COMMUNITY WORKSHOP - Home Yarra Ranges Council



Yarra Ranges CouncilHealesville Structure PlanCOMMUNITY WORKSHOP6 for 7.00 to 9.30 pm, Wednesday 26 March 2014The Memo, Healesville WORKSHOP NOTESAimsTo gather community input to, and generate interest in, a draft Structure Plan for Healesville To build understanding of the different viewpoints and interests that need to be considered and balanced in planning for the long-term future of Healesville Information displayAn informal, drop-in style information display was setup in the foyer and part of the hall at The Memo and was open to anyone who was interested one hour before the workshop. Council staff were available to answer questions during this time. Workshop welcome and introductionThe workshop was attended by 86 people, including the mayor Cr Fiona McAllister, six community representatives who acted as table 'hosts', and seven Council staff (several of whom also acted as table hosts). The workshop was independently facilitated by Bruce Turner and Joy Humphreys. Cr McAllister opened the workshop with an acknowledgement of the traditional owners of the land and thanked everyone for attending. She outlined the aims of the workshop (see above).Facilitator Bruce explained his and Joy's role in guiding the workshop and helping everyone make good use of the time. He indicated that he would be helping to collate all the written input that was received at the workshop (in the form of these notes) so that anyone interested could see what was discussed. He suggested the following 'ingredients for a successful workshop':Make sure we hear from everyone Try to listen to understand all points of view (we don’t have to agree or resolve all issues tonight)Support the table hosts in making sure what’s important gets written downIf you think something’s been missed, or you want to make sure we got your key points, feel free to complete a feedback sheet at the end of the workshop.He also acknowledged the significant input that members of the Community Reference Group for the Structure Plan project had had to the workshop agenda. Six members of this group had kindly volunteered to help host one of the tables at the workshop; these were: Karen Kisala (Healesville Living and Learning Centre), Kathleen Holton (Wesley Mission), Graham Taylor (Healesville Chamber of Commerce), and local residents James Gray, Carole Newbery and Monica Hayes. About the Structure Plan projectDamian Closs, Council's Manager Strategic Planning gave a short presentation on why Council is looking to prepare a Structure Plan, where the process is up to and what had been heard so far in the consultation process.Workshop Discussion 1: What is the feedback and our own experience telling us (about where we're at and what we face)?The participants were seated at 10 round tables in groups of 6-7. Each group was supported by a table host and allocated a theme as a focus for their discussion (which influenced where people chose to sit initially). The themes were:The table groups were asked to identify from the study findings and earlier consultation, and their own experience:Key issues/ challenges we faceKey opportunities we can see[NB These dot styles are used in the typed up notes on the following pages to indicate issues and opportunities]3533775844550619125836930They wrote their responses on to sticky notes (one colour for issues/challenges and another for opportunities). The notes were then sorted into subtopics, and everyone (apart from the hosts) had the opportunity to move around to review and add to the comments on several themes. All comments received from each table under each theme have been reproduced on the following pages.Settlement and housing (including township boundaries, location and type of new housing) Table 1Supply of housing – rental and own or buildPreventing urban sprawl (protect rural land and the environment)Housing: diversity for different demographicsRelationship of new housing to population growth and existing/new infrastructureInsufficient rental (housing) propertiesIdentifying quantity of additional needed housing overallGranny flats regulations (change to reflect investment in non-permanent dwelling)Accommodation for SeniorsAgeing in placePromoting Healesville as welcoming open communityAllow for lifestyle opportunities on the outskirts of townHouse sharing for itinerant workers/populations and touristsMake more efficient use of unencumbered land that is already fully servicedHousing zoning and aestheticsLand clearing for housingAppropriate mix of housing, large, medium, smallHow do we increase diversity of housing in zone 3 given current structure constraints?Given pressures for growth, how do we retain the rural, small town nature of HealesvilleNo further subdivisions, it’s a country townProliferation of small sub-division, zoning changes.Opportunity to subdivide in low density residential areasGet rid of red-tape when trying to remove non-native trees on your own propertyLimit subdivision and town size unless water and sewage is constructedChance to control/manage spread of housing in line with facilities etc.Getting mix of new housing in sync with schools/medical/transport/roadsEco-TourismLand on the outskirts of town which can be used for eco-tourism accommodationEco-tourism76200231775Maintaining current resources – parking issues- transportMaintaining the current infrastructure i.e. Main Street, lighting etc., garden beds, uneven footpaths, road sides, include entrances to townshipHow can we provide for needed more parking, without turning greenery into concrete?Insufficient car parkingSouvenir shop advertising local products, toys (example Healesville sanctuary)Mini bus service to link up with main bus service to cater for the needs of shoppers including cafes, RSL, hotels etc., to ease parkingInformation centre should accept rental accommodation offers for short termers without a feeTable 2Neighbourhood characterKeeping trees and vegetation in residential areasMust have more green open space with space for housing/unitsUnit development needs to be sympathetic to character –not simplistic boxesCharacter, vibrant town centre, significant natural features still present, separation from suburbiaNew housing character improved solar designGardens that flow onto the street – inviting welcome, food for freeHousing typesAccess for all housing – need the type of housing for aged and disabilityDiversity of housing ownership – social housing small units, community housing, getting units all same price etc.Lack of affordable housing close to township and supporting infrastructurePerhaps a new village