Axedale Community Plan 2013 - 2016

Produced with support by

INTRODUCTION AND FOREWORD

Axedale continues to be a wonderful small township in the City of Greater Bendigo, with the natural beauty of the Campaspe River winding through the heart of our town. We continue to attract new residents and families who are choosing Axedale as a great place to enjoy a rural lifestyle, with an easy distance to the amenities of a thriving regional centre in Bendigo.

The work towards revising Axedale’s Community Plan commenced in September 2012. Axedale Our Town – Our Future Inc. conducted several workshops and planning sessions that took into account the achievements of the previous plan and the work that still needed to be done. During December 2012 a community consultation survey was sent to all Axedale and District households asking questions around broad themes to ascertain the needs, desires and new ideas for Axedale. An outstanding 270 responses were received and this information was used by Axedale Our Town – Our Future to produce a revised plan.

As President, I am proud to bring the new Community Plan, the final result of the dedicated work by Axedale Our Town – Our Future Inc. to our community. We invite you to join Axedale on the journey over the next three years in achieving the goals in this plan. You can get involved in many ways and follow our progress of achievement. To be involved, visit our website www.axedalevictoria.net for further information. We look forward to welcoming all contributions to the goals we pursue over the next three years. The new Axedale Community Plan 2013 – 2018, our blue print for the future.

Yvonne Wrigglesworth President Axedale Our Town – Our Future Inc.

Axedale Community Plan 2013 -2016

ENVIRONMENT As a community, Axedale has identified the need to focus on the improving our natural environment. Consultation revealed that realizing the potential of the Campaspe River as our most significant natural asset was a priority.

Our Goal

To rejuvenate the Campaspe River Reserve, Axedale

Proposed Actions

1. Artistic installation of native platypus completed 2. Picnic facilities established 3. Historical and environmental signage installed

Key Milestones

‘Project Platypus’ completed.

Measures of Success

• Attraction of further funding to rejuvenate River Reserve • Increase in visitor and recreational use of River Reserve.

Timeframe

Project to be completed by June 2014

Axedale Community Plan 2013 - 2016

COMMUNITY As a community, Axedale has identified an opportunity to improve communications and to diversify our method of communications to increase community reach. Consultation revealed that improving access to information facilitated by technology, providing linkages to community groups and services and welcoming newcomers as a priority.

Our Goal

To increase the use of technology and diversity of our methods to communicate to Axedale and Districts.

Proposed Actions

1. Expand and/or rebuild website, 2. Investigate development of an “App” 3. Advocate for the inclusion of Axedale in the NBN rollout

Key Milestones

New website +/- App developed

Measures of Success

• Increased website visitor traffic. • Number of App downloads.

Timeframe

By June 2014

Axedale Community Plan 2013 -2016

EVENTS As a community, Axedale has identified the potential to host or develop a new annual event, building upon the successful community spirit and initiatives currently held in Axedale. Consultation revealed that a new event would create interest in our community.

Our Goal

To establish a new and unique annual event in Axedale.

Proposed Actions

1. To deliver a creative workshop in order to explore ideas for the development of a unique event.

Key Milestones

A unique event is identified and established

Measures of Success

• Participant numbers at workshop • Number of unique ideas generated worth pursuing

Timeframe

By December 2015

Axedale Community Plan 2013 -2016

ECONOMY As a community, Axedale has identified a need to plan for future business growth in Axedale. It would to ensure that the attraction of small business is relevant and addresses the needs of residents, visitors and business alike. Consultation revealed that careful planning would result in appropriate growth and attraction of business that improves Axedale’s amenity.

Our Goal

To compose a plan for future small business growth in Axedale.

Proposed Actions

1. Engagement of the City of Greater Bendigo and relevant stakeholders in planning areas to assist in research and development of plan.

Key Milestones

Small business growth plan developed.

Measures of Success

• Increase in the attraction of small business to Axedale

Timeframe

By June 2016

Axedale Community Plan 2013 - 2016

SPACES As a community, Axedale has identified an increasing need to improve the current Axedale Park Precinct. With more families moving to the area, the Park Precinct is required to better meet the needs of various age ranges and be flexible enough for use by the community during events. Consultation revealed that an improved play space was a high priority.

Our Goal

To redevelop the Axedale Park precinct.

Proposed Actions

1. Expand current playground 2. Improve park landscaping 3. Improve traffic management in car parking area

Key Milestones

Playground expansion completed.

Measures of Success

• Attraction of further funding to redevelop Axedale Park precinct

• Increase in visitor numbers

Timeframe

By Dec 2014

Axedale Community Plan 2013 - 2016

TRAFFIC As a community, Axedale has identified an ongoing concern with access and requirements of Axedale residents and visitors in relation to public transport. Consultation revealed that areas such as improved roads, pathways and traffic management were important, but public transport remained a high priority. To assist with understanding the specific community requirements a careful assessment of options and alternatives that might best suit the needs of Axedale should be conducted.

Our Goal

To conduct a needs assessment within our community for public/shared transport alternatives.

Proposed Actions

1. Needs assessment and analysis to be undertaken with the Axedale community regarding alternative/shared transport options and requirements.

Key Milestones

Completion of the needs assessment.

Measures of Success

Alternative public/shared transportation community needs identified

Timeframe

By June 2015