St.Arnaud Community Plan 2009-2013 Page 1 of 14...St.Arnaud Community Plan 2009-2013 Page 3 of 14 About our Community St.Arnaud became an agricultural centre in the late 1880's and

St.Arnaud Community Plan 2009-2013 Page 1 of 14

CONTENTS

About our Community.......................................................................................................... 3

Introduction: Community Plans .......................................................................................... 4

Process undertaken to develop a Community Plan for St.Arnaud .................................. 4

Creating a Vision for St.Arnaud .......................................................................................... 5

The Vision ............................................................................................................................. 5

Community Plan Priorities................................................................................................... 6

Identified Priorities ............................................................................................................... 7

Review ................................................................................................................................. 14

Community Plan Leaders .................................................................................................. 14

Utilising this plan................................................................................................................ 14

Photographs courtesy of Sally McIntyre, Ella Ebery,

and the Northern Grampians Shire Council


About our Community St.Arnaud became an agricultural centre in the late 1880's and is now a regional service centre for the surrounding agricultural areas. Renowned for it's golden grains, merino wool and cattle farming, St.Arnaud also supports a number of secondary industries including stock food manufacture, agricultural machinery manufacturing, turkey farming, professional services, mining and large scale piggeries. Other more recent enterprises include eucalyptus farming, olive groves and wine growing. Over the years, a unique streetscape has developed with stores, hotels and houses lavished with intricate cast iron lacework. Modern facilities have been introduced to the town, without detracting from the old world character and charm associated with its history. Rich with parks, gardens and a host of sporting activities and competition standard facilities, St.Arnaud is rapidly being discovered by people wanting to live and enjoy its lifestyle advantages. Golf and tennis tournaments, bowls and croquet feature through the year with excellent links and courts available. http://www.giveanaussieago.com.au/towns/StArnaud.html


Introduction: Community Plans Communities throughout the Northern Grampians Shire have been supported to develop a plan that is unique for their own community. Community Planning is a dynamic and participatory process where the community arrive at and document a group vision, priorities and actions to achieve a positive change that will enhance the well-being of their community. Community Plans reflect the aspirations, their strengths, what is special or unique about their community, in particular the lifestyle, social image, economy, environment, pride, work and recreation.

Process undertaken to develop a Community Plan for St.Arnaud

The Northern Grampians Shire Council initiated the development of a community plan, and has provided the means for a community plan to be developed without influence on the outcomes. The steps in the process were: • Street canvassing of residents and visitors to St.Arnaud • A community summit • Community champions of the plan identified • Draft Plan distributed to the community for comment • Follow up community meeting • Sign off by community leaders • Formally presented to the Northern Grampians Shire Council on the 26th March 2009. Street Canvassing Northern Grampians Shire Council officers spent two days in the St.Arnaud CBD speaking to residents, business owners and their employees, and visitors to the town on their views of St.Arnaud and what could make it better. Around 50 people put forward their ideas, and every issue raised was tabled for consideration at the St.Arnaud Community Summit Community Summit: Approximately 35 people attended a community meeting initiated by the Northern Grampians Shire Council as part of the “Your Town, Your Future” community planning process to develop the St.Arnaud Community Plan. Local resident Brett Douglas facilitated the casual planning session which provided significant information towards the development of the St.Arnaud Community Plan.


Creating a Vision for St.Arnaud Your Town, Your Vision - At the Community summit participants were broken into three smaller groups with each person asked to write a brief statement, sentence or paragraph on their individual vision for their community over the next 10 years. Individuals read these statements aloud to their small group and were then asked to consolidate these into a single group vision for St.Arnaud. Small working group drafts Group 1 – A progressive, vibrant and attractive community, welcoming to visitors and residents

alike. Group 2 – Working together as a progressive regional centre, proud of its past and welcoming

the future. Group 3 – What is our Passion: That’s our Community What are we best at: Facilities, Infrastructure and affordability.

What is our Economic driver: Diverse industry, Agribusiness, weather, geographical cross roads.

