Mount Alexander Shire Council is developing a new long-term strategic plan for Harcourt, identified as an area that can accommodate potential future growth in the region.
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The council has launched a discussion paper as it embarks on an eight-week consultation period with the community, and invites feedback from people who live in, work in and visit Harcourt.
Plan Harcourt focuses on the area within the township boundary, but also includes land adjacent to Harmony Way as far south as Elphinstone, as this is a southern gateway to the town.
Harcourt’s population sits at 450, but it has been assessed as able to accommodate 2500, depending on various development scenarios.
“Strategic planning is required to ensure that there is adequate land supply and infrastructure to accommodate growth, while also protecting surrounding agribusiness and horticultural land uses, the irrigation network, and other natural and cultural features of the area,” the discussion paper notes.
The discussion paper says a new framework plan that addresses issues in the current Harcourt Framework Plan, incorporates aspects of the four plans prepared for Harcourt in 2009, and considers changes since those plans were developed, needs to be created.
The paper poses the question as to how the 300-metre agricultural buffer around the town should be used.
It also identifies that this buffer, if located within the township boundary, conflicts with possible residential expansion.
People are asked whether the area north of the miniature railway, previously earmarked as a future low-density residential area, should instead become general residential to encourage more housing closer to town.
People are also asked to consider the need for rural living land and industrial land.
It is hoped the new plan will be completed and adopted by the end of 2019.
Those interested in having a say on the plan can fill out a survey online by January 30, 2019, or pick up a hard copy from the Goldfields Track Cafe or the Civic Centre in Castlemaine.
There is also an interactive map online to which people can add their ideas.
For more information on the plan, including more options on giving feedback, visit the council’s website or call 5471 1700.
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