Chance to shape town funding needs

SURF COAST hinterland residents have kicked off a community planning process that will help shape local funding priorities for the next three years.

Surf Coast Shire Council is supporting Winchelsea and Moriac to develop strategies that aim to create a shared vision with actions that locals feel motivated to act upon, following extensive engagement with community segments.

Deans Marsh and district was the first town to develop a community plan in 2019, that has delivered initiatives including a community dinner program, renewable energy projects, local food initiative and formation of the Deans Marsh Streetscapers, who are planning for streetscape improvements.

Winchelsea and Moriac are the next cabs off the rank for the initiative the shire hopes to continue rolling out shire-wide in coming years.

Winchelsea Community House chair Tony Phelps is part of the Winchelsea working group and said he was looking forward to collating a masterplan for actioning.

“This is an independent pilot project funded by the Surf Coast Shire but they are completely hands-off. The project will see community members design and participate in a community driven process by exploring what matters locally and what people are motivated to act upon,” he said.

“The final plan is not a list of wants for council, or anyone, to fund. It’s a plan for locals to make happen whatever is the best way to make happen.”

“The end goal is the community plan itself to be available primarily to local people but also going to council as a guide for future planning.”

Surf Coast Shire Winchelsea Ward councillor Adrian Schonfelder backed the community-led project.

“Locals know best what makes their township special and what it needs to thrive,” he said.

“We want Moriac and Winchelsea communities to be the driving force behind their community plans and priorities for their towns and the actions that come from this.”

For more information and to get involved, visit: surfcoast.vic.gov.au/CommunityPlanning