The three visions had many similarities and a number of key words: passion, community, regionalism, progressive, vibrant, welcoming, attractive, facilities, affordability, sustainable, heritage, business, lifestyle, development. The participants at the second community plan meeting have adopted a vision statement utilising the themes from the draft group vision statements and key words to develop the community vision for St.Arnaud that will become recognised as the St.Arnaud Community Vision for the future

The Vision

ST.ARNAUDST.ARNAUDST.ARNAUDST.ARNAUD OUR VISION

A strong, progressive & safe regional centre OUR PASSION

Community, Business, Opportunity, Heritage


Community Plan Priorities Your Town, Your Future

Over the course of several days and the community facilitated summit on the 5th of February, opinions were sought in regards to the development of St.Arnaud over the next ten years. Key priorities from other community engagement activities were also included for community prioritisation. Every idea was captured with discussion flowing in regards to the direction and significance of each idea. Each idea was placed under one of the following three categories: Our Community: Area including social, welfare, sport and recreation Our Economy: Business, Tourism, cost of living The Environment: Built and Natural developments To prioritise the actions, each person was provided a gold dot for their number one preference, three green dots for their next three preferences and one red dot for what they believe is the least important development for the future years. All the ideas gathered during the street campaigning, past community engagement exercises and the St.Arnaud community Summit have now been prioritised. The second St.Arnaud Community Plan meeting provided the opportunity to reflect on the priorities and how they fit with the intended vision statement. At this meeting the priorities were confirmed, some achievable actions were identified and stakeholders identified. Of all the ideas gathered several were considered by the community to be more important to be achieved than others, the main priority identified was to support our existing business industry to identify what they need and providing strategic planning, Business support and Executive management support. Also prioritised was a safe environment for our community, the development of sport and recreation facilities and improvements to the Town Hall as an entertainment venue. It is worth noting that the ideas have been put forward with minimal strategic support for further development of significant projects, the feasibility of those projects will need to be conducted over the life of this plan.


Identified Priorities cream: economy blue: community green: environment

The following actions form the priority goals of the St.Arnaud Community Plan. Priority action #1

A strong and vibrant business community that is supported by the wider St.Arnaud Community.

Why is this important? • Economic Growth is vital to ensure a

viable community through population growth.

• To create sustainable business through the changing economic climate

How can this be achieved? • Cut Red tape for new business

applications • Canvas our existing business industry,

what do they need? Strategic planning, Business support, Executive management support to attract people and families to St.Arnaud- employment

• Maintain current banking facilities. • Natural gas made available to industry

and houselholds. • Dialogue with all levels of Government • Demonstrate a positive image of

St.Arnaud Stakeholders? • Local, State and Federal Governments • Local Town Organisations • Business • Funding Bodies • North Central Local Learning

Employment Network • Local Schools

Priority action #2

Create a safe environment for the community to live

Why is this important? Every person in our community, including residents, business operators and visitors have a right to feel safe in our community, with the knowledge that should issues arise there are the mechanisms in place to ensure safety and minimise risks. How can this be achieved? • Communication and participation in

community forums on the support offered to our community from police and emergency services.

• More police present and faster response time, 24 hour active, shifts from 6pm – 6am

• Emergency Planning and Safety information disseminated in user friendly terms

• Activities for youth. • CCTV Cameras • Limit Consumption of Drugs and Alcohol

in Public Places • Drug and Alcohol education and support Stakeholders? • Community. • Victoria Police • Emergency services • Local Government • SCAN (St.Arnaud Community Action

Network) • Neighbourhood house

cream: economy blue: community green: environment


Priority action #3

Continue to develop sport and recreation facilities.

Why is this important? • For the Health and well being of our

community and region • For the economic benefit • In the drought it is a ‘green’ place to be • To improve peoples self confidence • To have an engaged community • It keeps young people in town. • It provides entertainment for the whole

community How can this be achieved? • Lord Nelson Park Development

- Fencing, Stables, Sheep pavilion development , TOTE remodelling,

- Entrance to meet safety requirements • Stadium Floor repaired • Tap water from Goldfields, water

supplies for community sports and gardens

Stakeholders? • St.Arnaud Recreation Board of

Management • Schools • Local Government • Queen Mary Gardens Committee • Community members • Service Clubs • Sporting Clubs

Priority action #4

Improve the functionality of the Town Hall complex. Develop the Town hall into a regional entertainment venue

Why is this important? • The Town Hall is a major community

facility utilised by all groups and individuals.

• It is the pre-eminent venue in the community for functions, events, arts, cinema and theatre.

• The Town Hall facilitates the community to have social connectedness

How can this be achieved? • Air conditioning of the facility. • Balcony Seats and seating upgrade • Adequate lighting and sound

equipment to support entertainment offerings

• Improvements to the stage Stakeholders? • Service Clubs • Local Government • Promoters • State Government • Regional Arts Victoria • Community Organisations • Schools



Priority action #5

Improve Napier St Streetscape

Why is this important? • To attract businesses and customers • It will encourage people to stop in the

town • It will preserve the unique heritage of our

main street • It will offer a better business precinct • It will enhance accessibility and safety for

all residents to access the main town centre

• It provides for an improved working environment

How can this be achieved?