feel could be developed with new housing type terraced housing on lanesAgeing in place, development only if it meets this criteriaShop top housingSpecific sites for developmentDevelopment of car yard for apartmentsRedevelop RSL with apartments above two storeysBy re-zoning 32 Maroondah Highway the opportunity to create a consistent avenue into Healesville would be created. Instead of the haphazard entrance that existsDevelopment of McKenzies (Maroondah Highway) site for retail and office development (multi storey)Ideal for low density housing e.g. 1ha blocks Camerons RoadBuild housing over River Street car parkPlanning rulesGranny flats: allow permanent dwellings to reflect investment – more relaxed regulatingSpecial consideration could be given to individual zoning circumstancesThere should be exceptions to every ruleWhere an area of land does not meet the required 4,000sqmt, for subdivision, instead of allowing full division, maybe could be divided into 2 dwelling sizesZone changeIf Low Density Residential Zone may not increase housing density – use higher density residential bounded by LDRZRe-zoning low density areas would create more housing opportunitiesModify LDRZ areas, create more housing opportunitiesBig jump between zones i.e., intensive then next zone, very low density need more transitionIf LDRZ was to become more intensive – what about a transition zone facing sensitive green wedge areasMore low density housingConversion GWZ (Airlie Road) to GWAZBig changes to zones should allow buffer zones to transition into green wedge etc.Eco-housingApartments above shops add to street lifeEco-housing opportunitiesEco-housing alternative is made too hard because of over restrictive planning85090114935Residential infrastructureWider streets in housing developments i.e., residents parking & CFA trucksExtend the reach of sewerage to more remote areasKeep development to where services existTransport and connectivity (including public transport, parking, pedestrian movements)Table 3LightsTraffic lights at Coles – main pedestrian crossing at that pointTaxisTaxisRiver StreetLeave River Street alone!!!!!How Healesville looksImprove current look of Healesville e.g., garden bedsTrainsLimited inter town transportTrain from Lilydale to HealesvilleRailway and 2 lane highway – solutionWhy did the train stop when all agree it’s a great solution?Trains – opportunity!Trains – responsible foresightLight rail from Lilydale – Yarra Glen – Healesville following existing rail linePromote tourist visits by providing transport links from and to Lilydale stationHighways/roadsBuses – once per hour via Yarra Junction. more direct in alternating services every ? hourGood for kids and tourismTransport, I do not agree with ‘lack of bus coverage on the local road network’ – most people do not use it anywayPublic transport, how to improve servicesLink Lilydale to Healesville especially for visitorsIncrease in residential roads, increase in visitationHighway widening, rail access from LilydaleToo many crosses on the highwayLosing facilities, more diving e.g. gym, pool, more because of lack of transportFrequency of bus services on weekdays and weekends needs to be increasedWiden highway, only at St Huberts is 2 lanePedestrian refuges across Maroondah Highway at Ayres Road and/or at Shell service station, kids and Elderly Transport study says ‘no requirements ….to upgrade key intersections’ what about Badger Creek Road and Maroondah Highway, especially on weekendsNew freeway from Lilydale to Healesville and Yarra Glen above the rail lineBikesBicycle tracks, along Mt Riddell Road towards Gibbs Road. Link bike tracks to Queens Park for access to Traffic Training TrackBike/walking tracks throughout parklandNeed bike track, paths, desperately!FootpathsMore footpaths, motorized scooters, kids getting to sporting clubs, schoolsUnmade roads, no footpaths, drainage, access for scootersElderly/disabledIsolation for the elderly especially at nightDifficult for older travellersDisabled access to transportNo parking for disabled buses (12 Seater) wheelchairs-5244141208189ParkingRural/village atmosphere compromised by short term parking1hr parking in Main Street not enough time, not enough parking anywhere!Stop increasing limited parking signs and spacesNo free parking1hr parking is too shortNeed for unlimited parking on a Sunday – do not introduce time limited spacesSunday market parking limit times don’t agree. 1hr parking limits more areas and free time no limit parkingParking where and howParking times especially on Sunday as per reportToo much pressure to ‘time watch’Create further parking opportunities, free zones, no time limitsTown Centre (including heritage, design, gateways, look and feel)Table 4Land useMake use of old army school and health landFrench laundry site (contaminated) landscape to make it tidyRe-build the LaundryDon’t growKeep CBD where it is, don’t growBuildingsGrand Hotel should not be allowed to fall to such disrepair – it is a Healesville iconTourismTourist souvenirsParkingCar park areas edging (curbing)Coles car park inadequate, needs to be biggerNeed more parkingParking Furmston Lane should be on one side of road and should be one way trafficGatewaysSmarten up approach to town. Make Main Street more accessibleEntrance to Healesville is Maroondah Highway, H/ Kinglake Road occupied by ..(illegible)HeritageDon’t modernise the town centre – keep cleanTrailsLink between railway station and Main Street ‘heritage trail’CleanlinessNot clean enoughShould have tidier town – town entry - maintenanceMaybe an award for the tidiest streetTo improve town – keep it clean – no biggerEncourage people to take pride of their streetEncourage residents to take pride in their townIndigenous heritageMore visible acknowledgement of indigenous heritageMore visible acknowledgment of indigenous heritageSupermarketSupermarket required on old mill site – Coles car park far too busyVegetation/landscapingGardens between Coles and The Memo could be improved to improve township appearanceLandscaping needs tidyingCoronation Park needs tidying upOpportunity to create/maintain ornamental trees – not scrubby, bushfire prone bushTraffic/roadsNeed to improve access to town to be able to increase populationTown centre – roundabout required at Badger Crk/Maroondah Highway – don’t agree with transport studySafety issue!!!! accessing Maroondah from White street, cars parked limited viewMaroondah highway too busy, town needs by-pass like towns such as Sale7429503810Table 5RetailMaintenance of properties and signage – e.g., Grand Hotel, IGAOver-supply of office space. Boring, dead use in