Council Wraps Up Successful Month of CBD Master Plans Engagement
Published on 23 February 2024
Bellingen Shire Council has concluded its CBD master planning community engagement which involved workshops and surveys aimed at shaping the future of Bellingen, Dorrigo, and Urunga. The community participation throughout the engagement process has been remarkable, underscoring the Shire's commitment to inclusive and collaborative planning for the future.
The community engagement initiative facilitated in collaboration with consultant companies Colbolt Engagement and McGregor Coxall, included a series of workshops held in each township, with an additional workshop added for Bellingen due to overwhelming interest, alongside online workshops tailored to each locality. A Shire-wide Youth Workshop also drew significant participation, highlighting the enthusiasm and interest of young residents.
In total, 166 individuals contributed their insights across in-person workshops, while 791 residents completed the online survey, demonstrating a high level of engagement and interest in the future of our Shire.
Reflecting on the success of the engagement sessions, Mark Griffioen, General Manager of Bellingen Shire Council, expressed his satisfaction, stating, "The sessions went exceptionally well, encouraging engaging conversations within each of our towns. We were really happy with the level of participation from community members, with many bringing forward great feedback and insights that will help inform the approach moving forward.”
The workshops allowed locals to delve into a diverse range of topics that were unpacked to see what ideas people had for the future of the townships. Topics ranged from energy and housing to infrastructure enhancements like bike paths and upgrades to facilities such as amenities and skateparks. Larger issues like economic and climate resilience were also discussed thoroughly, reflecting the comprehensive nature of our planning efforts.
Mark Griffioen further elaborated on the next steps in the development process, emphasising the Council's commitment to translating community input into actionable plans. "It's evident that the community approached these discussions with creativity and a forward-thinking mindset, and now it's the Council's responsibility to translate this invaluable input into actionable plans for the next 20 years in our Shire," he said.
The Council will work with McGregor Coxall to analyse insights gathered from the engagement events, with plans to compile a comprehensive report by mid-year. The CBD master plan will then undergo a period of public exhibition, inviting further community feedback, before aiming to adopt the final version by September 2024.
The engagement process revealed clear and consistent themes, including a desire for more walkable spaces, comfortable public areas, accessible parking, enhanced community facilities, and greater recognition of Aboriginal culture throughout the Shire.
Bellingen Shire Council extends its sincere gratitude to all residents who participated in the community engagement sessions and will continue to remain committed to inclusive and transparent urban development processes that reflect the aspirations of the entire community.
Photos by Jay Black -And The Trees Photography