Community opinions open to all

THE results are out for the Inverleigh Progress Association’s community survey, which saw over two-hundred residents answer sixty-one questions about topics like residential history, favoured developments, and community satisfaction.

The online survey was conducted in November, and the association will use the results as a basis for updating their community plan which president Hilary Hamilton said is “long overdue.”

“It’ll give us a starting point on how to move forward with the next few years at least,” she said.

“We put it out so that people could have a read and know that none of their comments had been manipulated.

“Most people commented that they like the country feel of the town, and many of them moved here for similar reasons. Some people understand that change will happen, and others don’t really want it.

“The population is growing, so it looks like it’ll be about keeping the feel of the town while also acknowledging that change will happen.”

The results have been collated by the association in collaboration with both Ms Hamilton and secretary Luanne Thornton in their roles as community coordinators for the organisation.

Ms Hamilton said the feedback provides an “overview” of the community’s wants and needs, and she hopes Golden Plains Shire will take their findings on board when considering the development of the town.

In response local resident and elected municipal representative Cr Clayton Whitfield said it’s “more than likely” the Shire will do that, and that they are already addressing some of the topics in the survey.

“Council, I believe, will be very interested in the results. It’s not uncommon for us to use data from community groups to inform our decision-making,” he said.

“Recently, a sub-committee of IPA did a youth survey which we were able to adopt for future plans, so I’m confident we’ll do the same here.

“Once the Inverleigh community plan is in place, along with the Shire’s other 26 community plans, council will try to achieve some components of each plan each year.”