Community
4 September, 2024
Timboon Precinct Plan looks to the future
CORANGAMITE Shire Council has adopted the Timboon Precinct Plan, locking in the future of the township going forward.
At last month’s Ordinary Meeting of Council, councillors voted to adopt the plan which was created to provide strategic direction for the town’s future.
Shire manager planning and building services Aaron Moyne said the plan presented an “exciting opportunity” to implement a community-led vision for Timboon.
“The plan has been prepared to present a vision for Timboon’s town centre, with design recommendations for improvement and enhancement of the town’s public realm, streets and open spaces;
“Seven overarching principles underpin the design response, integrating input from community consultation and design workshops.”
The seven principles included:
Enhance the Power Creek environment;
Develop an accessible and thriving destination for everyone;
Prioritise accessibility, walking and cycling to create an inclusive space;
Foster a sense of place;
Support inclusive, intergenerational connections;
Enable sustainable lifestyles for everyone; and
Support an inclusive and prosperous future for all.
Mr Moyne said the Timboon Precinct Plan allows council the opportunity to provide the framework and urban design direction, with implementation actions, to enhance Timboon’s public spaces to support existing business, encourage community use, and attract greater tourism potential and investment.
“The Timboon Precinct Plan addresses council’s objectives of engaging with the community, enhancing natural environments, and promoting economic development, tourism, arts, culture and events,” he said.
“Adopting the plan will provide council and the community with the direction and vision to progress implementation measures and works in the public realm.”
Councillors were unanimous in their support for the plan.
“With Timboon rapidly becoming the place to be, I think it’s timely that we re-examined the strategic direction of Timboon,” Cr Jamie Vogels said.
“The Timboon Precinct Plan helps to ensure Timboon retains its character and infrastructure.”
Mr Vogels thanked the community for its support in developing the plan.
“Many thanks to all the community members who did engage with council in the many and various ways that were on offer and helping guide the final outcome of the precinct plan,” he said.
“This document will open up opportunity and I’m sure will inspire ideas over the coming years.”
Mayor Kate Makin said she believed the plan was “great for Timboon”.
“I remember Timboon as a sleepy little town that was just a service town and look at it now,” she said.
“It’s just grown in stature and it’s grown in importance and we can’t do that kind of thing without plan.”
Cr Makin said the plan was based on the ideas and thoughts of the local community.
“It incorporates all the feedback of the community,” she said.
“It’s an integral part of how Timboon will be moved and shaped going forward.”