Meetings seek ideas for community projects

Community meetings to discuss project ideas for Baw baw Shire’s placemaking program will begin this week.

Community meetings will be held in Jindivick, Labertouche, Noojee, Darnum and Willow Grove to discuss ideas and seek community input for the next round of the placemaking program.

The $200,000 placemaking grants provide about $50,000 to four smaller communities annually, enabling them to deliver projects that are at the top of the community’s wish list.

Projects are the direct result of consultation and collaboration with communities with the goal to improve liveability, contribute to health, happiness and wellbeing, and visitor attraction to the towns.

Community meetings will be held at:

Jindivick – Thursday, 7.30pm at Jindivick Hall;

Labertouche – Wednesday, January 29, 6.30pm at Labertouche Public Hall.;

Noojee - Thursday January 30, 6pm at Noojee Hall;

Darnum – Monday, February 3, 7.30pm at Darnum Memorial Hall;

Willow Grove - Tuesday February 4, 6pm at Willow Grove Hall.

Mayor Danny Goss said the beauty of this program was that it delivers projects for the community, selected by the community.

“Last year’s pilot program saw some fantastic community ideas come to life in Athlone, Erica and Thorpdale, with Jindivick still in the works. “We encourage local residents to come along to the meetings, get involved in the discussion and put forward any ideas,” Cr Goss said.

All local residents are welcome to attend.

Following each meeting, an online and hardcopy survey will be opened to establish the community’s preferred project based on viable suggestions and ideas.

Results will be presented to council for final review at a future meeting.

The previous round of the placemaking program saw projects delivered in Athlone, Erica and Thorpdale, with discussions ongoing for Jindivick. Projects included street beautification works, a new playground and upgrades to recreation reserve infrastructure.