Residents are being urged to have their say on the future of West Footscray and Maidstone.
Maribyrnong council is developing a plan to guide future planning and investment in West Footscray that will be the first comprehensive rethink of the rapidly changing suburb since 2008.
The West Footscray Neighbourhood Plan will cover the triangular area bounded by Ballarat Road, Geelong Road and Ashley Street, with submissions closing this Sunday.
Mayor Catherine Cumming said much has changed in the area since the West Footscray Urban Design Framework was created almost a decade ago.
“It absolutely needs to be reviewed,” she said.
“VCAT has come out and said council has been too modest in its height limits in the area, but we want the community to come out and say what they want there.
“This is the community’s opportunity to come out and put your wish list together.”
The new plan will aim to cover land use and new development, sustainable transport, community infrastructure and open spaces. It will include particular emphasis on the Barkly Village shopping strip, but will also address matters across the entire neighbourhood.
Preliminary consultation earlier this year has provided guiding principles including “identity and diversity”, a “thriving village”, “easy access for all” and “a great place to live”.
West Footscray residents living south of the railway lines have raised concerns about appearing to be left out, exacerbated by the inclusion of an image that cuts off the suburb south of the line on the council’s website.
A drop-in session will be held at Roberts Road Maternal and Child Health Centre from 5.30-7.30pm Wednesday, September 13.
A community workshop will be held at West Footscray Primary School from 6.30-8.30pm on Thursday, September 14.
RSVP via wfnp.eventbrite.com.au
