By Christine de Kock
MARIBYRNONG City Council is calling for residents to help guide the development of their local areas.
Reference groups in Footscray, West Footscray and Braybrook will help the council investigate options for developing future community facilities, community service hubs and programs in each of the three neighborhoods.
Council chief executive officer Kerry Thompson said up to 15 people were required for each reference group.
“Council is looking for a mix of representatives on these working groups – residents, people from community agencies, places of worship, community groups and businesses,” Ms Thompson said.
“We’re looking for people with local knowledge and ideas on how to alter or enhance our community facilities to meet our community’s changing needs.”
Developments to be explored by the West Footscray group include the YMCA’s potential as a community services hub; the Footscray group will discuss the development of a community facility in Footscray with the proceeds from the sale of the Footscray Swim Centre; and the Braybrook group will look at developing a services hub that focuses on employment and education of young people, among other issues.
Ms Thompson said each of the projects fell under the council’s Community Strengthening Plan.
“Council staff will work with these groups to ensure they have information about linked or supporting projects, for example, the (re) Visioning Footscray project or the extension of the Footscray Community Arts Centre,” she said.
“We want these groups to build on the work that has already been done and tie in to other projects that are underway.
“If community members get involved at the very beginning of this planning, then we can be sure that the facilities we end up with a few years down the track are the ones that our community needs and will use.”
Terms of reference for each Community Reference Group can be obtained from Pat Addamo on 9688 0379.
Expressions of interest from prospective group members should be lodged with Pat Addamo by Wednesday 7 December.
