Connecting Gannawarra community plans to be launched

Connecting Gannawarra community plans to be launched

Published on 13 March 2024

Community plans developed as part of the Connecting Gannawarra Project will be launched during the coming weeks, with residents invited to attend their local progress association or development committee meeting to view the final version of these documents and be involved in an official launch.

Developed thanks to funding from the Agricultural-Dependent Community Building Initiative, the Connecting Gannawarra project involved the development of community plans with six of the Gannawarra’s small agricultural dependent communities - Lalbert & District, the Lakes District, Leitchville & District, Macorna/Tragowel & District, Murrabit & District, and Quambatook & District.

“Developed and owned by each community, these six plans capture each community’s voice for what is important for them and what residents want to see achieved during the next six years,” Gannawarra Shire Council Chief Executive Officer, Geoff Rollinson said.

Residents were able to share their thoughts on their community’s strengths, challenges and opportunities during various engagement opportunities held during early 2023, with feedback received assisting to inform the six community plans.

“Each plan outlines what residents love about their community as well as the challenges, which align with the key priorities listed in each document,” Mr Rollinson said.

“The priorities tie in with the strategic goals identified as part of the Growing Gannawarra – 2021-2025 Council Plan; liveability, growth and sustainability.” ­

Strategic directions and key actions across the community plans include:

Events, programs and activities that support social wellbeing; Small infrastructure and landscaping projects that improve community liveability; Walking and cycling tracks and trails; Repurposing community spaces for multi-purpose use; Advocating for improved mobile phone and internet services; Developing caravan/RV friendly towns and visitor services; Improving access to services, including health, transport and aged care; and Strengthening volunteer sustainability through training and program development.

“Council will work with progress associations and development committees based in each of the six communities to help explore further the key actions listed in each document,” Mr Rollinson said.

Residents wanting to learn more about their community’s plan are encouraged to attend any of the following meetings:

Murrabit & District – Monday, 18 March (Murrabit Men’s Shed, 7.30pm)

Quambatook & District – Monday, 25 March (Quambatook Tennis Clubrooms, 7.30pm)

Lalbert & District – Monday, 1 April (Lalbert Community Complex, 7pm)

Lakes District – Tuesday, 16 April (Lake Charm Hall, 7.30pm)

Macorna/Tragowel & District – Details to be confirmed

Conversations with Leitchville and District residents regarding its community plan occurred earlier this month at the Leitchville Progress Association meeting.

“Residents attending these meetings will be able to discuss with Council representatives the community priorities identified in the respective community plans that are achievable over the next 12 months,” Mr Rollinson said.

“Council will then be in a better position to continue to work closely with groups to see what can be done to progress these actions.”

The development of community plans for Gannawarra’s six small agricultural-dependent communities was funded by the Victorian Government through the Agricultural-Dependent Community Building Initiative as part of the Victorian Government’s Smarter Safer Farms Strategy.

“Council thanks the Victorian Government for providing the resources to support the development of the six community plans and looks forward to exploring further with Gannawarra’s smallest communities their goals and aspirations for the future,” Mr Rollinson said.

For more information regarding the Connecting Gannawarra project, please visit www.gsc.vic.gov.au/ConnectingGannawarra

ABOVE: Cr Keith Link (third from right) and Council's Coordinator Community Partnerships, Katrina Thorne (third from left) met with the Leitchville Progress Association on 6 March to discuss the Leitchville Community Plan and what priorities they would like their community to achieve in the next 12 months.