Dozens of written submissions, dozens more survey responses, and about 100 people at drop-in sessions: Uralla Shire Council has released a report detailing what it heard from the community during consultation on its draft Growth Management Strategy.
The What We Heard Report follows public exhibition of the strategy in July, and provides a detailed summary of feedback from residents, landowners, businesses and stakeholders across the shire. During the exhibition period, council received 52 written submissions and 75 survey responses, with approximately 100 people attending five community drop-in sessions held across the shire.
Mayor Robert Bell said the strong response reflected the community’s interest in the future of Uralla Shire.
“I would like to thank everyone who took the time to make a submission, complete the survey or attend one of the drop-in sessions. The level of engagement demonstrates how much people care about the future of Uralla and our villages,” Mayor Bell said.
“This report is not a decision on the Growth Management Strategy. It is a record of what we heard from the community and stakeholders, and it ensures those views are properly considered as the strategy is revised.”
The report identifies a number of recurring themes raised by the community, including water security and infrastructure capacity, temporary workforce accommodation associated with Renewable Energy Zone projects, housing supply and land availability, protection of rural character and community identity, rural-residential development, employment and economic development opportunities, and community consultation processes.
Mayor Bell said one of the clearest messages from the exhibition was the community’s desire for growth to be supported by adequate infrastructure and careful planning.
“The feedback shows residents want council to plan responsibly for growth, while protecting the character, lifestyle and values that make Uralla such a special place to live,” he said.
“Water security, infrastructure, housing and workforce accommodation were all significant topics of discussion, and council has listened carefully to the range of views expressed.”
The report also outlines a number of preliminary directions officers will investigate further, including removing workforce accommodation sites B, D and E from further analysis, retaining and refining assessment of sites A and C, deferring consideration of a proposed 25-hectare minimum lot size in parts of Invergowrie, and reviewing aspects of the proposed Kentucky rezoning. Mayor Bell emphasised that council has not made any decisions on these matters, and that they remain subject to further assessment.
An amended strategy will be placed on public exhibition again, giving the community a further opportunity to comment before council considers its adoption.
“This next stage will ensure the community can see how their input has influenced the strategy and continue to have a say in planning for the future of Uralla Shire,” Mayor Bell said.
Residents can read the What We Heard Report, along with redacted submissions and survey responses, on council’s Your Say Uralla consultation page
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