Mount Alexander Shire said the community wanted a defined town centre, management of growth and development in a village setting, a town based on apple growing and vineyards, open spaces and native trees, and access to transport as its main themes for Plan Harcourt.

Mount Alexander Shire acting coordinator of strategic planning Lauren Watt said the Harcourt community as always going to play a central role in identifying the key themes for managing this change.

"Planning for Harcourt has focused on fostering Harcourt's unique character and sense of place as the town grows," she said. 

"We know that the Harcourt community values its apple history, landscape views and open spaces, and that there has been a need to improve the town centre and transport connections.

"These themes were reaffirmed through the engagement process for Plan Harcourt."

Ms Watt said the Shire was impressed at the level of the Harcourt community's involvement.

"They are very engaged and passionate about their town.

"Council also received feedback through 39 written submissions, 56 surveys and more than 40 big ideas on an online interactive map."

Mount Alexander Shire will now develop a draft plan.

Plan Harcourt will include a Township Framework Plan and a Place Activation Plan, and is expected to come back to the community for further feedback around mid-year.

"The next stage of the project will involve the preparation of the draft Plan Harcourt strategic plan," Ms Watt said.

"This will include an updated framework based on the five key themes identified by the community.

"The framework will include recommendations for future zonings to guide land uses, plans to enhance the town centre and improve connectivity, and ways to protect key assets."

For more information visit www.mountalexander.vic.gov.au/PlanHarcourt 

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.