Views and visions sought for parks

Residents will have an opportunity to express their views and visions for Warragul and Drouin’s Civic Parks.

Baw Baw Shire is undertaking masterplans for both parks to guide future management of the parks and identify potential open space upgrades.

Community feedback is being sought for the masterplans. Submissions will close on Friday September 16.

Community assets director Phil Cantillon said some meetings had been held with stakeholder groups to get the conversations started.

He said the masterplans were about spatial planning and ensuring the spaces available in Drouin and Warragul Civic Parks were being used the way the community wanted for markets and other community uses.

He said without a masterplan things had been put where people thought was a good place at the time.

He said the masterplan process was about understanding everyone’s expectations and trying to please everyone.

“We have no preconceived ideas, it’s just a blank canvas,” he said.

Community information executive manager Jane Oakley said meetings with stakeholders indicated people appreciated what was already in place in both parks.

She said there was support for more natural activities and interactive playgrounds that were part of the landscape.

The master plans will identify potential open space upgrades, such as planting, access and park infrastructure.

Mayor Joe Gauci said the initial phase of consultation was crucial in determining what the community vision for the future of these parks is.

“A big part of this first planning stage is to get the community involved and identify what kinds of things they like about the current parks and what they’d like to see developed for the future,” he said.

“The two civic parks in Warragul and Drouin are the largest in both town centres and attract a high number of visitors.

“With growing populations in both of these towns, it is expected that usage and demand for these parks will continue to increase.

Cr Gauci said the master plans would provide long-term guidance for the parks over a 10 year period.

“We need to be thinking about how we can address the ageing infrastructure in both parks and what we can do to ensure these parks can continue to be useful and enjoyed by people into the future,” he said.

Community barbecues with children’s activities and walking tours at both the Warragul and Drouin Civic Parks were held on Saturday.

Funding for the masterplans was budgeted for in council’s 2015/16 budget