a vibrant and friendly community in harmony with the natural … · 2014-12-09 · a vibrant and...

Halls Gap Community Plan 2009- 2013

A vibrant and friendly community in harmony with the natural beauty

of the area.

Contents

Introduction: Community Plans....................................................................................... 3

About our Community: Halls Gap.................................................................................... 3

Process towards developing a Community Plan for Halls Gap .................................... 4

Creating a Vision for Halls Gap........................................................................................ 5

The Vision ...................................................................................................................... 5

Community Plan Priorities ............................................................................................... 6

Identified Priorities............................................................................................................ 7

Review.............................................................................................................................. 14

Community Plan Leaders ............................................................................................... 14

Halls Gap Community Plan 2009-2013 of 14

Introduction: Community Plans Communities throughout the Northern Grampians Shire have been supported to develop a plan that is unique for their own community. Community Planning is a dynamic and participatory process where the community arrive at and document a group vision, priorities and actions to achieve a positive change that will enhance the well-being of their community. Community Plans reflect the aspirations, their strengths, what is special or unique about the community, in particular the lifestyle, social image, economy, environment, pride, work and recreation.

About our Community: Halls Gap Identified as the ‘heart of the Grampians’, the township Halls Gap is located on the valley floor of the Grampians in western Victoria. A resident population of around 300 is catered for by a local shopping centre, food outlets, a primary school, recreation reserve, gardens and public halls. The town is also an iconic tourist destination and is surrounded by the Grampians with its interesting rock formations, canyons, walking trails, reservoirs and viewpoints that are

intrinsic to the surrounding National Park. 1

1. adapted from Halls Gap Draft Business/Marketing Plan 2006-2008, Village Well Melbourne VIC


Process towards developing a Community Plan for Halls Gap The Northern Grampians Shire initiated the development of a community plan, and has provided the means for a community plan to be developed without influence on the outcomes. The steps in the process were: • Street canvassing of residents and visitors to Halls Gap • A community summit • Community champions of the plan identified • Draft Plan distributed to the community for comment • Follow up community meeting • Sign off by community • Formally presented to the Northern Grampians Shire Council on the 26th March

2009. Street Canvassing Northern Grampians Shire Council officers spent a day in the Halls Gap CBD canvassing residents, business owners and their employees, and visitors to the town on their perceptions of Halls Gap and what opportunities if any they believe could make it a better place. In all around seventy people offered a contribution towards the community plan. Every issue raised was tabled for consideration at the Halls Gap Community Summit Community Summit: Approximately thirty five people attended a community meeting initiated by the Northern Grampians Shire Council as part of the Your Town, Your Future community planning forum to develop the Halls Gap Community Plan. Facilitated by a former local identity, Paul Margetts, the goal of the night was to create a draft plan to ensure a community strategy for the future of this vibrant town and friendly community.


Creating a Vision for Halls Gap

Your Town, Your Vision At the Community summit participants were broken into three smaller groups with each person asked to write a brief statement, sentence or paragraph on their individual vision for their community over the next 20 years. Individuals read these statements aloud to their small group and were then asked to consolidate these into a single group vision for Halls Gap. The three visions had many similarities and a number of key words: friendly, town, community, services, environment, National Park, vibrant, nature, sustainable, business, lifestyle, development. The participants at the second community plan meeting have developed a vision statement utilising the themes from the draft group vision statements and key words to develop the community vision for Halls Gap that will become recognised as the Halls Gap Community Vision for the future.

The Vision

Halls GapHalls GapHalls GapHalls Gap

A A A A vibrant vibrant vibrant vibrant andandandand friendly communityfriendly communityfriendly communityfriendly community in harmony in harmony in harmony in harmony with the natural with the natural with the natural with the natural

beauty of the areabeauty of the areabeauty of the areabeauty of the area....


Community Plan Priorities Process: Your Town, Your Future

Over the course of several days and the community facilitated summit on the 3rd of February 2009, opinions were sought in regards to the development of Halls Gap over the next twenty years. Key priorities from other community engagement activities were also included for community prioritisation.

