ADOPTION of a new Future Plan paves the way for the Great Western community to continue planning for a bright future.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
The plan has been adopted by the Northern Grampians Shire Council and looks set to see a number of vital projects completed within the township.
Cr Jason Hosemans said the plan had been prepared to guide the future development of Great Western, in anticipation of the Western Highway bypass and following the completion of the sewerage scheme for the town.
He said the plan sought to provide a positive focus for the community and to guide new development, encourage and identify opportunities for investment.
The primary factors that were considered in the development of the plan included:
The implementation of the Western Highway duplication and planned bypass of Great Western.
Recent investment in sewer infrastructure in the township centre.
Growth of tourism in the region and in particular the Grampians National Park, food and wine destination, events and festivals.
Regional investment projects and regional development policy that can provide economic and population opportunities while recognising that Great Western is a small but vibrant country community.
"I think it is great to see that this plan has now passed through council and that it's not just laying dormant," he said.
"We can see that there is actually some activity going on with it. We have a couple of fourth year Monash University students up at the moment working on developing that future plan in conjunction with the people of Great Western.
"They are looking particularly at Memorial Park and perhaps a monument for that area, so see if they can kick start a bit of that future plan.
"If there is activity around the area, the townspeople can see a bit of progress and keep that enthusiasm going to keep the plan ticking along.
"I saw the first draft of their plans today and there is some really impressive work there already. The guys involved have some very good ideas and hopefully they will come up with something that is iconic and becomes a real centrepiece for the town, something the whole place will be proud of."