All aboard was the call on Tuesday 11 June 2024 when Surf Coast Shire Mayor Liz Pattison, CEO Robyn Seymour, Cr Adrian Schonfelder with senior staff Chris Pike, Damian Waight and Darryn Chiller joined John Tebbutt and committee members of Growing Winchelsea together with Tony Phelps Chairman of Community House on the Bendigo Community Bus for a tour of the town.
“Over the hour spent on the bus highlighted current developments across the town, identified future projects and raised ideas about possible ways to improve movement around the town,” said John Tebbutt.
The tour proved to be a great way to highlight the lack of open space and playground equipment for the estates to the east and west of town.
Winchelsea Arboretum Trail members Naida Hutton, Kerry Butcher and Rod Taylor outlined plans to link the four quadrants of Winchelsea, highlighted recent tree planting and identified additional reserves that can be improved.
“The addition of a foot and cycle bridge across the Barwon River connecting Richmonds Lane and Batson Street will allow the community to walk or cycle from the Green estate in the west to Eastern Reserve and the Winchelsea Common, and potentially the school,” said Naida Hutton.
The importance of public space, being able to get around without a car, showcasing the redevelopment of the reserve at Mercer & Barkley Streets made possible with Australian Government funding together with the Mural at the rail precinct were just a few of the projects visited.
The industrial estate, a topic for discussion at the Community Forum held later in the day, was also visited highlighting its importance for redevelopment. The community has been invited to make comments on the proposed sale of land on the highway adjacent to the industrial estate.
“I thank representatives of the Arboretum Trail and Rail Precinct subcommittees for taking part in the tour. It was exciting to see increased tree planting, reserve upgrades and beautification of the Rail Precinct thanks to their volunteer efforts. The tour was a positive way for the Shire to see and hear how the community is moving forward,” concluded John.
