The Baw Baw Shire Council team rolled into Trafalgar on November 18, bringing the community together to look to the future. Around 50 community members attended.
The night began with presentations from councillors Adam Kingwill, Adam Sheehan and Mayor Kate Wilson. Council officers covered different topics in more detail as well. Cr Danny Goss and Deputy Mayor Cr Suzanne Allen were also in attendance.
Following this, councillors and council officers were available to answer community questions, and take feedback on concerns regarding local issues and projects.
Cr Kingwill, who has been critical of past consultation efforts, said that council is trialing something new which could be recreated in Trafalgar and other towns in the future.
Cr Sheehan said that “it’s an exciting time to be in collaboration with the community.”
Local issues such as the need for more kindergarten infrastructure, the future of the No. 2 Oval, the Lois Court playground, and the sale of the Trafalgar Business Centre – which continues to be an unpopular move – were all discussed. Council revealed that they currently have an offer for the building and reaffirmed that tender from the sale will be directed to fund the second oval at the Traf Recreation Reserve.
There was definite concern around the concept of selling public assets in order to fund new projects.
Kindergarten was also a hot topic of discussion. Due to changes in state legislation, under the Best Start, Best Life program, the number of kindergarten hours that families are entitled to will increase. Combined with increased population, the shire is in urgent need of more kindergarten infrastructure.
Modelling presented by the council showed that there will soon be less available places than expected children entering kindergarten. By 2041, the number of children aged 4 and under will have doubled in the Trafalgar area.
The most convenient option to increase the number of kinder spaces is to restore the former site on Contingent Street. However, that site is currently proposed to be a library.
There was concern among attendees that if the library goes ahead before a decision is made, that there will not be a convenient location for a new kindergarten.
A council spokesperson confirmed that there are other options in the broader area, including in Yarragon and Thorpdale. Council is currently looking into the suitability of other options, which will be made public upon further investigation.
Newly elected Mayor Cr Kate Wilson, said that planning for the future will require the community “to be creative”, given the “harsh reality” of the current financial constraints.
She thanked those who attended and said that the “world is shaped by the people who show up.”
Having the community together was also a good way to remind locals that bushfire season is fast approaching. A representative of the CFA was present to remind locals to stay informed, be prepared and have a plan. They also encouraged everyone to download the VicEmergency app on our phones to ensure we receive alerts.
Council is keen to seek your feedback on this event as well as for proposed, planned, and underway local projects. See https://www.bawbawconnect.com.au/ to have your say.
