More than 200 people, 15 community groups and 25 students have had their say on Harcourt's future.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
The Mount Alexander Shire Council held an eight-week public consultation for Plan Harcourt which will help establish the planning processes that will help shape the town into the future.
The Shire's coordinator for strategic planning Dominique Trickey said Harcourt residents were passionate about maintaining their town's identity as it grows.
"We received a lot of feedback about the presentation of the town centre and ideas about how it could be improved," she said.
"Harcourt has experienced considerable residential growth in recent years. It’s a lovely town with a great community, so people are certainly drawn to it as a place to make their home."
Harcourt resident Bron Willis moved to the area five years ago to give her family a chance to experience a more relaxed lifestyle and connection to a community.
"The connection to community is really important," she said. "That's why the decision on how the town grows is important."
Ms Trickey said while the Shire's largest towns - Castlemaine and Maldon - were rich in heritage, arts and culture, towns like Harcourt and Newstead had different offerings.
"They are popular because they offer a different cultural experience and landscape setting," she said.
"Harcourt is particularly convenient for people wanting close proximity to Castlemaine and Bendigo, with easy access to Melbourne via the Calder Freeway."
Ms Willis said it was great to see the Shire give a number of different opportunities for locals to find out more and voice their opinions.
"They went to quite a length to seek involvement, which is super important when change being talked about," she said.
"There has been a bit of change. It does feel like a sign of things to come. I'm excited and curious (but) I just hope the rural lifestyle and charm that I came here for remains."
Mount Alexander Shire will prepare a report from the public consultation and share it in coming months.
Have you signed up to the Bendigo Advertiser's daily newsletter and breaking news emails? You can register below and make sure you are up to date with everything that's happening in central Victoria.