Glen Innes Severn Council is inviting the community to help shape a new approach to planning for the future of the region’s towns, villages, public spaces and key destinations.
The draft Glen Innes Highlands Precincts Activation Framework and Strategy is now on public exhibition. It outlines a consistent approach for Council and local communities to identify priorities and plan improvements over the short, medium and long term.
Mayor Margot Davis said the Framework and Strategy recognises that successful planning combines strategic thinking with local knowledge.
“Council can provide the planning framework, but the people who live, work and spend time in these places bring the knowledge and experience that makes planning meaningful,” Davis said.
“This is about working together to identify the opportunities, challenges and priorities that matter most to each community.”
“Our towns, villages, parks and community spaces are all different, and the people who know them best are the people who use them every day.”
The draft Framework and Strategy provides a structured approach to planning across the Glen Innes Highlands, including the Glen Innes town centre, villages, community facilities, recreation areas, heritage spaces and other key destinations throughout the Local Government Area.
If adopted, the Framework and Strategy will guide the preparation of masterplans, concept plans and other place-based plans developed through comprehensive community consultation. The process will begin with Council’s villages, starting in Deepwater, before progressing to the Glen Innes town centre, public spaces and other key destinations across the Local Government Area.
Each plan will provide a clear framework for future improvements, helping Council prioritise capital works, pursue grant funding and respond to emerging opportunities. Rather than committing to specific projects or design outcomes, the Framework and Strategy establishes a process for identifying priorities, planning improvements and building a pipeline of projects that can be delivered as funding and opportunities become available.
“Good planning isn’t about deciding everything at once. It’s about understanding what matters most to each community, planning carefully for the future and being ready to act when opportunities arise,” Davis said.
“The Framework will also deliver a pipeline of future projects. Grant funding bodies want to see that proposed projects are supported by the community, properly planned and realistically costed.”
“By developing masterplans, concept plans or other suitable place-based plans through comprehensive consultation, Council will be better positioned to pursue funding and deliver the improvements our communities have identified as priorities.”
To help the community understand the draft document, Council has also prepared a summary sheet and a set of frequently asked questions. These explain the purpose of the Framework and Strategy, how future consultation and plan development will occur, and the difference between providing feedback on the draft Framework and participating in consultation for a specific location.
Deepwater engagement begins
Council will also begin two months of community engagement with Deepwater throughout July and August.
The process starts on Friday 3 July with a meeting with the Deepwater Progress Association, followed by an informal community pop-up at The Makers Shed from 1pm to 3pm.
The pop-up is not the formal consultation that will inform the Deepwater Masterplan. Instead, it provides an opportunity for community members to meet the project team, learn more about the process, register their interest in future activities and help identify the most suitable ways for people to participate. Detailed consultation will continue throughout July and August using a range of engagement activities.
General Manager Bernard Smith said the consultation on the Framework and Strategy and the Deepwater engagement were related but distinct processes.
“We are currently asking the broader community to provide feedback on the Framework and Strategy itself, including whether it identifies the right places, opportunities and overall approach.”
“At the same time, we are beginning a much more detailed conversation with the Deepwater community about the future of their village and how they would like to participate in that process,”Smith said.
“These are two different but connected conversations, and both will help guide future planning across the Glen Innes Highlands,” he said.
Council aims to engage as many people in the Deepwater community as possible and provide a range of opportunities for participation throughout July and August.
Have your say
Community members are encouraged to review the draft Framework and Strategy, summary sheet and frequently asked questions, and provide feedback on:
- Have we identified the right places and priorities?
- Are there opportunities we may have overlooked?
- What improvements should be considered in the short, medium and long term?
- Does the proposed approach provide the right framework for future planning?
The draft Framework and Strategy and supporting documents are available on Council’s Have Your Say page.
Hard copies are also available at Glen Innes Town Hall, Glen Innes Public & TAFE Library, and the Deepwater and Emmaville post offices.
Feedback received during the public exhibition period will be considered before the final Framework and Strategy is presented to Council.
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