How did people get involved?

Between 30 January and 12 March 2023, residents in Yarra Ranges found out about the engagement and got involved by...

So, what did you tell us?

We have listed the top issues in priority order, based on the feedback we received from all the different activities. We have also included a few of the most common responses under each of the groupings below.

  • How did we identify the priorities?

    • 189 people took part in the 'fund it' voting activity
    • 257 people left comments, sometimes more than one, on the virtual post-it notes
    • 48 people completed long-form submissions
    • 53 people completed the budget activity at the pop-ups
    • 71 volunteers and local staff, ranked their priorities in activities at Council facilities.

  • #1 Roads, footpaths and trails

    • Looking after our roads including fixing potholes, sealing dirt roads and safety on roads.
    • Building new sections of footpaths to improve connections and accessibility in communities.
    • Love the trails and are looking forward to more being completed.

  • #2 Drains and water

    • Improving and maintaining drains to reduce flooding.
    • Increased heavy rain is impacting on the existing drains.

  • #3 Sporting facilities, open spaces and reserves

    • Consider non-traditional sports, not just football and netball
    • More activities for older people
    • Improve sporting facilities
    • Maintain and enhance our beautiful parks and bushland
    • Public open space is important to the community.

  • #4 Environment and climate change

    • Plant more trees, look after the ones we have
    • More funding for weed management
    • Care for the environment and protect wildlife habitat
    • Reduce resource usage, consider climate change

  • #5 Children and older people

    • Playgrounds and activities for children and young people
    • Social and physical activities for older people to stay healthy and connected
    • Appropriate housing for older residents and young people
    • Safe and accessible footpaths for all ages

  • # 6 Thriving community

    • Supporting community groups and community gardens
    • Maintaining community facilities to support activities
    • Support homeless people in Yarra Ranges
    • Listen to the community about programs we want

  • = #7 Safety and health

    • Support for emergency preparedness and disaster relief
    • Support community groups that work in this space
    • Planning and resourcing for future disasters
    • Mental health services and support

  • = #7 Planning and development

    • Planning and development that protects the environment
    • Overdevelopment in some areas is a concern
    • Planning and permits can be difficult to understand and progress
    • Beautification of townships is important for locals and visitors

  • # 8 Local economy and business

    • Getting the balance right between our focus on local residents and tourists can be difficult
    • More support for small businesses / sole traders needed
    • Growing the economy in a way that protecte the environment is important

  • #9 Efficient and responsible Council

    • Council needs to be efficient and transparent with our money and the decisions it makes
    • Make sure Council is responsible with ratepayer money
    • Thank you for the opportunity to give feedback - offer more sessions out of hours for everyone to get involved.