Shaping Yarra Ranges
Recently we heard from over 1,000 residents on all things Council, as part of our biggest engagement yet. We want to dive a little deeper into the data and need your help to bring it to life.
Thank you to all community members who have shared your thoughts about living, working or being involved in Yarra Ranges now and your hopes and dreams for the future.
Your feedback is helping inform the development of the next Council Plan and the longer-term Asset and Finance Plans. The goal of these key plans is to advance Yarra Ranges towards the future outlined in the Community Vision.
Check out the ways to have your say below and don't forget to click the '+Follow' button to stay informed.
You can read about what we have heard so far in the engagement reports in the tabs below.
Right now there are four ways you can get involved.
Do you have one minute?
You have told us that local issues are important. We want to check in, to see if representing our work in 'regional way' would be helpful?
You will need to log in or join Shaping Yarra Ranges to take part. This way, everyone gets one vote each.
Do you have two - five minutes?
After you have scanned though the themes below, you can share an idea or thought that builds on these high level themes.
You can add more than one comment and also support (up-vote) other people's ideas.
Come along and share your feedback at a Roadshow activation near you.
If you have more to say about the themes so far, send the team an email to mail@yarraranges.vic.gov.au (Subject: Council Plan engagement)
or post a hard copy to Attn: Corporate Planning, PO Box 105, Lilydale VIC 3140
The community feels disconnected from Council decisions and wants to have a greater say in shaping their local area. There is a desire for more open communication and accountability.
While views varied on the actions that should be taken, residents are increasingly aware of climate change impacts and want their local government to take a leading role in environmental protection and sustainability.
While recognising the economic benefits of tourism, residents are concerned about its impact on their quality of life and local infrastructure and want to ensure a balance between visitor attractions and community needs.
The community wants local job opportunities and a thriving local economy to support their livelihoods and reduce commuting needs.
The community wants to ensure their basic needs are met efficiently and effectively, with a focus on improving daily life through better roads, transport, and access to essential services.
There’s a strong desire for a connected, supportive community that caters to all age groups and addresses key social issues like housing affordability and homelessness.
Residents are looking for stability and forward-thinking leadership that goes beyond short-term electoral cycles to address long-term challenges.
The community wants assurance that their rates are being spent wisely and that Council is planning for the long-term financial sustainability of the region.
Given the area’s susceptibility to natural disasters, residents want to feel secure and prepared for potential emergencies.
From over 400 expressions of interest, 35 panel members selected by an independent consultant, joined a series of deliberative panel sessions. Between 17 July and 17 August, the panel met three times, where they discussed and debated Council's priorities and tricky challenges.
Find out more about the Community Panel.
Over 5000 people visited the project page to find out how to get involved.
Between 27 March and 8 May, we received over 700 surveys from community members, online and in hard copy.
During our nine pop up events across Yarra Ranges we connected with over 800 community members.
Between the 15 May and 27 May we held three community and stakeholder summits with over 100 attendees.
Members of our community came along and discussed the following topics: council service delivery, health and wellbeing, governance, tourism and emergency management and the natural environment.
Yarra Ranges Council respectfully acknowledges the traditional owners, the Wurundjeri people, as the custodians of this land. We pay respect to all Aboriginal community Elders, past and present, who have resided in the area and have been an integral part of the history of the region.
