October 17th, 2023Locals urged to help shape Gisborne Futures Plan
Macedon Ranges Shire residents are being encouraged to have a role in shaping the future of Gisborne, New Gisborne and surrounds and to give feedback on the revised draft of the Gisborne Futures Structure Plan.
Currently open for consultation through to Monday 13 November, this plan will guide Gisborne’s development over the next 30 years and will set a protected settlement boundary to protect the surrounding landscape from further outward growth.
The vision is for Gisborne and New Gisborne to become vibrant ‘twin villages’ with plans for future housing, jobs, open space, transport and community services. It aims to make sure new development aligns with local character, landscape and cultural heritage values.
The council’s Director Planning and Environment, Rebecca Stockfeld, said New Gisborne had the potential to be an exemplar of sustainable community development with homes, shops and jobs all within walking distance of each other.
“Plans for wide, tree-lined streets and safe walking and cycling paths are designed to encourage residents to leave their cars at home,” she said. “Importantly, a new community hub will be a focal point, providing much-needed gathering spaces and social services”.
This plan has been over five years in the making and along with invaluable contributions from the community, it draws on an extensive amount of research and background work.
“We had a fantastic response from the community when we last consulted on the draft Gisborne Futures plans in 2020,” Ms Stockfeld said. “This led to a list of actions that we have been working through, and we believe it now strikes the right balance between providing more diverse and affordable housing while protecting the surrounding landscapes from outward sprawl.”
The Gisborne Futures project comprises three key planning documents that will guide sustainable growth for the township ─ a structure plan, an urban design framework for the town centre and a neighbourhood character study.
“The draft structure plan is ready for consultation, and work is continuing on the urban design framework and neighbourhood character study in the background,” Ms Stockfeld said. “These will be made available for community feedback once the high-level direction in the structure plan is resolved.”
The consultation period is open for six weeks, to allow ample time for community members and stakeholders to review the plan and provide feedback.
“I encourage residents to have a look at the plan, and to come along to a drop-in session to speak with Council officers and discuss any aspect of the plans,” Ms Stockfeld said. “If you can’t make it to a drop-in session, please call us to arrange a meeting at a time that suits you.”
Drop-in sessions will be held on the following dates:
- Saturday 21 October, Gisborne Village Shopping Centre, 22 Brantome Street, Gisborne, 2–5pm
- Thursday 26 October, Gisborne Community Centre, 8a Hamilton Street, Gisborne, 4–7pm
- Thursday 2 November, Ross Watt Children’s Hall, 252 Station Road, New Gisborne, 4–7pm
Alternatively, visit the Gisborne Administration Centre at 40 Robertson Street, Gisborne on Thursday mornings (10am – 12pm) or Friday afternoons (2:30pm – 4:30pm) during the consultation period.
Feedback can be submitted via an online survey or a written submission.
Those interested can view the draft Gisborne Futures Structure Plan and supporting documents, find information about upcoming drop-in sessions or submit feedback at Have your say: Gisborne Futures Structure Plan.