retail precincts Development of shops at rear of Main Street, shops facing River StreetAn environmental link between shops and parksRemove commercial/office business from retail precinctsBoundary of retail sectorPotential for retail spaces to be taken over by officesRetention of ‘small country town’ services, butcher, fruit etcSpecialty individual shops should be allowed to be built along the highway, including outside of the main CBDLink shops with Coronation Park to create interesting retail environment linkDevelopment of rear of shops facing River Street car parkMore retail at rear of Main Street shops. Facing River StreetDevelop paddock opposite Coles for retail. Developers can pay costs, not ‘freeload’ using ‘greenfield’ areasCharacterPotential for loss of aesthetic characterConsideration of built environment – loss of character (small incremental)Limits on signage facing Coronation Park if new retail to go aheadNew buildings potential to be ugly and not keeping with tourist expectationTrees – replacement/renewalSignage needs great controls. Illuminated signs restrictedAd-hoc approach- signage etc.Maintain uniqueness as our point of differenceLong term planning for re-planting/landscapingReview landscape plans for developments like Coles – finish landscaping at front of “Healesville Walk”To develop our uniquenessStreamline and define council planningLong avenue entrances, long experience as you enter keep character. Avoid ‘jarring notes’Front of Healesville Walk perfect for more trees – continue the ‘avenue’Alterations to VCAT power over councilOpportunity to look at planning to retain uniquenessMore power to council permits/planningExtend landscaping ensure consistency replant! Refresh!Enhance gateways to towns. Is the Special Use Zone at the entry to town the right zoning?VisionDevelop our vision for Healesville (using an independent?) Reference Body of leaders of industry, tourism, arts etcVehicles/transportTransport for non vehicle tourists and family visitorsWalkabilityPedestrian crossingsCar parkingParkingCar parking off Main StreetRiver street car park – lease of same and length of leaseTime limits on car parkingDevelop underground parking, under retail and …(illegible)DevelopmentFuture developmentSpread % commercial precinct needs to be restrainedPotential for inappropriate developmentInappropriate developmentPotential for inappropriate businessesNo more offices on retail frontageMore powers to council to approve/reject permitsRiver Street car park – development multi-level car park and commerce developmentEncourage modern built form to enhance heritage buildingsDevelop housing above River Street car parkChanges to VCAT powers-266700-9525Economy (including role of the town in the regional context, tourism, employment, retail, commercial, industrial uses) Table 6Housing developmentTo maintain Healesville separation from suburbiaStrata titles improve the road to cope with development – extra carsHousing close to townshipMore open space - % of current developmentIndustrial land useLocation for more industrial landNeed for more industrial land into planning scheme1275715207229Industrial opportunities – large and smallCharacterRetain the town’s character while allowing developmentVillage atmosphereRural characterMore open green spaceMaintaining the character and feel of the townMaintain the character and feeling of the townRetail developmentVariety of retail shopsHaving a supportive council to allow changeMore retail developmentTo encourage business opportunities to ensure a viable townTown entry – open spacesClean, tidy, maintained town entryNeed to be a member of timber towns re: road fundingTo enhance open spaces and ensure enough for growing populationOtherParkingBy-pass roadNeed good entrances to townTourism! tourism! Tourism!Tourism, accommodation, retail expansion, local employment strong, existing features character, need to improve public spaces.Table 7Use of assetsBetter usage of public infrastructure – swimming pools, sporting grounds etc.Better use of assets, parks and gardens, rail and sportingGourmet supermarket showcasing local productEconomic issues should be more Healesville centricTo develop more commercial industrial and residential land - we have the space we should use itStrengthen what we have, to have employment for youth-43815024130Council and private sector working togetherAlign the private developers, entrepreneurs with council. Work togetherOver-regulation pitting individuals against councilNo-spitting – shopping centresAligning of council and private goalsWorking better today – developers and shireCommunicationMore communication with ratepayers to advise on public forums like this one.Local issues, Healesville issues need to be brought to the fore and become the focusEnvironment and landscape (including natural values, water/drainage, bushfire risk, neighbourhood character) Table 8Clean upLitter an rubbish dumping Getting the Army School of Health cleaned upArmy School of Health and forest commission properties, should be made to clean up all surrounding areas (aboriginal)Weed patrols Development planningSubdivision of land to residentialHabitat fragmentation through land clearance/increased developmentFull domestic services to properties - Newgrove Road has 28? properties with no stormwaterCoordinated planning between agenciesWaterway environmentsIncreased urban runoff to storm water/waterwaysIncreased pressure on riparian areasMore planned open green space i.e. parkland in residential developmentsLoss of what people come here for – natural environment view etc.Water sensitive urban designCare for indigenous plantings betterLook after heritage trees in Main StreetIncrease awareness of ecosystem and ‘value’ of beauty (environmental)RACV to clean up bank of Watts River to show enviro credentialsRetain unique rural character of Healesville Climate change, sustainabilityMisunderstanding climate changePeak oilClimate changeAccessing local produceReducing energyBe plastic bag freePlant more treesSolar panels on supermarket and other large buildingsPromote sponsor group purchasing solar energyGreener and environment friendly efficient housing and buildingsIncreased awareness of local environmental issuesTransportBetter public transportWhat are the chances of getting a rail to HealesvilleAbility to live and work locallyWhat happened to the Healesville freewayLocal foot paths are missing to Newgrove RoadBefore you can do anything you should get your road system in good order, because the cost of rebuilding roads would be enormous. They are not repairing the roads and when they do it’s a band aid