyOver the last 14 months, residents have worked with Council to collect suggestions and ideas from the broader community on ways we can retain the things we love about our area, or create new ones that will keep the community strong into the future. These suggestions and ideas were collected and categorised through the following activities:Community Planning information night and dinner, Powelltown Hall, April 2014 Workshop with Peter Kenyon, Powelltown Hall, May 2014 Display stand at Powelltown Rec Reserve on football/netball home game day, August 2014 Workshop with students at Upper Yarra Secondary College, August 2014 Picture bookmaking with students at Gladysdale Primary School, Sept 2013 Gathering ideas at Powelly Pub on a Friday night, October 2014 Dinner, community planning working group, April 2015 (to categorise ideas into priorities)In total, about 125 people have been involved so far, representing 25% of the area’s population of 500. Over 400 ideas and suggestions have been gathered. What you are seeing on this sheet is a summary of these ideas.Whether you live in the area or just love to visit, by completing and returning this form, you will help prioritise the things considered of greatest importance and interest which will become the focus of future community action. ................
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