The Southern Downs Regional Council says it has “received significant interest from residents regarding the Granite Belt – Urban Design Framework project.
A council spokeswoman said “due to the level of interest and feedback requesting a longer consultation period, SDRC will be accepting comment on the draft until Friday 28 February”.
“The draft framework was compiled in consultation with the community and the Granite Belt Planning Group, and identifies projects and initiatives to stimulate the region,” the spokeswoman said.
Mayor Tracy Dobie said Council is “committed to engaging with the community and delivering initiatives and resources that will see the Granite Belt shine”.
“Council engaged with the community through a series of workshops to identify and capture ideas and aspirations for key projects, essential services and initiatives that will help build a bright future for the Granite Belt,” Cr Dobie said.
“The draft framework reflects the vision of the community and it is important that residents review the framework and provide feedback at this final stage of the consultation process.”
The draft ‘Granite Belt – Urban Design Framework’ is available at www.sdrc.qld.gov.au on the “Have your say” webpage. Alternatively it is also on display at the Stanthorpe Civic Centre Foyer and printed copies are available at the Warwick and Stanthorpe Customer Service Centres.
Feedback forms must be completed and returned to Council’s Customer Service Centres in Warwick or Stanthorpe by Friday 28 February 2020.
About the Framework…
The council has commissioned consultants Engagement Plus to undertake a “community building and strengthening exercise including comprehensive community engagement for the preparation of the Granite Belt – Urban Design Framework (UDF)”.
“The engagement and planning work included a collaboration between Council, a group of community individuals and representatives from the Granite Belt Growers Association, the Granite Belt Chamber of Commerce and Granite Belt Wine and Tourism, known as the Granite Belt Planning Group,” the council website states.
“The UDF is aimed at:
• To develop a shared vision and plan that will capture enthusiasm about the future direction of the Granite Belt and its role in the region
• Identifying key projects, initiatives and essential services that are important for the future 5 – 10 years
• Aligning the projects and initiatives with the Shaping Southern Downs document that was recently developed
• Addressing some of the core challenges that have been identified through the unsupported de-amalgamation process
• Creating a platform for ongoing community and economic development initiatives.
“The geographic parameters for the project included the Granite Belt area extending from Dalveen in the north, Eukey in the east, west to Pikes Creek and Glenlyon Wallangarra in the south, touching the border of New South Wales.”