fixPassive transport is easy bike, walkBetter public transport, community busBring back train lineHousing and communityRecreation facilities for youthAgeing populationMore diverse affordable housingMore medical services locallyYouth facilitiesDenser housing in areas which are already residentialAbility to age in placeShop-top housing to minimize land distancesProvide incentives for eco-housing and shopsHospital facilitiesSmaller dwellings more energy efficient in infill site in town centreFireStart with making Healesville fire proofWhen the fire clearance starts they leave areas not cut because of native grass and native flowers, which will all grow again when cutDesignated safe areaCommunity developmentAdult education needs to be more availableLocal employment for everyoneLocal resilienceA transitioning economy and workforceLocal jobs and trainingLocal community engagementEducation and workshops56514311785Building local skills and networks and community connectionsOtherHigh rise in Healesville? Limit to 2 storey to reduce local trafficSwimming pool needed for exercise groups and remedial health problemsDevelop swimming pool in Greens Park – indoor and outdoorTable 9BushfireSafe Neighbourhood Safer PlacesBMO over the top is not gains to help in the futureBushfire restrictions to developmentClearing the undergrowth along roadsideBush fire – dead treesBushfire safety and Bushfire Management OverlayBushfire restrictions clearing trees change low density to highSprinklers to protect town centreRethinking indigenous planting for public and private areas that maintains habitatTree removal is 10/30 in town centreHousing densityNew housing requirements within townshipPoor public transport to commute with Lilydale metroAvoid multi storey developmentsBalancing growth/amenity/biodiversity protectionLimiting multi-storey developmentPreventing over-developmentNew character, eco friendlyEnergy efficient house (passive)Promoting infill rather than expansionGreen wedgeLoss of rural characterLoss of open space in public reservesMaintaining green wedgeProtecting high quality and moderate habitat and prevent further degradationEducation around environment habitat, wild life corridors etc.Ensuring long term balance of logging industry to natural habitatWeedsControl of environmental weeds – educationPreventing spread of ‘garden’ weedsProtecting remnant vegetationEducation re impact of weeds and value of indigenous vegetationWaterwaysWaterways protection i.e. habitat water quality wildlife corridorsLack of understanding regarding habitat corridorsHabitat corridors and bio links – connected landscapesExpansion of riparian widths to 30mIncreasing riparian corridors of indigenous vegetationCycle and horse and walk pathsSupport recommendations for enhancement and on-going management of waterways2333625186055Water friendly gardens and surfaces to limit runoff and use water wiselyOpen space and waterways useTownshipHow to make our town visually appealing at ground level – drains, nature strips etc.Weed free garden bedsEnhance historical characterSewer systemsLimit new business development until all retail shops are occupiedNo logging trucksEncourage more diversity in retail outletsAffordable housing close to MelbourneTourism1246808150495Development of eco-tourism opportunitiesCommunity needs (including facilities, services, health and well-being, open space etc) Table 10Culture and leisure and recreationMemo Hall redevelopment is great, but inaccessible to locals due to expense – it’s a bit elitistRedevelopment of Queens Park playgroundDevelop and encourage local culture and price and involvementBetter sporting pavilion facilitiesMore books in libraryRedevelopment of outdoor pool – add sports and leisure centre e.g. Maroondah Leisure Centre, with indoor pool, gym, crècheYarra Valley aquatic centre at Queens ParkYouthYouth centreYouth support groupRobyn Jane Children’s Centre development is fantasticYouth centre – safe space in accessible part of centreSkate park is great1323340160655Sporting clubs provide valuable youth recreationEmergency servicesEconomic drive to base services in the suburbs not in Healesville24 hour police on Friday and Saturday nights – manned stationsHeath and well beingMaternity servicesHospital providing preventative health services and emergency accessWelfare needChange of funding from Eastern Health to Rural HealthHealth services and allied servicesEnsure services base in Healesville - less travelWorkshop Discussion 2: How do we want Healesville to look and feel in 20 years' time?In this discussion round, each table represented the same theme as before. Participants were invited to choose a theme of interest to them, and to view the future of Healesville through 'the lens' of this theme. At the same time, it was acknowledged that all the themes were inter-related so that people's aspirations for the future might relate to more than one theme.The facilitator, Bruce, led everyone through a brief imaginative exercise to encourage thinking around the following:If we can realise the opportunities and overcome the challenges, describe what you would hope to see and feel in 20 years’ timeGroups then helped their hosts list everyone's aspirations ('signs of success') onto butcher’s paper. The following notes reproduce each table's list:Settlement and housing (including township boundaries, location and type of new housing) Table 1No multi-storey housingLarge, leafy retirement village with state of art amenitiesMaintain all older/heritage facades – keep the character amongst the new and modernNo apartment blocksA clean green town showcasing the natural environment, promoting eco-tourism and local produce. Walkways throughout the town for locals and tourists to useAquatic centre at Don Road sporting complexManage bush fire risk – can’t remove itMore little local parksGranny flats – more options for sustainable building materials i.e., straw bale or mud brickWould like to see a few roof tops amongst the trees and not a few trees amongst the roof topsRetaining sub-division zoning ‘rural feel’ importantExtend skate park. It is too small for number of users.A range of options for senior housingBike pathsSecurityGood quality and itinerant worker accommodationFootpathsTable 2A vibrant an diverse main street – local business, shared usesNo need to go out of Healesville for clothes, shoes etc.,Rail link to HealesvilleMultinational business in HealesvilleUniversity/tertiary education, accommodation towers (students)Communication networks to enable work from home (National Broadband Network)Small businesses bring small dollars, big business brings