Survey responses
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.
Thank you to everyone who shared your thoughts about living, working or being involved in Yarra Ranges now, and your hopes and dreams for the future. Your feedback helped inform the development of the draft Council, Asset and Finance Plans. The goal of these key plans is to advance Yarra Ranges towards the future outlined in the Community Vision.
The Yarra Ranges - Shape your future project has been one of Council's most comprehensive engagement projects, involving thousands of community members since March 2024.
Engagement activities included pop-ups, stakeholder summits, and feedback opportunities on the Shaping Yarra Ranges website. There was a deliberative Community Panel, made up of 40 community representatives selected from over 400 applicants, who attended dedicated workshops where Council priorities and challenges and discussed and debated. We also hosted Community and Stakeholder Summits and dedicated focused conversations with township groups, and representatives from the Disability, Health and Wellbeing, Indigenous, Rural, Sustainable Environment Advisory Committees and the Positive Ageing Reference and Youth Advisory Groups and a Youth Summit with secondary school representatives.
Further details of the engagement activities and related reports can be found below.
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.
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 2024, the panel met three times, where they discussed and debated Council's priorities and tricky challenges.
Find out more about the Community Panel.
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.
Between March and August 2024, we reached just under of 5,500 people, with active involvement from 1,091 participants.
Communities have highlighted the importance of the different priorities and needs of local urban and rural areas.
We know each of our four regions are special and have their unique opportunities and challenges. A number of Council services currently have a regional focus, but we want to confirm the importance of this regional approach, as we start developing our next Council Plan.
Complete the quick poll below to let us know if you want to see more emphasis and clarity on how and why we work in the regions of Yarra Ranges.
15 December, 2024
JanisFloyd says:
Rebuild the Kilsyth Pool using solar panels for electricity, batteries and water harvesting. This is used for all ages and abilities.
5 December, 2024
bkaempkes says:
Protect the heritage of the hills, keep high density housing out and look after the natural environment.
4 December, 2024
gohorsehaven says:
Toilets at Mount Evelyn Recreation Reserve are disgusting and an embarrassment. Forget blue sky - Get the basics at 100%. Rates NOT at work.
3 December, 2024
Doug says:
Greater investment in Belgrave Pool to allow for year-long use and day-long use in shoulder season, i.e., simply increase available wages.
3 December, 2024
Zac says:
We are moving to the area purely because of the MTB park, have bought land and employing only local trades to build a house. Can’t wait!
2 December, 2024
Shane Donkin says:
We need allocation of land to be used for commercial / industrial use in Healesville, too much land in hunter street just used for storage
1 December, 2024
Lorena says:
Please rebuild new &improved 50m indoor pool & other facilities at the same location in Kilsyth! The community needs these services LOCALLY.
30 November, 2024
Shirl says:
Planning, advice and grants which offer low- or interest-free loans to small businesses offering unique tourism experiences/products.
30 November, 2024
paul_utting says:
Council engage on a surface level only. When a project gets difficult or decisions have to be made then community are cut out.
29 November, 2024
chrystalage says:
Emergency preparedness, residents need better preparation for future extreme weather events and the ability to cope until services restored
29 November, 2024
Sue says:
Ensure local amenity and the needs of wildlife are not sacrificed for tourist ‘experiences’
29 November, 2024
Sue says:
Work with VicRoads to improve the rough space between roads & footpaths, providing more space for cyclists to ride safely, and cars to pass
29 November, 2024
Sue says:
Provide incentives for landowners who manage environmental weeds on their properties.
29 November, 2024
Amber says:
Create men's sheds and community gardens for mental health and community.
29 November, 2024
Amber says:
Recycle soft plastics!
29 November, 2024
Amber says:
Weed control. The forest, road reserves and our own gardens are weedy and out if control. Please educate and help clean up the hills.
29 November, 2024
Lili says:
Preserve 'old-world' charm and character. Enhance council garden beds and paths, committing to their maintenance and year-round beauty!
29 November, 2024
Lili says:
Preserve 'old-world' charm and character. Enhance council garden beds and paths, committing to their maintenance and year-round beauty!
21 November, 2024
Philippa Griffin says:
The biggest issues our household faces is not having infrastructure that should be baseline in 2024. Mains water and sealed roads.
19 November, 2024
Antoinette says:
We need to establish one or a couple of recycling hubs for hard to recycle single streams. People want to reduce their waste.
19 November, 2024
NautaKat says:
One consistently environmentally and community based planning scheme should exist for the hills. The state should not take over planning.
19 November, 2024
Monica says:
I would like to see the planning department easier to deal with, more common sense in the rules, staff that follow one permit through.
15 December, 2024
JanisFloyd says:
Rebuild the Kilsyth Pool using solar panels for electricity, batteries and water harvesting. This is used for all ages and abilities.
5 December, 2024
bkaempkes says:
Protect the heritage of the hills, keep high density housing out and look after the natural environment.
4 December, 2024
gohorsehaven says:
Toilets at Mount Evelyn Recreation Reserve are disgusting and an embarrassment. Forget blue sky - Get the basics at 100%. Rates NOT at work.
3 December, 2024
Doug says:
Greater investment in Belgrave Pool to allow for year-long use and day-long use in shoulder season, i.e., simply increase available wages.
3 December, 2024
Zac says:
We are moving to the area purely because of the MTB park, have bought land and employing only local trades to build a house. Can’t wait!
