Input sought on seniors focused plan

THE Shire is seeking feedback on its draft Active Ageing & Inclusion Plan which will guide the municipality’s approach to seniors for the next four years.

Looking at ways to provide the best services and support for older residents in Golden Plains, the document explores active ageing, inclusion issues and disability access relating to the Shire’s operations, and potential improvement timelines.

Community consultation towards the end of last year has informed the current draft of the plan, shining a light on accessibility problems, responsive priority projects and opportunities for change in the social, supportive, built and natural, and leadership environments.

At the Shire December council meeting, Cr Clayton Whitfield said the plan is required by the Disability Act 2006.

“It does enable the council to take some steps forward in improvement in aged care, disability access, inclusion and community awareness of those things,” he said.

Cr Owen Sharkey expects the plan will gain a “fresh approach” from further resident perspectives.

“There’ll be some great ideas coming out of this, so hopefully the plan that’s put together goes forward for our communities out there,” he said.

Feedback on the draft will be taken until Sunday, 31 January. Email [email protected] or send a letter to Golden Plains Shire Council, PO Box 111, Bannockburn, 3331.

Read the draft at goldenplains.vic.gov.au/consultations, or source a hard copy at the Council Customer Service Centre, 2 Pope Street, Bannockburn, or 19 Heales Street, Smythesdale. You can also call 5220 7111.

The Active Ageing and Inclusion department will consult with people in person throughout January, in persona and via video calling.

Find out more information about the face-to-face opportunities in Bannockburn, Meredith, Dereel and Smythesdale, and the Zoom sessions via goldenplains.vic.gov.au/consultations/active-ageing-and-inclusion-plan-2020-2024.

The amended plan will come back to council at its February meeting.