Young children have been consulted as part of Hobsons Bay council’s projected plans for the municipality in 2030.
The children’s ideas have been compiled in a new book, The Past is Behind Us, the Future Lies Ahead, launched at Altona North library.
Suggestions included a cleaner Cherry Lake with a waterslide and dance floor and a glow-in-the-dark park in Pier Street.
More sombre suggestions included less pollution, a free food garden and more homes for lost dogs.
Mayor Peter Hemphill said more than 100 pupils from six primary schools contributed.
“We wanted to find out what primary school age-children thought of Hobsons Bay and how they thought it could be improved in the future,” he said.
“A number of the themes the students presented about the future of Hobsons Bay are the same themes that have come up repeatedly throughout the 2030 consultation – things like improving our open spaces and our beaches … providing the conditions for a healthier, happy community.”
The six primary schools involved were Altona, Altona Meadows, Seaholme, Spotswood, Altona North and Yarraville Special Developmental School.
The book is available at Hobsons Bay library branches and the civic centre.
Hobsons Bay 2030 is the council’s long-term vision document for the municipality.
The next stage involves up to 60 randomly selected community representatives reviewing feedback from community consultations to date.
For more information, visit participate.hobsonsbay.vic.gov.au
