Council is seeking feedback from a range of stakeholders to assist in the development of a Master Plan for Walhalla to identify its long-term infrastructure needs while maintaining the region's historical character.
Walhalla is one of Gippsland's top tourist destinations and has been identified as an important potential source of both jobs and economic growth. However, the town faces existing infrastructure restraints, including the lack of sewerage, the need for a train line extension to Erica and improvements to camping, RV and carparking facilities.
The Walhalla Master Plan project has been developed to address the existing requirements for the town as well as provide a strategic overview for the future of Walhalla over the next 30 years to meet its full potential as a tourist destination.
Once complete, the Master Plan will provide a consistent and consolidated document that identifies the responsibilities of the managing authorities in the region as well as outline areas where Council can support in an advocacy role, help prioritise time critical works and identify opportunities to support growth in jobs and visitor investment.
To ensure the Master Plan is consistent with the community's vision, Council will explore the existing actions outlined in the Walhalla & Mountain Rivers Destination Action Plan as well as encourage input from residents, businesses, tourism agencies and government authorities.
Stage One of the Master Plan development involves a survey encouraging all relevant stakeholders to share their suggestions and feedback about what should be included and addressed. The short survey is currently available on Council's website until 5pm Friday 30 December 2022.
All responses gathered will be consolidated and will help determine themes and inform discussions for upcoming workshop sessions to draft the new master plan. It will then be presented to Council and open for further community consultation at a later date.
To learn more about the Walhalla Master Plan project, go to: Help develop a master plan for Walhalla.
Quote attributable to Mayor Cr Annemarie McCabe
"Walhalla is one of our most iconic tourism destinations, not just in Gippsland but in the State, and we want to keep it that way. That's why this master plan is being developed.
This project will be developed as a consultative process, not just with residents but also with state authorities, businesses and tourism agencies to provide a thorough overview of the infrastructure needs required.
We want to hear from you. I encourage you to get involved in the survey and share your feedback to help Council have a better understanding of the areas of concern."
