Community plans are a blueprint for the future of a particular township, district or region that has grown in importance and stature in recent years.

Driven by the people and being for the people, the process empowers the local community and gives them clarity, belief and confidence in the future of their patch.

While the Shire of Campaspe and Loddon Shire have already achieved great things in their smaller communities, the community planning program has now come a long way in our own municipality.

Neilborough joins six other townships to launch such a plan.

All seven of these communities provide a beacon to others seeking to identify projects and priorities that will create a better place to call home.

While the net gain from community projects like these is hard to accurately measure, no one involved has ever doubted their merit.

Just ask the Bendigo Bank, whose Community Bank model is perhaps the most recognisable capacity building initiative of them all.

We encourage other small townships in the region to put up your hands, and speak up in the name of your communities, your families and your future.

After all, if you don't, who will?

What do you think?

Write a letter to the editor, or e-mail editor@bendigoadvertiser.com.au