The revised Junortoun Community Plan will be launched at an Australia Day breakfast at one of the facilities Junortoun Community Action Group chairman Bob Jamieson said was in need of an upgrade. 

As the area’s population rises, so too does the Junortoun CFA’s need for additional space. 

Mr Jamieson said the brigade was outgrowing its shed at Pope’s Road and was seeking alternatives.

The community’s population is estimated at between 1500 and 2000 people, pending the results of last year’s Census. 

Young families are among those moving into the area, Mr Jamieson said. 

“There is a terrific need to be looking at resources for young people… especially educational facilities,” he said. 

Also high on the group’s priorities for the future are improved bike and walking infrastructure and an increase in public transport.

A bike trail connecting Junortoun and Strathfieldsaye has been on the community’s wish list for years, Mr Jamieson said. 

He also identified opportunities to improve safety for cyclists travelling on the McIvor Highway, through Junortoun.

“The trouble is, McIvor Highway is getting very busy,” he said. 

“People are concerned about the risks associated with riding along the highway.

“A separate bike trail would be a very good idea – a lot of people out here would use it.”

Increased bus services would also be welcomed by Junortoun residents, Mr Jamieson said, and help to reduce people’s reliance on their cars. 

The revised plan identifies building a sense of community and advocating for community facilities as priority areas. 

A team from the Junortoun Community Action Group worked together to develop the plan, which will be launched during an Australia Day event at Junortoun CFA from 8am on Thursday. 

City of Greater Bendigo mayor Margaret O’Rourke encouraged people to learn more about the plan and get involved. Copies will be available on the day and on the Junortoun website. 

Council said the priorities in the revised plan were similar to those in the original, launched in 2011.