big dollars, employment, development, security. eg multi nationalsEco friendly community – room for all, well planned bike paths, foot paths, solarMacro planning (rather than site by site)Healesville central park on River street – low lying landAgricultural still surrounds townUrban area still linked to wildlife and environmentTourism (people moving through town now stop to eat etc)Transport and connectivity (including public transport, parking, pedestrian movements)Table 3Tourist railway finally meets community expectationTrain to LilydaleLead beaters possum regular in Chum Creek and surroundsUse Yarra Glen/Healesville Road as a bypass instead of Maroondah Highway at all times. Bush firesDevelop pathways along creeks to connect all neighborhood suburbsGrowth in walking and bike trails all connected, tourism and localResidents impacted by parking at hospitalSwinburne site excellent for medical facilityMaintain country feel, more and better facilities on the town fringeParking issues and Army School of Health site1086928200132Bypass to protect local community amenitiesBike Paths, network of bike/walking paths linking Queens Park to all residential areas for access to parks ie, traffic/bike learning trackTraffic/bike learning track at Queens ParkFuture, use Yarra Glen/Healesville road more as a bypass through HealesvilleBushfire risk, evacuate hospitalsIndigenous issue re use of land/ownershipArmy School of Health for medical centreHelipad at hospitalHospital with full set of services to meet all medical needsStill a village feel in Main Street, but better facilities on the outer areas, e.g. medical518029525176Aged population, more disabled services ie, more than 2 disabled car parking spacesTown Centre (including heritage, design, gateways, look and feel)Table 4Better race trackSecond supermarketLook the same country townBetter management of traffic, Main St and Badger Creek RoadLike Hahndorf near Adelaide tourist townPeople more unitedWell maintained buildingsSuitable employment in 20kmsA loved town, a town with pride and a community that is prepared to participate to make it happenTidy townMore variety of shopsNo more 2hr parking limitNot a concrete jungleMain St has spectacular gardens – trees but not necessarily indigenousThriving indigenous tourism industryA town to be proud ofMore parkingBalance between wants of locals to the tourist hordesTable 5As I drive into Healesville there is a massive canopy of green because everything has grown and been maintained and/or replaced in those 20 yearsAn environment link between shops and Coronation ParkBuildings of significance are maintained and still there and complimented by well-designed in-fill and new development to complement and enhance Healesville and Yarra Valley character.Council will have urban designers who have mapped sight lines and recommend clever placements of businessesThe main shopping precinct has doubled in size by the development of River St, everything is still two storey and all car parking is undergroundSmall individually owned businesses with unique products to create a unique retail experienceLimit size of individual business sites to discourage large conglomerate Walmart retail developmentsClever use of small green areas, small businesses in clusters, zoning limiting US type box stovesEconomy (including role of the town in the regional context, tourism, employment, retail, commercial, industrial uses) Table 6It’s our land, our trees, our town – less silly rules – let us maintainBetter roads, footpaths, bikewaysBetter maintained townClean and neat surroundingsCan we see a “common sense” approach by councilHoping it won’t be burnt to the groundFootpaths, better roads, better sporting facilitiesRealistic parking timesHope we have a Shire of Healesville back. Community working within their own community!Use our rate money for community and not corporate $$$ or wagesBetter roadsNo “A21”Footpaths, gutters, roads where are they we want them!Council to be accountable for wasting rate payers moneyGet rid of green tape!Council for the community not community for the councilGet rid of ribbons of ‘fuel for future fires’Table 7Tourism townMore accommodationResort or twoBetter roadsRepair cafesSustainable skill based economyCivic prideProtect the bush – make it accessible to locals and touristsRetail area relevant to localsVibrant and sustainable small businessesStrong education/marketing program regarding land managementHealesville has clear branding as an ecotourist destinationHealesville is known for its rich indigenous heritage and celebrating that heritageWant environment to keep its diversity of european and native plantings – be fire safe – European streetscapes Environment and landscape (including natural values, water/drainage, bushfire risk, neighbourhood character) Table 8Drainage, sewerage, made roads, gutters and footpathsHow many high rise buildings will be allowed in HealesvilleSewerage, drainage, roads made, footpaths, Thomas/PilmerBicycle paths for safetyLandscape Grace Burn from Don Road to dam, tourist trackA second supermarketEnvironmentally sustainable communityViable business environment – stronger tourism linksHealesville – Lilydale – Warburton bike trail operatingHeritage buildings feel still hereCluster housing with trees retained on 11acre lot 44-62 Maroondah Highway (owners vision)All residential streets fully services with sewer, drainage, footpaths, sealed (Pilmer Road LDRZ)Solar farms, hydro electricity from Maroondah damResidential development in terra dome underground houses.Stronger sense of communityTable 9Not universally agreed, car bypass/large central car parks (Gisborne)Pristine waterwaysMore open spaces and passive recreation for locals and touristsUniversal agreement, vibrant economy – small scale activitiesTownship development contained – boundariesExtensive horse, cycle and walk pathsCommunity needs (including facilities, services, health and well-being, open space etc) Table 10Bypass to protect local community needsHousing, low cost closer to town centreRetain the unique character with future developmentSafe, easy, connected bike accessLots of great bike pathsCelebrate town’s heritageA feeling of pride in our townPedestrian pathways along Don Road to Badger WeirCBD car parkFootpaths to Donnellys WeirPublic transportFull range hospital including emergencyMaster plans to be completed re actionedTertiary institution closer to our community e.g. Swinburne site LilydaleBetter use of current retail space to stop leakage of shoppersRetail area that is relevant to localsBetter use of current retail space to stop leakage of shopper