A new community bike track in Richardson and a community-driven project to enhance local events in Page have been announced as the winning ideas in the My Little Big Idea pilot.
These are the ideas each community selected, following a participatory democracy process, which invited residents in Page and Richardson to submit their ideas, assess them and allow the community to vote for their preferred submission.
In Page, $40,000 will be provided to the Gathering Place and Community Market project. Local businesses, the Belconnen Men's Shed and community members will install and maintain new landscaping and a shade sail at the local shops precinct. This project will make the space more welcoming as a gathering place and enhance their community events, including a regular community market, already held at the shops precinct.
In Richardson, $40,000 will be provided to construct and maintain a new dirt 'pump' track. The project will be led and maintained by Richardson Primary School, with opportunities for the Richardson community to be involved in all stages of design and construction. It will be built on public land and once open, will be available to the wider community to enjoy. Planning support will be provided for the community-built track through the ACT Government's Bumps and Berms program.
Both projects align with the pilot's key goal of 'making communities more connected and resilient' and will be accessible to a range of community members and stakeholders.
The winning ideas will be funded and implemented in 2024.
This initiative to encourage neighbourhood democracy is a commitment under the 10th Parliamentary and Governing Agreement.
To learn more about this initiative and the winning ideas visit www.yoursayconversations.act.gov.au
Quotes attributable to Gordon Cooper, Belconnen Men's Shed:
"Page can be proud of our already active and connected community, generously supported by local businesses. The enhancements to the local shop precinct will mean the space will be more welcoming and accessible and we can hold more community events, for longer, with less concerns about the weather."
Quotes attributable to Anna Wilson, Principal, Richardson Primary School:
"We look forward to working with our students and community members to plan and design a bike track in the space behind our school. We also look forward to the new track connecting families in our community and offering an enjoyable fitness option for young people."
