By Callum Ludwig
It can be easy to feel unheard and it can be understated how much can be achieved with a face-to-face conversation or discussion.
Yarra Ranges Council’s ongoing Community Engagement Roadshow is providing an opportunity for local residents to give feedback, receive information or ask questions at different pop-ups and events.
Yarra Ranges Council Mayor Jim Child said that by joining the conversation, residents could play their part in shaping the future of their neighbourhood and council area by providing valuable feedback that informs Council decisions.
“The idea of the roadshow is to meet people where they are at and to engage people who may not necessarily seek out information on Council’s projects,” he said.
“By going out to different communities we gain valuable insight into the experience of living in a particular area or township and the usage of various services and amenities available there, which helps inform Council decisions.”
Upcoming features on the roadshow include appearances at Seville and Yarra Junction Woolworths on 18 and 26 May.
“Yarra Ranges covers approximately 2,500km and for some going down to the Lilydale offices is not always convenient, so visiting residents in their township it makes it easy and accessible for them to interact with us,” said Cr Child.
“We try and make each Pop-up Conversation as visually appealing and interactive as possible. It might be something like voting on a topic by using sticky dots or writing down ideas on post-it notes or postcards.”
Recent engagements have been held at Elizabeth Bridge Reserve in Kilsyth on 12 April, the Olinda Play Space on Thursday 20 April and at the Coldstream Pump Track on Friday 21 April.
Recent discussions have revolved around topics such as the Aquatic Strategy, Lilydale Precinct Design Framework, and rollout of the waste changes and FOGO recycling service.
Cr Child said he hopes the pop-ups help people interact with Council.
“Community engagement provides an opportunity for the community to shape the plans and decisions that affect their current and future needs,” he said.
“The feedback we receive helps inform Council’s vision, strategic direction, planning, and decision making, while also providing Council with a better understanding of community priorities.
At any time residents can submit an address, location or event they think would make a good opportunity for an engagement appearance provided it is free and accessible to all.
Anyone wanting to find out more about the Community Engagement Roadshow, submit a potential location or check on the interactive map which opportunities are coming to an area near them soon can do so at: www.shaping.yarraranges.vic.gov.au/community-engagement-roadshow.