going down the lineAccess to further education, tertiaryFitness, running track at Don RoadHICCI services still going strongHealth and welfare centre (with children)Reasons for young people to stay, enjoy and work in townSpace for night-life (noise, light entertainment)Youth to be involved in determining their placeFenced dog training area out top of Don Road Roc ReserveCommunity access to playground in greyhounds areaHospital providing great services to community A/H & emergencyOffice space behind High StreetA better mix of retail to address local needsMore relevant shops to attract more tourists and shopping which will create more employment, less Op shops.3687283-302468 Once the groups had listed their aspirations, they were asked to choose a 'top 3' based on the following suggestion:In deciding what these are, look for those things that you are particularly passionate about, and that at least some of you would like to explore further in the third and final round of discussion (about ‘how’ we might get there) The 'top 3s' were written on separate sheets of coloured paper and a representative of each group brought their group's sheets up to the wall and presented them to the whole group; then the sheets were posted on the wall. The sheets were roughly sorted into topics and then the group representatives were invited to help with further sorting while everyone else had a tea break. 3810001152292This chart is reproduced on the following page. How we want Healesville to look and feel in 20 years' timeBusinesses for locals and touristsOpen space, recreation and pathwaysTownscape, look and feelTransport and parkingCommunity pride and participationCaring for our community (health & accommodation)Council processes and communicationUnique individually owned businessesExtensive pathway networkTown development containedSpectacular gardens and trees – not all nativesWe will have improved traffic managementStrong sense of community (health, connected)Meet health needs of community – hospital, medical clinics, HICCI, Allied HealthLess red tapeLess Council bureaucracyVariety of shopsVibrant townMeet recreation, leisure needs – fitness, tracks, sport clubs, aquatic centre, youth centre, footpaths, bike tracksMaintain rural feel – no change to zoning, no multi-storey developmentsGreen, leafy experienceParking – more time, more disabled, more spacesCommunity prideSeniors housing – granny flats, retirement villages, ageing in placeBetter local infrastructure (ie Council)Less input by Planning Dept.Tourist townMore passive open recreation spaceMaintain heritage, arts and culture whilst embracing high quality new developmentEuropean & indigenous environment –streetscapes; be fire safeTrain to LilydaleMore community representation and inputRetail area relevant to localsPathways (bike & walk) connecting all communitiesFully serviced residential streets (drainage, footpaths, sealed roads etc)Pristine waterwaysRail LinkStronger business & tourism (viability and linkages)Central parkIt will be known as a clean, tidy townMaintenance by Council (where is it)Transport access to employment, educationBypassQuality recreational facilities – parks, bike/ walking, aquaticColour codes (denotes which theme the aspirations were generated from)Settlement and housingTransport and connectivityTown CentreEconomyEnvironment and landscapeCommunity needsWorkshop Discussion 3: Ideas for how to realise our aspirations for the futureEach of the seven topics that had emerged from Discussion 2 were put on a separate table. Everyone chose a topic of interest to them and had a hosted conversation guided by three generic prompt questions (not all of which were used by each group). Everyone except the hosts was able to join in the conversation on more than one theme.The following tables reproduce what was recorded at each tableDiscussion 3: Ideas for how to realise our aspirations for the futureHost(s): Monica HayesTopic 1: Businesses for Tourists and LocalsWhat ideas do we have for what needs to happen to get us there (or at least begin the journey)?TourismLink between railway and Town CentreTourist info in centre of townPromote longer tourism stays by improved offeringsAccommodation in retail areasRetail at sanctuaryBusinessSmall business educationNeed 7 day a week demand not just weekendBusiness must be able to adopt to meet the marketBusiness need to reflect the local community and its characterNeed local community support for local businesses support each otherMarketing/brandingWhat do we need to do – Tourist Town: Make the most of our natural environment and existing infrastructure, e.g. Sanctuary, food and wine, environment; accommodation overnight staysIncentives for marketing involvementSpecialised supermarket selling local produce, e.g. McAdams SquareDiscussions with local producers, industry groups and residents about how to showcase businesses in town and outskirts e.g. “trail into town”Create marketing/tourist ‘brand’ for HealesvilleMore coordination with markets and events so that tourists know what the calendar of events is by seasonMore ‘festival’ events for locals and tourists to enhance sense of “vibrant town”Retail: local shopping – variety of the offers, small boutique businesses, themed businesses e.g. design & building e.g., timber cut, processed, building, full circle complete.Council/PlanningIdentify businesses ‘missing’ to service 1) locals 2) tourists. Council to proactively seek these (as rural towns are doing)Office accommodation not at ground levelNeed to balance diversity of retail offerings with need for competitionNo more traffic lights in commercial precinctNeed responsive planning rulesRiver Street retail frontage and connection to park opposite eg MooloolabaEncourage population growth, encourages new businessProvide shop top housing to improve vibrancy-1524034290Locals nights or loyalty discountsDiscussion 3: Ideas for how to realise our aspirations for the futureHost(s): ClaudetteTopic 2: Open Space, Recreation and PathwaysWhat exactly is the challenge or opportunity we’re talking about here?What will it look and feel like in 20 years if we’ve been successful in dealing with this?What ideas do we have for what needs to happen to get us there (or at least begin the journey)?Network bike, walking and horse trails, dog walking-------------------------------------------Traffic, bicycle learning track (Queen’s Park)--------------------------------------------Connection Queen’s Park and Coronation Park/River Street---------------------------------------------More passive open space----------------------------------------------Children’s playground middle primary age----------------------------------------------466725333375Aquatic centre/leisure centreInterconnecting with other regional trails townships example Healesville/Warburton----------------------------------------------------------Used by schools, tourists, locals-------------------------------------------------------------Aesthetic access between two-------------------------------------------------------------New reserve (joining park)-----------------------------------------------------------Will have it----------------------------------------------------------An outdoor pool covered/solar heat gym etc.