Past looks forward

ONE of the Emerald community’s most beloved assets will fittingly celebrate a huge milestone this weekend as locals are urged to come together to help shape their town’s future.
The Emerald Community House hall turns 100 just in time to host a community forum this Sunday when locals will have their say on the re-drafted Emerald Spatial Plan.
A facilitator will run the discussion between 11am and 3pm and those in attendance will be encouraged to have their say on both the long and short-term plans for the town.
This Sunday’s discussion comes after Cardinia Shire Council hosted a listening post at the Emerald Library last Wednesday – when residents were invited along to provide their input.
But there is still plenty of time for locals to have their say if they haven’t done so already.
Written submissions can be made to the council up until 5pm on 2 May.
Emerald Village Committee chairman Dr Hamish Russell urged as many people as possible to come forward and play an active role in deciding the future of the town.
“The key thing is that this isn’t happening today or tomorrow, but this is a long-term vision,” he said.
“This affects everyone and everyone should put forward their questions and concerns.”
– Russell Bennett