PROGRESS is continuing towards the development of a new Meeniyan Community Plan, with a meeting scheduled for Tuesday night, March 21 to discuss ideas raised at a recent community gathering.
That barbecue evening attracted 70 people, with a broad range of issues raised that Meeniyan residents would like to see featured in the new plan.
Suggestions included a call for a pedestrian crossing in town, additional parking, sealing of the road around the sports oval, the need to deal with numerous road and traffic issues, and a desire for an off-leash dog walking area.
The need for affordable housing and potential opportunities for town expansion were also discussed, with calls for a toilet at the bus stop another prevalent issue raised.
Meeniyan Progress Association (MPA) is developing the new Community Plan to replace one created in 2010.
MPA secretary Fay Sinclair spoke about the need for a further meeting before the new plan is assembled.
She said proposed ideas from the recent community gathering have been collated into categories for discussion.
“We’re hoping we get people who want to run with an idea and help progress that along the way,” Fay said.
She added that those attending Tuesday’s meeting will have a say on what they believe is achievable.
The new Meeniyan Community Plan will include improvements MPA can advocate for, with many initiatives requiring support from various organisations.
An example is the request for a pedestrian crossing in Meeniyan.
“We can talk with Vic Roads but can’t physically do that sort of thing,” Fay said.
She previously reflected on the value of the 2010 Meeniyan Community Plan.
“We didn’t have a community garden, a Men’s Shed, camping at the recreation reserve, or the playground,” Fay said of some of the implemented initiatives that flowed from that plan.
She said the new Meeniyan Community Plan will reflect what people from the district want to see for the next 10 years.
The next meeting will take place at 7.30pm at Meeniyan Hall on Tuesday March 21, with everyone welcome.