Residents invited to shape the design of Baw Baw’s neighbourhoods

Published on 30 March 2021

Baw Baw Shire residents are encouraged to think about the look and feel of future housing developments.

Council’s Strategic Planning team is currently engaging with the community to guide the development of Preferred Neighbourhood Character and Design Guidelines for Drouin and Warragul.

All residents are invited to share their views about what works, what doesn’t and what kind of residential development they’d like to see in their neighbourhood or town.

The project aims to develop a set of guidelines to reflect the rural character of Baw Baw Shire in residential areas by applying a variety of housing densities and designs while protecting the existing uses on adjoining land.

When complete, the guidelines will aim to make sure new neighbourhoods within the Warragul and Drouin Precinct Structure Plan (PSP) areas, as well as the established, older areas, reflect the preferred character and rural feel of the Shire.

The guidelines will provide recommendations for both private properties and public spaces, including:

Water sensitive urban design and climate change mitigation solutions will also be considered.

In the established and older neighbourhoods, the guidelines will identify existing and emerging neighbourhood character and develop recommendations to preserve and enhance them.

The first stage of consultation is now underway, with initial feedback closing on Friday 23 April 2021. For more information and to provide feedback visit www.bawbawshire.vic.gov.au/HaveYourSay

Quotes attributable to Mayor Cr Danny Goss:

"It is critical that we hear from residents who have strong ideas around new residential developments. Getting feedback and ideas from the community is a vital part of this project. Guidelines around neighbourhood character are the way for Council to ensure that new developments complement, rather than detract from our highly valued rural landscapes."