A COMMUNITY group has been formed to ensure a united Civic Hall vision.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
The Civic Community Process Group, which is made up of 15 members, has drafted a community consultation plan on the Mair Street site’s potential.
Group spokeswoman Melanie Woolcock said yesterday it was hoped Ballarat City Council would adopt the plan’s recommendation to work with the community.
“We commend the (former) council’s recent attempt at community consultation, but believe the process was far from adequate and has left the community at a loose-end over Civic Hall,” Ms Woolcock said.
“Only two forums followed the initial submission process, which restricted broad community engagement and meaningful participation.
“If you couldn’t attend one of the two dates, then you missed out. What we are proposing is a longer consultation period with genuine opportunity for people to collaborate.
“A process that encourages open discussion, education and debate.”
Ms Woolcock said the community had very limited space to meet, learn together, discuss and share face-to-face, which was what the Civic Hall was designed for. She said the group proposed a community driven, people-first approach, and it wanted a variety of proposals further discussed and developed, not just a “don’t change it” response.
“It’s time for the community to take the reins on this issue and guide our next councillors towards the community’s vision and ambitions for Ballarat.”