Deepwater locals are being offered four separate ways to have their say on the future of the village, with drop-in sessions locked in for Monday, 7 September and Wednesday, 9 September.
The sessions are being run by Glen Innes Severn Council ahead of a bigger Community Workshop later in September, and form part of the ongoing Deepwater Masterplan project.
The first session, on Monday, 7 September from 11am to 12pm at the Deepwater School of Arts, will focus on getting around the village. Residents are invited to mark up a large map of Deepwater with ideas for footpaths, highway crossings, signage and lighting.
Later that same day, from 1:30pm to 3pm, the action shifts to Deepwater Railway Station, where another map-based session will look at free camping and what might encourage travellers to stop and spend time in the village. Ideas on the table include gateway signage, wayfinding, a new dump point, power, water and additional toilets.
On Wednesday, 9 September, from 10:30am to 12pm, the School of Arts Hall will host a facilitated discussion on Deepwater’s potential as a regional destination. Council’s tourism officers will join the conversation, which will cover regional coordination, a possible annual calendar of local events, event infrastructure improvements, and better support and recognition for the people behind local events.
The final session that day, from 3pm to 4pm, moves outdoors to the Deepwater River area next to the tennis courts. Residents will walk the site together and talk through how the area could be enhanced as a community gathering space while protecting the river and its wildlife. Ideas up for discussion include walking paths, a kayak launch, seating, barbecues, shade and tree plantings.
Council officers will attend each session to provide more detail on the opportunities being considered, with Kylie Long, project facilitator for the Deepwater Masterplan, on hand to help guide discussion.
The four sessions come ahead of a bigger Community Workshop on Sunday, 27 September, from 3pm to 5pm, where the community will hear what has been gathered so far and help shape priorities for the Masterplan.
Residents don’t need to attend every session. Organisers say they’re welcome to drop in to whichever topics matter most to them, or come along to all four.
The Deepwater Progress Association has been helping to promote the sessions and encourage residents to get involved.
Anyone with questions can contact Ms Long on 0433 531 433 or at kyliejlong@gmail.com.
More information is available at haveyoursay.gisc.nsw.gov.au/deepwater-masterplan
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