RESIDENTS can now tell Whittlesea council what they really think about anything at any time through a new community website.
Mayor Rex Griffin said the Community Voice website provided instant feedback to the council and was an easy way for residents to influence decisions and raise issues.
“Everyone is familiar with public consultation involving workshops, meetings, surveys and letters. The website builds on these and allows anyone in the municipality to give their feedback at a time and place that suits them,” he said.
Cr Griffin said the council’s draft housing diversity strategy was the first online public consultation. “The city’s rapid population growth is a significant characteristic of our municipality so it is fitting that our first consultation is asking residents to share their thoughts on how housing growth should occur in the established suburbs of Bundoora, Epping, Lalor, Mill Park, South Morang, Thomastown and Whittlesea township.”
Cr Griffin said the strategy was a long-term plan that identified the areas within the established suburbs where new development could take place, and it defined the type of development.
“As a general rule, new housing, apartments and higher density housing will mainly be built in identified locations that are close to public transport and activity centres, while housing growth will be restricted in areas that have limited access to services,” he said.
“We want established suburbs to offer people of all ages and lifestyles a choice of housing, and know from previous public consultation residents particularly want smaller style housing.
‘‘This final consultation is checking back with residents to ensure we have listened to their feedback.”
The Community Voice website has videos, online discussion forums, surveys and short polls. To try the new website, visit communityvoice. whittlesea.vic.gov.au. To comment on the draft housing strategy, go to www.whittlesea.vic.gov.au/housing diversity.
