Romsey is slated to become a large district town but exactly how it will look is still up for discussion.
Last week Macedon Ranges Council began seeking community feedback for a new Romsey Structure Plan to shape the town’s future.
The plan will determine how the town develops, considering provision for infrastructure, environmental constraints and where town boundaries are drawn.
Romsey businessman Doug Newnham welcomed the move, stating it had been “about 10 years since there has been any real move to plan for the town”.
“It’s frustrating that there aren’t more opportunities for business and employment. Local employment is the heart-throb of any town,” he said.
Mr Newnham, who is a former Romsey Shire president, said the plan could be an opportunity to reshape the town’s commercial areas.
“Romsey is in desperate need of retail and commercial in high exposure areas – it can’t be put in the back-blocks because it won’t survive there.
“We have had businesses close here because there has been no where for them to go,” he said.
Consultation for the plan aims to build on the feedback provided in response to the Romsey Issue and Opportunities Paper of 2018.
The plan also seeks to further identify and confirm protection of the positive elements of the township.
There has long been discussion about infrastructure such as a high school and leisure centre, as well as protection of natural environment including the Five Mile Creek precinct.
Romsey Region Business and Tourism Association president Jenny Stillman said striking the right balance was important in the long-awaited plan.
“This town is an hour from Melbourne, it’s peri-urban and further development will happen,” she said.
“As long as amenity and character are preserved, and the development that is inevitable is done carefully and skilfully, I don’t think there is anything to fear. It can be done.
“Good planning should preserve town character, streetscapes and history without compromising growth and economic development.”
Consultants Plan2Place have prepared an Emerging Options Paper to help inform community discussions.
Macedon Ranges mayor Jennifer Anderson encouraged residents to get involved in the process.
“A new structure plan in Romsey will provide certainty to landowners, community, business, referral authorities and other regulators and stakeholders,” she said.
“Consultation on the Romsey Structure Plan is running for six weeks from February 21 to April 1 and we welcome community interest and involvement as this project progresses through further stages.”
Have your say
Community information sessions are taking place online (March 8, from 7pm-9pm) and face-to-face. Face-to-face sessions will be held at Romsey Community Hub from 11am to 1pm on February 28 and March 16.
A survey is also available online. Consultation closes on April 1.
For webinar bookings, more information on how the plan is being progressed, and options for development, visit the council’s website: mrsc.vic.gov.au/yoursay
