By KATH GANNAWAY
THE possibilities are endless, according to a committee tasked with pulling together ideas for the Warburton Community Recreation Precinct.
Made up of representatives of a number of local township and community groups, the committee is spearheading a six-month campaign aimed at transforming the open space that includes the old pool, playground and tennis courts.
“We have an amazing parcel of land there, and we need to do something with it,” said Jeff Gill who represents Warburton Advancement League on the committee.
“We want to get ideas from people who are interested in seeing what is currently an eyesore into something that will provide a fantastic space for local people and that will make people want to come to Warburton.
“We’re not relying on consultants to come up with the ideas, locals are driving this.
“The ideas will come from families, kids, youth and other people in the community, and that’s what will make it work.
Rod Barnard, representing local primary schools, said they wanted something for the whole town, not just for kids, and something that would be able to be used all year round.
There will be six events, including drop-in information sessions, where people will be able to go along to get information and put ideas forward.
The first is a “brain-storming” session for students in the grades four, five and six age group.
The on-site meeting will take place on Monday 7 December, with students from Millwarra and Warburton primary schools taking part.
Students in that age bracket who attend other schools are also welcome to attend.
Kate Barratt, manager of the Redwoods Community Centre, said the committee was going to great lengths to ensure that everyone had the opportunity to have a say.
“This is really about information gathering; we are not a decision-making committee, but to ensure that there is wide and open consultation with the community,” she said.
“We’re working with a blank sheet, and it’s a very exciting opportunity.”
The time-line is to have a plan to submit to Yarra Ranges Council by around October next year for costing in the council’s 2017/’18 budget.
Contact Jeff Gill 0437 095 327, Kate Barrett 5966 2320 or Rod Barnard on 5966 2518 for further information and for future consultation events.
