Time running out to shape the Gannawarra's visions, goals

Time running out to shape the Gannawarra's visions, goals

Published on 04 February 2021

Residents have until Friday, 12 February to help shape the latest version of the Gannawarra Shire Council Plan and the Gannawarra’s longer term Community Vision.

Council is currently in the process of revising the Gannawarra Shire Council Plan, which is reviewed every four years, and the Community’s vision for the future.

“Council is undertaking an extensive community engagement process to ensure the Council Plan and Community Vision represents activities and subsequent achievements our residents want to see completed,” Mayor Charlie Gillingham said.

“Council thanks those who have already provided feedback so far, and encourages those yet to do so to take part in the best way they see fit.”

As part of the process, Council is asking residents to identify what they like most about where they live, what challenges the community faces, what services are needed and what should be Council’s focus during the next 15 years.

“There are many ways residents can take part. The easiest way is to visit www.gsc.vic.gov.au/CouncilPlan at any time and take part in the discussions occurring online,” Mayor Gillingham said.

“For those who want to provide their views but not online, forms outlining four key questions are available from Council’s Customer Service Centres in Cohuna and Kerang, which need to be returned by Friday, 12 February.

“Conversation boards are also located at Council’s Customer Service Centres, Gannawarra Library Service’s Cohuna and Kerang branches, the Gannawarra Shire Children’s Centre and Neighbourhood Houses in Cohuna, Kerang and Quambatook, which enable residents to provide their views anonymously.”

A highlight of the community engagement process so far has been community sessions at Cohuna, Kerang, Lake Charm, Leitchville and Quambatook, where residents have discussed with Councillors and Council staff what they love about the Gannawarra, the challenges we face and what services are needed..

“My fellow Councillors and I have enjoyed taking part in these sessions, which have helped identify what our communities’ needs are at this time,” Mayor Gillingham said.

“Seven sessions are planned for Cohuna, Kerang, Koondrook, Lalbert and Murrabit during the next week, so I encourage as many residents as possible to come and have their say.”

The remaining Gannawarra Shire Council Plan community engagement sessions are planned for the following dates:

Saturday, 6 February - Victoria Square, Kerang (10am-12 noon) and Kerang Skate Park (1pm-2pm) Monday, 8 February – Lalbert Recreation Reserve (5pm-7pm) Tuesday, 9 February – Koondrook Post Office (8am-9.30am) and Koondrook Swimming Pool (4pm-5.30pm) Wednesday, 10 February – Murrabit Hall (1.30pm-3.30pm) Thursday, 11 February – Gateway to Gannawarra Visitor Centre, Cohuna (9.30am-11am)

“All feedback received will assist with the development of the Draft Gannawarra Shire Council Plan 2021-2025, which Council will seek further community feedback on later this year,” Mayor Gillingham said.

For more information regarding the Gannawarra Shire Council Plan 2021-2025 process, please visit www.gsc.vic.gov.au/CouncilPlan