$ plenty of grants/funding – tourist benefit, identify streets which need paths and how they link to other trails/paths---------------------------------------------------------------------------------$150,000 – similar to NSW example (Sydney)-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------Over/under pass – safety, accessible for all------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Identify sites on Western fringe (between Racecourse and Maroondah Highway)------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Interactive play equipment like (Marysville/Yarra Glen)-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Continue existing Council project/consultation ratepayers happy to payDiscussion 3: Ideas for how to realise our aspirations for the futureHost(s): K HTopic 3: Townscape Look and FeelWhat exactly is the challenge or opportunity we’re talking about here?What will it look and feel like in 20 years if we’ve been successful in dealing with this?What ideas do we have for what needs to happen to get us there (or at least begin the journey)?Heritage, encouraging new developmentHousing to meet all needsRetain attractive bits while embracing new developmentsDiverse development – small and stuff not bigEco-tourismNative and European trees, build on what we haveLocal produce, local skills use local talentsGrowth, retail and car parkingTrees surrounding country side can be seenCommunity gardens along pathways/drainsClean and greenRoad reserves/nature strips – landscape planMaintaining the canopy of greenTown centre better/safer pavements in commercial areas and pathwaysVisual link between Queen’s and Coronation and up to railway precinctEdible landscapesFootpathsUnderground obligatory if new retails developmentMore development along River Street level with Nicolson Street with parking beneathUnderground parking2740995246498New big shops development with underground parkingOff street parkingMassive car park and people walk ways surrounded by landscapesLinkages, path with seniors spotsFundingChanges to VCAT powersCommunity visionEncouragement of community town pride awards?!Vision planVibrant township representative groupInvolve younger generationYounger generation thinking tankTechnologyB & BQuality accommodation – back packersDiscussion 3: Ideas for how to realise our aspirations for the futureHost(s): Jess AdamsTopic 4: Transport and ParkingWhat exactly is the challenge or opportunity we’re talking about here?What will it look and feel like in 20 years if we’ve been successful in dealing with this?What ideas do we have for what needs to happen to get us there (or at least begin the journey)?Lack of public transport to LilydaleTraffic in Main Street a problem because of tourist trafficPoor/lack of connection between parts of the townLack of car parking-139288-4991Railway to Lilydale for tourists and the community including aged populationMore relaxed environment where people want to lounge in the town to attract touristsPeople can park and then easily move around, multi-purpose pathwaysMore centralized/open car parkingAdvocacy by local community and council to state governmentBypass – Airlie Road / Wallace ParadeCar park in a designated place away from town centre and then have paths that take them into townCar parking for example French’s Laundry site, hardware site – more time640905590805Discussion 3: Ideas for how to realise our aspirations for the futureHost(s): Kym MurphyTopic 5: Community Pride and ParticipationWhat ideas do we have for what needs to happen to get us there (or at least begin the journey)?Sports, arts, recreation: - strong, participatory, volunteer base, membership, visible in the communityYoung people: create a space/place they identify with and connect to so they fell included in the community and valued – not stuck on the edge of town. Live, educate and work locallyIndigenous community members want to feel included and belong – a space to meet with and be with friends – belonging space – values: respect, caring, and sharing e.g.Coranderrk FestivalEducate kids in local schools which facilitates local friendships and community connections. In order for parents to have faith in local schools the schools need to become stronger and respected i.e. Great learning places where kids thriveA huge role for the Healesville 150 anniversary: Aged/Seniors: need to be seen, active, participatory and out of their houses and included in all aspects of LIFE (similar to young people part above)Discussion 3: Ideas for how to realise our aspirations for the futureHost(s): Graham TaylorTopic 6: Caring for our Community (Health and Accommodation)What exactly is the challenge or opportunity we’re talking about here?What will it look and feel like in 20 years if we’ve been successful in dealing with this?What ideas do we have for what needs to happen to get us there (or at least begin the journey)?Health ServicesHospital / emergencyMentalDrug and alcoholIndigenous-149919-3958Proper functional hospital ‘services’ including:Day surgeryEmergencyAllied Health servicesOutpatientsDentalPlanning needs to be able to cope with independent/individual professional servicesEastern Health – better local (Healesville) representationEncourage community to support local hospital/medical servicesDistrict nursing existing services need to maintain current standardCouncil needs to maintain support and advocacy for Health needs/services of the community43699813468Discussion 3: Ideas for how to realise our aspirations for the futureHost(s): Karen KisalaTopic 7: Council Processes and Communication What exactly is the challenge or opportunity we’re talking about here?What will it look and feel like in 20 years if we’ve been successful in dealing with this?What ideas do we have for what needs to happen to get us there (or at least begin the journey)?More Healesville specific info and data, local projects and developmentNo one understands processHow do we get info, not user friendlyPlanning needs to have the