Have your say on future of Timboon, Simpson

Have your say on future of Timboon, Simpson

Published on 04 August 2020

Shire residents are invited to have their say on a draft strategy for how Simpson and Timboon can become key service centres for the Great Ocean Road and surrounding hinterland.

The draft strategy will be open for public consultation until Monday 31 August.

Landowners and residents will be contacted by mail. Because of coronavirus restrictions, public drop-in sessions will not be possible. The preferred way to give feedback is through Council’s website.

Mayor Neil Trotter encouraged residents to look at the strategy and share their ideas and feedback through an online survey here by Monday 31 August.

Comments and feedback will be considered in preparing the final version of the strategy, before it is presented to Council for adoption and implementation.

“With the help of public input, we will be able to gauge the capacity of Timboon and Simpson as key service centres within the Great Ocean Road region,” Cr Trotter said.

“We ran a survey and held drop-in sessions in March and the ideas raised by members of the community have been included in the Positioning Timboon and Simpson Draft Plan which we are now fine tuning with further public consultation.

“This will help us plan strategically for the future growth of each township and enhance the lifestyle that makes them great places to live.

“Important issues such as population growth, attracting outside investment, and catering for increasing tourism must be addressed. Accessible, connected town infrastructure must be maintained and the needs of the local community and industry must be kept at the forefront of future planning and decisions.

“We also need to identify current and future skills gaps so we can work towards developing the expertise of the local workforce.”

The strategy looks at

capitalising on opportunities presented by the growing number of visitors; Improving residential and rural-residential land supply, including housing opportunities and accommodation for key workers, and long-term rentals; Supporting tourism opportunities in the hinterland and investment in visitor product, experience and infrastructure; and Establishing strategic directions to define the priorities and role of each town.

For more information, or to obtain a hardcopy version, please contact Planning and Building Manager Aaron Moyne on 5593 7100 or email [email protected]