2 December, 2024
Shane Donkin says:
We need allocation of land to be used for commercial / industrial use in Healesville, too much land in hunter street just used for storage
1 December, 2024
Lorena says:
Please rebuild new &improved 50m indoor pool & other facilities at the same location in Kilsyth! The community needs these services LOCALLY.
30 November, 2024
Shirl says:
Planning, advice and grants which offer low- or interest-free loans to small businesses offering unique tourism experiences/products.
30 November, 2024
paul_utting says:
Council engage on a surface level only. When a project gets difficult or decisions have to be made then community are cut out.
29 November, 2024
chrystalage says:
Emergency preparedness, residents need better preparation for future extreme weather events and the ability to cope until services restored
29 November, 2024
Sue says:
Ensure local amenity and the needs of wildlife are not sacrificed for tourist ‘experiences’
29 November, 2024
Sue says:
Work with VicRoads to improve the rough space between roads & footpaths, providing more space for cyclists to ride safely, and cars to pass
29 November, 2024
Sue says:
Provide incentives for landowners who manage environmental weeds on their properties.
29 November, 2024
Amber says:
Create men's sheds and community gardens for mental health and community.
29 November, 2024
Amber says:
Recycle soft plastics!
29 November, 2024
Amber says:
Weed control. The forest, road reserves and our own gardens are weedy and out if control. Please educate and help clean up the hills.
29 November, 2024
Lili says:
Preserve 'old-world' charm and character. Enhance council garden beds and paths, committing to their maintenance and year-round beauty!
29 November, 2024
Lili says:
Preserve 'old-world' charm and character. Enhance council garden beds and paths, committing to their maintenance and year-round beauty!
21 November, 2024
Philippa Griffin says:
The biggest issues our household faces is not having infrastructure that should be baseline in 2024. Mains water and sealed roads.
19 November, 2024
Antoinette says:
We need to establish one or a couple of recycling hubs for hard to recycle single streams. People want to reduce their waste.
19 November, 2024
NautaKat says:
One consistently environmentally and community based planning scheme should exist for the hills. The state should not take over planning.
19 November, 2024
Monica says:
I would like to see the planning department easier to deal with, more common sense in the rules, staff that follow one permit through.
15 December, 2024
JanisFloyd says:
Rebuild the Kilsyth Pool using solar panels for electricity, batteries and water harvesting. This is used for all ages and abilities.
5 December, 2024
bkaempkes says:
Protect the heritage of the hills, keep high density housing out and look after the natural environment.
4 December, 2024
gohorsehaven says:
Toilets at Mount Evelyn Recreation Reserve are disgusting and an embarrassment. Forget blue sky - Get the basics at 100%. Rates NOT at work.
3 December, 2024
Doug says:
Greater investment in Belgrave Pool to allow for year-long use and day-long use in shoulder season, i.e., simply increase available wages.
3 December, 2024
Zac says:
We are moving to the area purely because of the MTB park, have bought land and employing only local trades to build a house. Can’t wait!
2 December, 2024
Shane Donkin says:
We need allocation of land to be used for commercial / industrial use in Healesville, too much land in hunter street just used for storage
1 December, 2024
Lorena says:
Please rebuild new &improved 50m indoor pool & other facilities at the same location in Kilsyth! The community needs these services LOCALLY.
30 November, 2024
Shirl says:
Planning, advice and grants which offer low- or interest-free loans to small businesses offering unique tourism experiences/products.
30 November, 2024
paul_utting says:
Council engage on a surface level only. When a project gets difficult or decisions have to be made then community are cut out.
29 November, 2024
chrystalage says:
Emergency preparedness, residents need better preparation for future extreme weather events and the ability to cope until services restored
29 November, 2024
Sue says:
Ensure local amenity and the needs of wildlife are not sacrificed for tourist ‘experiences’
29 November, 2024
Sue says:
Work with VicRoads to improve the rough space between roads & footpaths, providing more space for cyclists to ride safely, and cars to pass
29 November, 2024
Sue says:
Provide incentives for landowners who manage environmental weeds on their properties.
29 November, 2024
Amber says:
Create men's sheds and community gardens for mental health and community.
29 November, 2024
Amber says:
Recycle soft plastics!
29 November, 2024
Amber says:
Weed control. The forest, road reserves and our own gardens are weedy and out if control. Please educate and help clean up the hills.
29 November, 2024
Lili says:
Preserve 'old-world' charm and character. Enhance council garden beds and paths, committing to their maintenance and year-round beauty!
29 November, 2024
Lili says:
Preserve 'old-world' charm and character. Enhance council garden beds and paths, committing to their maintenance and year-round beauty!
21 November, 2024
Philippa Griffin says:
The biggest issues our household faces is not having infrastructure that should be baseline in 2024. Mains water and sealed roads.
19 November, 2024
Antoinette says:
We need to establish one or a couple of recycling hubs for hard to recycle single streams. People want to reduce their waste.
19 November, 2024
NautaKat says:
One consistently environmentally and community based planning scheme should exist for the hills. The state should not take over planning.
19 November, 2024
Monica says:
I would like to see the planning department easier to deal with, more common sense in the rules, staff that follow one permit through.
Yarra Ranges Council acknowledges the Wurundjeri and other Kulin Nation peoples as the Traditional Owners and Custodians of these lands and waterways. We pay our respects to all Elders, past, present, and emerging, who have been, and always will be, integral to the story of our region. We proudly share custodianship to care for Country together.