New vision for Laverton

Nanisha Smith from Fresh Chilli Thai restaurant and mayor Colleen Gates discuss plans for Laverton. Photo: Joe Mastroianni 212150_01

Goya Dmytryshchak

A splash park and art trail are among the ideas put forward in a plan to improve Laverton.

Hobsons Bay council has released its draft ‘place guide vision’ for Laverton, which was developed from more than 1500 submissions and will guide future investment and projects.

The plan includes grassroots clean-up and greening projects, fast-tracked tree planting, art trails and links between parks.

It proposes a master plan for the Aviation Road Village and Woods/Lohse Street Precincts to upgrade the streetscape, public spaces and parking.

A second master plan has been touted for the Railway Avenue and McCormack Park areas, including development of a water play area, youth centre, community gardens and workshops

Other ideas put forward include a Local Leaders Action Group to organise community activities and events, and safety upgrades.

Hobsons Bay mayor Colleen Gates said Laverton’s community spirit had been reinvigorated through people working together.

“In 2006, the Laverton Community Renewal Program brought the people of Laverton together to deliver some really powerful stuff, including the Laverton Hub, the school rebuild, Woods Street Arts Space, and seeded the creation of groups such as Friends of Laverton Creek and Laverton Community Garden,” she said.

“This is an exciting project, also driven by local people, that has already created a list of projects and great ideas ready to start rolling out.

“I encourage locals to check out the place guide vision, get involved – especially if they haven’t already – and provide council with feedback.”

An online survey on the plan is being conducted until Friday, August 14.

Details: participate.hobsonsbay.vic.gov.au/better-places-laverton.