• Funding provided for Stage 2 of St.Arnaud streetscape.

• Explore the feasibility of a Walker Street- Mall to create civic space * Close Walker St from Crone Lane to Napier Street. Planted with trees, paved area etc. * Access to Childrens Precinct and Market square via Dundas Street

Stakeholders • Business • Local Government • State Government

Priority Action #6

Better facilities for the Murdoch House Day Centre

Why is this important? • The current day centre at 62 Napier

St. St.Arnaud is deteriorating significantly; it is also a two story property that precludes access for many people with a disability.

• Suitable facilities enable better opportunities for people with a disability, and potentially could aid in better opportunities for the whole community to access.

• It is important to have facilities that are accessible

• Providing necessary services and being a town that is inclusive of all people regardless of ability is fundamental to retaining our population and being a destination of choice for families to relocate to.

How can this be achieved? • To enable this to be achieved the

key is for: o Support to the Murdoch

Community Services board o Establishing partners with

community organisations in co-locating at a purpose built site.

o Broad community support o Capital funding

Stakeholders? • Murdoch Community Services • State Government • Local Government • Dept Human Services • Community Organisations



Priority action #7

The sustainability of water for St.Arnaud

Why is this important • Looks Good. • Recreation opportunities • Community connectedness • Environmental management • Tourism opportunities How can this be achieved? • Explore feasibility of water

opportunities for St.Arnaud. • Recreational Lakes. • Water Harvesting and Storage • Improve to Class A recycled water. • Revisit recycled water plan. (initiated by

FC 13 years ago)

Stakeholders? • Community • CMA , GWM • Local Government

Priority action #8

Assist Community organisations to remain sustainable.

Why is this important? • It is difficult for community

organisations to attract and retain Committee volunteers.

• Community organisations need assistance with strategic planning to remain viable.

How can this be achieved? • Attract the wider community to join

committees • Involve people in planning process of

organisations through their involvement in committees

• More committee members will break up activities to make them less time consuming.

• Explore and offer Volunteering Workshops (Martin Cowling)

Who are the Stakeholders • ‘Our Community’ • Community & Sporting Organisations • Schools


St.Arnaud Comments and priorities The complete table of ideas captured, and the priorities afforded to them by the community are as follows. It should be noted that all ideas have some merit, having come from a community member therefore are included for future consideration, however some have not been assessed by the community representatives as being key priorities in this planning cycle.

gold dot (votes)= the persons number one preference, green dots= next preferences,

red dots=what a person believed was the least important

The Environment Gold Green Red

Better facilities for Murdoch house day centre Plan being sought for a Community partner for the above to be built in McMahon Street Indoor heated pool (Partner- hospital) * Solar Pool installed, more pool parties and music nights

4 5

Funding for stage 2 of town streetscape 2 2

Walker Street- Mall * Main drain lane to Napier Street closed. Planted trees etc. * Access to Precinct via Dundas Street * Civic space

5

Stadium floor repaired 4

Build public toilets at playground on Ballarat Road 2 1 1

Lake St. Arnaud Lake on St. Arnaud creek beside Bendigo Road, boost to tourism.

1 1 2

Reopen McMahon Street at Goldacres section to two way road 4 1

Batyo- Catyo (Recreational) Other use being for big music festival Batyo water for recreation + tourism

3 1

Passenger train to St. Arnaud + Goods freight including small goods

2 1

Casual overnight motor home park- Free accessible (Some already use Lord Nelson Park for overnight stay)

1 1

Regional park needs to be restricted, respected and invested in (remove motor bikes) Create a proper area for motor bikes to ride.

1

Install air conditioning in the cinema/town hall (Consider Using wind power and solar)

4

Complete Goldfields Reservoir Project- include shaded areas 1

Our Community

Lord Nelson Park Development Continue building improvements & enhancements for the Community • Fencing

* Stables * TOTE building remodelling * Sheep pavilion development * Entrance to meet safety Expand pavilion Parking and traffic management

4 4

More police present and faster response time 24 hour active, shifts from 6pm – 6am

2

Dam at end of main drain 2 1 1

Tap water from Goldfields, water supplies for community sports and gardens

1 2 1


gold dot (votes)= the persons number one preference, green dots= next preferences,

red dots=what a person believed was the least important

Structured assistance with transport for unwell people or appointments hampered by community health offices Disabled parking bays with no side kerb to facilitate wheel chairs and walking frames

