Maroondah 2040 Refresh: Our community together: looking forward 20 years

Have you ever stopped to imagine what Maroondah might look like in the year 2040?

The community’s vision for Maroondah over the next 20 years, and how we will get there, is contained within the Maroondah 2040 Refresh: Our community together, which was formally adopted at Council’s meeting on Monday 22 June 2020.

The Maroondah 2040 Refresh: Our community together captures the updated community aspirations and priorities, emerging themes and trends, and provides a strategic blueprint for Council and the community to work together to continue to shape the future of Maroondah to the year 2040.

Over the past 18 months, Council has undertaken a review of the Maroondah 2040 Community Vision which has involved extensive community consultation.

Mayor of Maroondah, Councillor Mike Symon, said the revised vision responded to the collective ideas of the Maroondah community – residents, service providers, community groups and businesses – who have shared their needs and expectations for the future.

“Council has been working with the community on the development of a united vision for Maroondah; one that will address the many challenges the municipality faces, and one that will see it flourish into the future,” Cr Symon said.

“The latest outcomes from community engagement and background research have enabled Council to create a revised community vision that reflects emerging needs and future opportunities,” he said.

The review involved:

“We have consulted widely and listened to the community’s hopes for the future and the places and things that they love about their local neighbourhood. Our community have told us they value the diversity of activity centres, business precincts, open spaces, canopy vegetation and other unique features that contribute to the thriving character of Maroondah. It is these aspirations that have helped shape the vision,” he said.

Cr Symon said it was important to look to the future to ensure the unique and valuable parts of our communities were protected, while also adapting to future trends.

“Maroondah is continually growing and changing. By 2041, our population is projected to reach 146,335 – that’s another 25,117 people (Australian Bureau of Statistics 2019). Population growth needs to be approached in a way that is responsive to social needs, demographic change and environmental impacts,” he said.

“Growth in Maroondah will need to be managed to deliver liveable places with affordable housing, excellent services and sufficient employment opportunities. An emphasis on 20-minute neighbourhood principles and community hubs will also be crucial.

“As a community, we also need to plan for and respond to key issues that will impact Maroondah. Council has a role in helping to plan for and sustain healthy and active communities.

“The global COVID-19 pandemic has reinforced the role of Council in educating the community on health risks, as well as promoting mental wellbeing and resilience. Due to the significant economic impacts resulting from COVID-19, there is also a role for Council in identifying employment opportunities that will stimulate the local economy and build economic resilience.

“Efforts to mitigate climate change impacts and reduce greenhouse gas emissions reach into many areas of local public policy including transport choices; urban design; waste; and natural resource management. There is an opportunity for Council to work with the community to create a carbon neutral city. Similarly, waste management will require innovative local solutions, and again there is further opportunity for Council to provide markets for recycled materials and adopt best practice,” he added.

“Cultural diversity in Maroondah is continuing to increase. Celebration of diversity, including local indigenous culture, will encourage community resilience and harmony

“The vision presented aims to embrace our heritage, environment and diversity to provide a community that is inclusive, empowered, sustainable and visionary,” Cr Symon said.

“On behalf of Council, I thank all participants for their inspired and passionate involvement in refreshing and aligning our shared vision. We look forward to working with all members of the Maroondah community as we continue to create our future together and make this vision a reality,” he said.

View the Maroondah 2040 Refresh: Our community together