Every idea was captured with discussion flowing in regards to the direction and significance of each idea, this continued with each person provided a gold dot for their number one preference, three green dots for their next three preferences and one red dot for what they believe is the least important development for the future years. Each idea was placed under one of the following three categories:

Our Community: Area including social, welfare, sport and recreation, Our Economy: Business, Tourism, cost of living The Environment: Built and Natural developments All the ideas gathered during the street campaigning, past community engagement exercises and the Halls Gap summit had now been prioritised. Of all the ideas gathered, several rated significantly higher than most, these included the development of Public Toilets in the centre of town open 24 hours a day seven days a week, the development of more commercial property within the Central Business district, underground power along Grampians road and the recognition that the Grampians National Park is Halls Gaps greatest asset. The second Halls Gap Community Plan meeting provided the opportunity to reflect on the priorities and how they fit with the intended vision statement. At this meeting the priorities were confirmed, some achievable actions were identified and stakeholders identified. Sustainability and the protection of the natural assets rated highly within the Halls Gap community. This included recommendations from the utilisation of a well designed drainage system to solar energy and the transformation to a sustainable town which minimises any emissions. The use of environmentally sound packaging was also well regarded and could be promoted through business. Its worth noting that the ideas have been put forward with minimal strategic support for further development of significant projects, the feasibility of those projects will need to be conducted.


Identified Priorities

The following table has been developed as the key priorities for the Community Plan from the complete list of suggestions.

Priority Why is this important to our community

How can this be achieved Who will be involved

1.

Public Toilets - Central - Near bus parking - 24hr

To be incorporated with Town Square development, including the area south of VIC.

- Because Halls Gap doesn’t have any. - Existing arrangement are inadequate - To support tourism - Happiness of visitors - This is essential to achieving vision statement

To be incorporated into stage 2 of V.I.C and beautification of surroundings including Town Square

- Council - Plumber - Combined

organisations of Halls Gap.

- State Government

2.

Underground power and adequate lighting along Grampians Road and bike path, Delley’s Bridge to Bellfield

- For the aesthetics of township

- Underground provides added safety benefits.

- Lighting provides added safety for cyclists/ pedestrians.

Create a staged plan to establish design and implementation of underground power and lighting.

- Power line relocation committee

- Special Charge through Northern Grampians Shire Council

- Rate payers - Powercor - VicRoads - Council - Community

Organisations


3. Clean up street signage back to a country town feel, Less signs – uniform signage but only minimal

- Safety: signage is distracting drivers. - Aesthetically unattractive/ detrimental to the aesthetics of the area.

-Community to support Council in the attempt to remove signs -Start issuing penalties for illegal signage under Local and state laws.

- Tourist Providers / business

- Halls Gap Tourism

- Vicroads

- Council

- Estate Agents.

4.

Zone more for commercial within Central Hub-filling gaps in service / product market

- More appealing to tourists.

- Competition creates an improved market

- Would be more able to cater for peak loads

- To cater for expanding residential block sales.

- To meet the needs of tourist/ resident demand.

- Council can amend the planning scheme and re-zone land through community willingness and consultation.

- Land Owners - Council - Business

developers - Residents and

Ratepayers Assc. - Community Assc. - Halls Gap Tourism. - Existing business

community - State Government.


5.

Transform Halls Gap into a sustainable town • make into a fire ready town. • clean energy, solar, water harvesting • more bikes, clean transport • hemp bags • tidiness/ cleanliness **Developing and promoting Cycling and walking links through town and into the National Park. **Sustainable road and drainage improvement and development

- To address the impact of Climate change on Halls Gap.

- To achieve the vision statement of being “in harmony” with the area.

- Greater safety for residents.

- Media advertising to encourage the individuals and community to utilise sustainable materials and options.

- Encourage passive recreation and utilisation of the path.

