The aim of the day was future planning, and celebrating the launch of a new plan to preserve the environment and develop community facilities.

Launched by member for Bendigo East Jacinta Allan, the Bendigo +25 Marong and District Community Plan brought out the crowds.

“The plan developed by the Marong community identifies a number of really practical projects that will have a real impact on the lives of local people,’’ Ms Allan said.

Ideas included short-term projects such as cleaning up local streets and establishing a mobile library service.

“Others are for the longer term, such as exploring alternative energy options, improving public transport, and developing a community health and wellbeing hub in town,’’ she said.

The development of the plan was funded by a $150,000 Victorian community support grant to the City of Greater Bendigo.

Community Development Minister Peter Batchelor said the State Government was committed to supporting communities to decide what they needed and to control their future.

“Only when a community has a firm idea of what it needs to do to be a stronger, better community can it work together to achieve a shared vision,’’ he said.

Marong Community Action Group Community Plan co-ordinator Dellice Coultas said the nearly 400 Marong residents would benefit from a plan for the future.

“If you talk to a local, they’ll at least feel comfortable with the direction the town is going in,’’ she said.

A resident for 33 years, Ms Coultas said Marong, which was focused on agriculture, was enjoying the afternoon - with a special visit from the Code One Police Rock Band.

The SES also benefited, with the Marong Family Hotel donating $1000 to the local support group.

Having given extensively to the community before, the hotel’s latest financial boost was the result of a recent raffle.