3 1

Botanic Gardens- BBQ, Native waterway, end of drain, walkway 2

Clear St. Arnaud creek of all rubbish and form a weir 2

Another use for racecourse before St. Arnaud looses the area- Pony races

2

Revamp pool entirely: Heated swimming pool available all year round, swimming lessons, water safety activities, water slides

1

Senior Citizens facilities will need to be updated- honour board 1

Provide children and family friendly activity facilities 1

Community organisations coordinate together- instead of separate groups. Working together to run events

1

Keep trucks out of main street 1

Create projects for youth to be involved in, there for they can value and take pride in what they have achieved This will also help with Youth vandalising the streets

1

A friendlier welcoming community for new residents 1

Legalise what youth are already doing- motor bike and push bikes, create tracks and courses for youth to occupy themselves legally

1

Sheltered picnic area; trees, pavilion, shade and water 1 1

Our Economy

Canvas our existing business industry, what do they need? Strategic planning, Business support, Executive management support

3 1

Lord Nelson Park Development * Fencing * Stables * Tote building remodelling * Entrance made safe * Sheep pavilion development

4

Attract younger people and families to St. Arnaud- employment 1 4

Keep industry in town 1

More competition for supermarket 1

Cohesion of all town groups vital in St. Arnaud Planning meetings at start of year, to cease duplication in projects

3 2

Shop fronts- introduce penalty to shop owners (empty shops) if they are not kept presentable, or alternative of presenting art work or exhibits in shop fronts whilst empty

2 1

“Turkey Town” capitalize on this industry, big turkey statue 1 1

Encourage business to St. Arnaud- be careful not to cause detriment to existing businesses

1

Does St. Arnaud recognise existing industries * Pigs * Mill

1

Survey community on what businesses need to up their service to their customers/clients to better their business

1

Signs for community groups- Lions, Rotary, Men’s Shed 1

Older residents are limited in enabling growth to St. Arnaud (Future) 1


Suggestions that did not receive a positive rating

Our environment Red dots

Pedestrian crossings (Especially near chemist)

Turn St. Arnaud into a plastic bag free town

Warning signs to warn of traffic lights ahead Take pedestrian lights out (too much maintenance) and replace with 2 pedestrian crossings in centre of two main shopping blocks.

Consolidate plans/ideas from others e.g. hospital/medical Register projects

Form a variety of activities at the pool- cheap net for volley ball

Paint, polish and lacquer main street Clean up streets and shops Vacuum clean hazard gravel areas to create safe area

4

Our economy

Promote tourist value of St. Arnaud, end of Shire, not just the Grampians

Combine festival/show to create a tourist event, Arts festival

Buy locally, stop leaving St. Arnaud to purchase goods

Motor home friendly, room for caravans around garden area

Info and advertising to assist new residents- community events calendar

Support business that already exist

Interpretive signage of history of shops and town

Work with businesses and community to promote St. Arnaud

Signage on roads entering St. Arnaud to promote the town

Streamline council building permit process

Blue tourist info signs at town entrance

Bed and breakfast required

Our community

Encourage youth to participate in weekend sport

The Shire Hall to be used for the entire community; arts groups, various art shows

Christmas decorations for street

Support St. Arnaud Community action network (SCAN) 2D Member, all ages, various areas of our community

Air conditioning required in some public buildings e.g. Senior Citizens

Old post office to be reopened as a shop/café 1

Flat concreted area where children and youth are able to use bikes, scooters, trikes and roller blades in a safe environment,

4


Review The plan can be reviewed at any time at the request of the St. Arnaud community. An informal review of the plan will occur each year and a formal review each four years.

Community Plan Leaders The process of moulding the ideas from the community summit and subsequent meetings into a Community Plan has been lead by:

• Natalie Knights • Robert Williams • Brett Douglas

With significant contribution to the St.Arnaud plan by individual community members, business people, community clubs and organisations and visitors.

Utilising this plan The intention in developing this plan is for it to be a truly valuable task orientated document that in its actions achieves the vision for the St.Arnaud community. For the plan to be successfully implemented there is a need for a cohesive approach by individual community members, Council, and the existing boards of management, organisations and clubs to work in tandem. The plan priority actions are an ideal vehicle for community groups and all levels of government to target projects that will enhance the wellbeing and lifestyle of the St.Arnaud community now and into the future.

Documents

St.Arnaud Community Plan 2009-2013 Page 1 of 14...St.Arnaud Community Plan 2009-2013 Page 3 of 14 About our Community St.Arnaud became an agricultural centre in the late 1880's and