- Encourage water harvesting. - Proactive community (working

bees)

- Individuals - Energy suppliers - Community Groups - Business

Organisations - Investigate solar

options for Community buildings.

- Advertise the cost benefits of solar energy

6.

Expansion of services including: • Doctor/ Bush Nurse • Childcare • Bus Services/ Transport connections • Banks • Café/ Shops • Kinder • Chemist • Government Services(Centrelink, parks and gardens)

• Property Manager.

- To provide adequate service for increasing community need.

- Increases our ability to maintain “older” population.

- Ability to support tourists through peak periods

- Allow tourists to obtain money and spend money.

- Community pressure and involvement.

- Determine need for further services.

- Incorporate child care service area within existing community organisations.

- Encourage existing community organisations to promote the services available.

- Individuals

- Community groups

- Business

- Council

- State and Federal government


7.

Central business precinct that creates space to gather e.g. Outside café, bar, shopping **More seating in public places

- To enhance the visitor experience.

- To improve the vibrancy of Halls Gap.

- To meets some of the mission statement.

- Consultation with Council - Business operators/

Entrepreneurs/ Vision - Available shops - One way road

- Business - Council - Residents - State Government

8.

Need to communicate with ALL in the community, info book in the past was good, A website which is EASY to access Information Pack, Info to come out with Rates notice:

- rules on cats - endemic plants - bushfire plan - rubbish collection - local organisations

contact numbers for community services

- So that community is aware of the facilities/ services available.

- To raise awareness of all the new services available.

- To enhance community connectedness

- A booklet is to be available regularly to provide info on services and the area.

- Provide opportunity to advertise with Northern Grampians Shire Council community newsletter (delivered with rates)

- Utilise community notice board for appropriate activities “What’s on in Halls Gap”

- Utilise internet e.g. Northern Grampians Shire Council website.

- Individuals - Council - Community

Organisations


Halls Gap Comments and priorities The complete table of ideas captured, and the priorities afforded to them by the community are as follows. It should be noted that all ideas have some merit, having come from a community member therefore are included for future consideration, however some have not been assessed by the community representatives as being key priorities in this planning cycle.

COMMENT – Our Community GOLD GREEN RED

Expansion of services including: - Doctor/ Bush Nurse - Childcare - Bus Services - Banks - Café/ Shops - Kinder - Chemist

1 3

Central business precinct that creates space to gather EG/ Outside café, bar, shopping

1 2

How to communicate with ALL in the community, info book in the past was good, A website which is EASY to access

1 1

Information Pack, Info to come out with Rates notice: - rules on cats - endemic plants - bushfire plan - rubbish collection - local organisations - contact numbers for community services

5

Provide solar lighting along main Grampians rd and bike path. 3

Completion of the town square 1

Develop a community space which becomes a place to meet, eat, chat and relax. (Town Square)

1

Getting more people to live work and stay in Halls Gap 1

Landscaping area around VIC 1

Street numbering/ numbers on roads 1

Use the word township not village, Its not Australian 1

We need to turn rental houses into permanent residences 1

COMMENT – The Environment GOLD GREEN RED

Public Toilets - Central - Near bus parking - 24hr

More and better public toilets

9 6 3

Transform into a sustainable town - clean energy, solar and wind - more bikes, clean transport - hemp bags

2

Underground power along Grampians Road 1 14

Bike tracks through National Park 1 1

Bike Track (looped tracks from Tandara Rd to Delleys Bridge and each side of Fyans creek

1 1

Complete the Town Square 1


Storm water and drainage 1

Pathway from Brambuk to Hotel (sealed to hotel/ lighting) Create loops along bike trail- extend trail from pub to lake Bellfield

1 1

Open area south of VIC make it a feature area – trees, rocks, stone pathway etc? SOON

5

Long distance walk through National Park- From mount zero to Dunkeld with services to back up tourist expectations

3

Environmentally responsible packaging for business (hemp bags, cups etc)

