With big changes planned for Benalla West, including relocating some residents, concerns within the community have been growing.
On Thursday, November 23, local people had the opportunity to meet planners to share concerns, find out more and offer input into the project.
The first of two community consultations took place at Waminda House on Thursday, November 23.
Manager Leeane Bullard said the meeting benefited both the community and those driving the project.
“Whilst there’s concern from some community members, we think we alleviated that a bit,” Ms Bullard said.
“What was really heartening was the ideas that came forward that hopefully Homes Victoria will take on board and will become part of the plan.
“And that ranges from structural details to the wellbeing of residents affected by the relocation.”
Homes Victoria principal planner Ammar Habasch was part of the team consulting with residents.
“Today was all about the long-term vision of the Benalla West master plan,” Mr Habasch said.
“It’s not just about building the houses. It’s about creating the environment and how it connects to the rest of the town.”
Mr Habasch said the amenity of the neighbourhood and safety upgrades to the park are also cornerstones of the development.
Regarding relocations, he said every effort would be made to support residents throughout the project.
“Some of the affected tenants were asking about how they will be relocated,” he said.
“But there was also excitement about how the new houses will look, what’s going to happen to the neighbourhood and what the opportunities are.
“So we had a good mix of opinions today.”
The draft master plan for Benalla West envisions:
- New, well-designed and sustainable homes that better meet the needs of residents.
- A mix of one and two-storey homes with a range of bedroom sizes to provide greater options for existing and future residents of the neighbourhood.
- Improved public open spaces with new homes facing onto them, new play facilities and more trees.
- Better connectivity within the Benalla West neighbourhood and surrounding areas.
Mr Habasch said Homes Victoria was keen to hear more feedback, and community members would have a chance to do that via an online portal or at the next consultation at Benalla Library, 2 Fawkner Dve on Saturday, December 2 from 10am to noon.
You can offer feedback online via: engage.vic.gov.au/benalla-west/ until December 10.