ability to react more quickly to changing circumstancesUser friendly Council, clear and simple communication; better systems, procedures and efficientCouncil proactive in assisting community Less VCAT – reduces cost – reduces ratesCouncil to foster better relationship with other authoritiesBetter use of ratepayers moneyCouncil to lobby state and federal government to recognize Healesville as rural/regionalHealesville is regional not metro – recogniseRezoning appropriate to HealesvilleHighlights from Discussion 3Towards the end of the workshop, each of the groups presented one or two key points from their discussions.24858041617833Where to from hereFacilitator, Bruce invited everyone to complete a feedback sheet (the collated feedback is reproduced in Appendix 1). Damian Closs reminded everyone of the next steps in the process, with the draft Structure Plan due out for public consultation later in the year.Mayor McAllister thanked everyone for their participation and closed the workshop at 9.30 pm. Appendix 1: Collated feedbackWorkshop participants were provided with a feedback sheet which reminded them of the workshop purpose and said:We would welcome your feedback on:Any additional comments relevant to the preparation of a Structure Plan for HealesvilleThe extent to which the workshop achieved the stated aims (provided on the sheet, and on page 1 of these notes)The way the workshop was run (e.g. the format, process, presentation, facilitation etc). People were able to either hand the sheets in as they left the workshop, or to drop them in to the Community Link in Healesville. It was optional as to whether people provided their name with their comments. 19 sheets were returned.1. Additional comments relevant to the preparation of a Structure Plan for HealesvilleIndigenous heritagePlease remember the rich indigenous culture and history in the future plans for HealesvilleLocal characterNew character design can mix with existing characterImportant to retain character of heritage village atmosphereRetain spacious feel of residential areasInfill/consolidation only in town centreContain spread of commercial precinctI feel the consensus of many is that we don't want to become a suburb of Lilydale; we would like to maintain our unique environmentServicesGood hospital medical services don't need to be Healesville basedHealesville has a large population of retirees in the area – hospital would need to expand on current size; more housing for the aged would be requiredMore infrastructure needed for expanding population growth for younger peopleImplementation of sewerage in all areas – such as Pilmer Road Drainage, sealed roads, footpaths – once this is done, we can then look to other new projects such as maximum height of new buildings in the areaPaths and recreational facilitiesBike paths/ walking tracks:Ensure paths link to schools from all residential areas, particularly along major roads, i.e. Mt Riddell RoadPaths link to parksExtend skate park as it is too small for future population growthEnsure traffic/ bicycle learning track is constructed in Queens ParkConsultation/ community involvementIs there an opportunity before the next formal consultation for the community to add their thoughts?Organise packs for those who participated so that they can be neighbourhood ambassadors to get others involvedFurther advertising to promote community awareness of these type of meetingsThank you for the opportunity. I found out about this by a very small article in the Mountain Views. Perhaps Council could promote this consultation wider, so younger generations could be more awareCouncil to recognise, acknowledge and ensure that the collated community input from this workshop is given due priority over individual expressions of dissent that may occur when draft paper released. The diversity of groups represented (unofficially) covered the majority of residents already involved with local issues2. Comments on the extent to which the workshop achieved the stated aimsI hope there was lots of great ideasWorkshop was more about the community than the Structure Plan. Despite that, a valuable community exercise and good feedback to CouncilThe stated aims were not as well achieved as they could have been – some participants are not able to follow the guidelines by sticking to the task; prefer hearing the sound of their own voices; not as many concrete constructive suggestions as there could have beenIt was great to meet like-minded, passionate people and debate with those whose visions were different; would love to come againAttendance demographic represented age in town. New development and population growth will encourage new families and younger demographicHopefully the workshop has achieved the stated aims – I think it didGood process, but not representative attendance – where were the youth?Need youth inputHopefully all ideas will be further analysedAims addressed adequatelyProbably not "understanding", but certainly awareness and final stage appeared reasonably "balanced"3. Comments on the way the workshop was runProbably the best organised, planned and executed consultative meeting I have ever attendedThe workshop was run well but I think there was a little confusionFormat and facilitation very goodGood format – encouraged discussion and sharingFacilitators were effective; not intrusiveGlad to see mix of Councillors in workshopIt was nice to be able to put our point of viewThe workshop was very well prepared (format, process etc)The workshop exceeded my expectations – it was very well run whilst being a friendly, casual atmosphereFormat was good and relaxedMore discussion time at table – less introductions etc etcTable facilitator is goodDisconnection of, or not a follow on from beginning to end, group final summaryExcellentWorkshop was very well run and format well thought out – thank you facilitators!Facilitators good; good workshop ?Workshop run well – kept within the timeframe. I only have one suggestion – displaying a map of Healesville zones on screen or posted on the whiteboard would have been useful to me, as a newcomer, pre-workshopI found it a positive experienceAll excellent and a credit to strategic planning staff, choice of facilitators (though at least two had their own agendas and pushed them). Just one comment – was there a staff member available to make sure that participants understood the designated themes allotted to each table?4. Other thoughts or suggestionsCouncil to get behind (financially) to help businesses that fit in with the strategic/ structure plan ................
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