Tallangatta Tomorrow and the Upper Murray 2030 Vision Plan Community led planning in Towong Shire

12 month project – 2011 / 2012 One township, 1200 people Economic development - Infrastructure focus Extensive consultation with whole community Community led project development What did we do?

The process: Signage Survey Shopfront BBQs Focus Groups Website What’s the big idea? Here’s a plan Lets make it happen!

What was achieved? Ownership by community Community education about planning, funding and project development New partnerships between existing, previously competing groups Projects included in Council Plan and Budget

What was achieved? Over $10M invested by State and Federal Government, with further applications under development More planning projects: ⁻ Our Bellbridge ⁻ Our Valley, Our Future ⁻ Upper Murray 2030 Vision Plan ⁻ Recreation plans across the Shire

Tallangatta Integrated Community Centre Will deliver vital services including Long Day Care Scheduled for completion by late 2015 $2.6M - Towong Shire Council’s largest ever project

Upper Murray 2030 Vision Plan Cross border partnership (NSW / VIC) Community driven, Council supported Economic and community based projects rather than pure infrastructure Multiple communities over a large project area making consultation challenging

The process: Signage Surveys Community dinner Shopfronts (3) Hall Crawl Focus Groups Photos & postcards Facebook What’s our Future? Here’s your vision Let’s make it happen!

What was achieved? 900+ projects identified Strong themes were apparent and ideas were grouped together “Game changing” projects were prioritised by the community to reach a “Top Five” Detailed design work is now underway on the top five projects, delivery in August.

Communities need to understand the “why” The right consultant / facilitator is vital Use the communities words – being heard is important, even if the idea doesn’t progress Follow through – make allocation for some quick wins as well as some bigger outcomes Link outcomes back to the planning process in the months and years to come. What did we learn?

Lauren Elvin Manager Economic Development Towong Shire Council