Murrindindi Shire Council extends its thanks to everyone who attended the Molesworth and District Community Planning Project event on Friday 28 February. Held at the Molesworth Public Hall, the event was a great success, with turnout exceeding expectations as residents came together to share ideas and discuss ways to strengthen their community.
The evening provided a valuable opportunity for residents to have their say on what would make their township a better place to live, work and visit. Over a meal, attendees connected with their neighbours and contributed to a shared vision for the future of the Molesworth area.
Participants heard from several speakers about community resilience and the impact of community-led initiatives in addressing local challenges. They then worked in groups to discuss key issues and voted on priority actions that best reflect the needs and aspirations of their community.
Some of the key topics voted on include:
- environmental works in the Reserve, including increased water levels, wetland development and walking tracks
- signage for public spaces and historical sites
- public toilets for travellers and users of the rail trail or recreation reserve
- development of community events in Molesworth, such as an annual fair, sporting events, film screenings and the re-establishment of the Easter Bazaar
These sessions were initiated by the community following the October 2022 floods, which had a significant impact on the region. Council will continue working with residents to support planning for the future of the Molesworth and District area in line with local priorities.
Murrindindi Shire Council Mayor, Cr Damien Gallagher, highlighted the significance of the event, stating "It was heartening to see so many people come together, united by their passion for the community. The conversations were thoughtful, insightful and, most importantly, led by the people who live and work here. We're eager to see these ideas take shape and to continue working alongside the community to bring them to life.
We look forward to hosting more community planning sessions and encourage residents stay engaged and watch for upcoming opportunities to get involved."
Murrindindi Shire Council received financial support for this event from the Commonwealth and Victorian governments under the jointly funded Commonwealth-State Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA).