2

Clean up street signage back to a country town feel 2

Strategic Plan for drainage system 2 1

More (reliable) ATM’s 2

Bike racks in town centre 1

Control Foxes/ cats/ rabbits/ deer 1

Doggie pick up bags 1

Lighting and cover over letter boxes at Post Office. 1

More bins and emptied more often 1

Mountain Bike track Stawell to Halls Gap 1

Shire assistance in maintaining public toilets at swimming pool and oval

1

Waste disposal solution for Holiday rental Houses 1

Bike and walking path from Brambuk to Bellfield along pipeline 1 1

COMMENT – Our Economy GOLD GREEN RED

Zone more commercial in CBD- within Central Hub-filling gaps in service / product market

3 3 1

National Park our greatest asset 3

24/7 Public Toilets in centre of Town 2 3

Less signs – uniform signage but only minimal 1 3

Camp ground better use for development opportunity – North End 1 3 1

Bus service 1

More help from shire to develop projects of an affordable nature 1

Permanent Taxi Service 1 4

More of our very high rates returned to the community 4

More seating in public spaces 3

Cheaper supermarket 1

Develop community based events 1

Encourage diversity within retail and eateries 1

Good Café and restaurants really needed 1

More car parking 1

Suggestions that did not receive a positive rating

Our Community Red Dots

Cemetery and retirement village

Concern for high rates on residential property

Co-Ordinate internet- info services

Ideas on how to bring together the wider community groups and to work together including Business/ school/ parks

Information booklet – Halls Gap

Involve local artists

Lighting and parking lines in Heath St at the new info centre

Longer opening hours at V.I.C


Love having a police station and officers in town

Rates too expensive

Support for Volunteers

Shire support for welcome pack and “fill the gap” (Council subsidy for fill the gap and put it on line)

Who is the community

More Sporting facilities 2

Childcare Facilities 3

Our Environment

A deposit for drink containers similar to SA

Animal Thoroughfares

Assistance in developing water recycling

Cleanliness of main St needs improving

Develop Town signage

Disabled car parking in front of VIC

Do something with the vacant block next to the Ice Cream shop

Drinking fountain

Energy Co-Operative

Entrance signs for town, stone ones like Stawell

Fix Grampians Rd in front of VIC

More parking

No More Spa baths

Pathway signs have faded

Public Art for town centre

Public place recycling – paper/ glass/ plastics/ landfill

Recycling pick-up more often from business- maybe a coordinated approach – especially during peak times (Encourage business to recycle)

Valley floor Wetland (If it rains)

Visitor Info to be open longer

Build a giant Corella in the vacant block next to the Ice Cream shop 6

Our Economy

A fairer cross shire rating system

Affordable housing for workers

Empty Commercial properties are an eye sore – Use it or lose it- an outlet for local produce

Fantastic services opened extended hours

Longer trading hours – understanding of food and refreshment outlets

Need to celebrate excellence in service delivery- encouragement for those who excel

Parking restrictions for shops between Stoney creek shops and end of caravan park

Staff Pool – Tourism operators sharing casual employees- co-ordination of cleaning across business’s

Viable nature based business opportunities

Shuttle bus circuiting the town 1

Need regular main street maintenance and gardens- pressure wash pavers especially before each major weekend

2

Real estate Agent - manages cleaning - Rentals/ Sales

2


Review. The plan can be reviewed at any time at the request of the Halls Gap community. An informal review of the plan will occur each year, and a formal review each four years.

Community Plan Leaders The process of moulding the ideas from the broad community summit into a Community Plan has been lead by:

• Vin O’Callaghan • Janet Witham • Janine McDonald • Mike Stevens

With significant contribution to the plan by:

• Paul Turner • Tracy O’Callaghan • David Witham • Don Calvert • Kevin Moulynox • Sandy Moulynox • Clarry Boucher • Mavis Fitzgerald • Joy Shaw • Graham Parkes • Aury O’Callaghan

a vibrant and friendly community in harmony with the natural … · 2014-12-09 · a vibrant and...

Documents