Council invites community input on parks and placemaking

Published on 19 May 2023

The Western Downs community is being invited to have its say on the future of the region’s fabulous parks and placemaking opportunities as part of the development of two brand-new strategies.

Western Downs Regional Council is developing a five-year Parks and Recreation Strategy and Placemaking Strategy that will address critical opportunities and issues and present a strategic pathway for these much-loved community spaces.

Spokesperson for Recreational Spaces and Cemeteries Councillor Carolyn Tillman said this was a unique opportunity for locals to provide their feedback on important open spaces that matter to them.

"The Western Downs is made up of active, vibrant communities, and our parks, open spaces and placemaking initiatives are much-loved contributors to the vitality of our region,” Cr Tillman said.

“To ensure our parks and recreational spaces remain key community hubs for generations to come, Council is developing two new five-year strategies to guide the future vision for these sites and initiatives, and the community is being invited to have input as part of this journey.

"Because parks and placemaking are so highly valued by our residents, it’s important the community is involved in the development of these strategies and have the opportunity to present their ideas and visions for these topics.

"Residents are being encouraged to jump online to Council's engagement platform and complete the survey as well as participate in a virtual mapping activity which allows the community to leave comments and feedback on specific locations across the region.

"Feedback gathered throughout this engagement will inform the direction of the new parks and placemaking strategies and will help Council gain a better understanding of the individual opportunities and challenges faced by each of our diverse towns.”

In addition to the online community engagement, Council has also facilitated small workshops with key stakeholders within each major town.

Workshops were held in Bell, Chinchilla, Dalby Jandowae, Miles, Tara and Wandoan with key stakeholders, businesses, community groups and schools which allowed Council to receive valuable insights into the direction of these strategies and understand the needs and aspirations across each community.

Cr Tillman said it was a fantastic opportunity to collaborate with key community stakeholders.

"Everyone who attended was enthusiastic, full of ideas and ready to participate. It's the people that make here in the Western Downs and this is a great example of how our people are eager to get involved and help build a happy and inclusive region now and into the future,” she said.

The survey is currently open to the public on https://haveyoursay.wdrc.qld.gov.au/parks-placemaking-strategies and will close on Thursday 8 June.

For those who may require assistance completing the survey, you are welcome to call Council on 1300 COUNCIL (1300 268 624) or pop into your nearest Western Downs Library where the staff will be happy to offer support.

For more information contact Council on 1300 268 624 (COUNCIL) or visit www.wdrc.qld.gov.au

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