February 2012

Bruthen and District

Draft Community Plan

Page 1

Our Place Bruthen and District covers the tribal area of the Brabuwooloong People of the Gunnai/Kurnai nation and we respectfully acknowledge past and present Aboriginal elders.

European settlement for grazing and crop farming in the district dates from the 1840s and the steamer freight on the Tambo River made Bruthen key to the trade route and encouraged population growth and development.

Bruthen’s legacy as a gateway and resting place for travellers continues, as it is a significant confluence of bike and walking trails, and road travel.

Logging was also a significant local industry that contributed to growing our residential base.

The natural environment and those who contributed to the built environment have shaped the character and ambience of Bruthen and District.

The population of Bruthen and District has grown from these beginnings and choosing new and creative ways of living has been a major factor in attracting new residents.

“The people of Bruthen and District appreciate the beauty of our natural environment.

We have a strong sense of belonging and support within our smaller communities and enjoy a high quality of health and education services.”

This Community Plan is supported through OurPlace, OurPlan, OurFuture, a Shire-wide project being progressively rolled out to all East Gippsland Shire Council communities.

In 2010-2011 the project was introduced to communities in the Omeo Region, Buchan and District, Metung-Nungurner District and Twin Rivers District to develop community plans.

In 2012 the project has progressed to the communities of Bruthen and District, Nowa Nowa, Waiwera and surrounds and Paynesville Region.

Community planning will occur through OurPlace, OurPlan, OurFuture in other areas of the Shire in following years and will become an ongoing cycle of planning and implementation across the whole Shire.

More information about OurPlace, OurPlan, OurFuture can be found on Council’s website www.eastgippsland.vic.gov.au.

Page 2

Our Plan “People in Bruthen and District have a strong sense of community.”

This document contains information about ideas and aspirations that have been voiced by people who have an interest in Bruthen and District.

The Bruthen and District Citizens Association initiated the process of this plan and formed the Bruthen and District Community Planning Group.

The Bruthen and District Community Planning Group have engaged and energised the community through numerous activities with individuals and relevant stakeholder groups.

These activities have encouraged everyone in Bruthen and District to contribute and be informed throughout the Community Planning process.

The Bruthen and District Community Planning group have undertaken the role of processing and supporting ideas put forward by the community.

What the Planning Group has done so far • We have informed the community by personally contacting local groups and

individuals, through promotion in the Tambo Rambler and the Bairnsdale Advertiser newspapers, flyers and brochures on noticeboards, through a series of community network meetings and through listening boards and community engagement at community events.

• We have invited community opinion and comment through surveys and forums to reflect what you want to see in the community plan.

• The Children’s Voices Project 2012 at the Bruthen Primary school has invited students to use photography and journaling to have a say about the community they live in, what they like, don’t like and what they would like to see change. The project was developed through a partnership between Uniting Care Gippsland, he Smith Family and East Gippsland Shire Council as part of Communities for Children funding and includes an exhibition of works created.

• We discussed what people thought Bruthen and District is doing well and where improvements could be made. There has been general acknowledgement of ‘Our cohesive and active community and all that we have achieved because of this’.

This Community Plan is a collaborative effort between the Bruthen and District community and East Gippsland Shire Council.

Page 3

Major achievements from our previous Plan Bruthen and District Community Plan 2004-2009

The top ten projects – how did we go?

Theme Objective Status Report

Local Doctor Attract a permanent doctor to the town

Achieved!

Community Bus

Work towards aged and community transport

Achieved!

Ongoing cooperative relationships between RT and the BDCA and Bruthen Landcare

Rail Trail Maintain and enhance (especially Bruthen, Wiseleigh and Mossiface)

Complementary projects

-Landcare projects

-Bruthen Walking Trails compliment the RT

Streetscape Plan

Develop a plan to reflect heritage values

Achieved!

Main Street Gardens

Plans to maintain and develop as a major asset

Achieved! (as part of the Streetscape Plan)

Police Paddock

Clever, thoughtful plan for its use

Achieved! (as part of the Streetscape Plan)

Urban Planning Review

Planning Zones that perfect and maintain the town’s unique features

Achieved! (as part of the Streetscape Plan)

Tourism Develop a district plan that values the local assets

Ongoing – new Bruthen Art and Info Centre

Blues and Arts Festival

Maintain and expand the festival

Ongoing

Free Tip Investigate options

Not commenced

This table was devised in 2009 by the Bruthen and District Citizens Association.

Please refer to the Background Towards the Bruthen Community Plan available on Bruthen Community Website http://home.vicnet.net.au/~bruthen/home.htm.

Page 4

What we hope to achieve through this Plan This plan reflects the values and identity of our community and holds short-term, medium and long-term aims put forward by the Bruthen and District Community Planning Group.

The Bruthen and District Community Plan 2012- 2017 is a living document that will be regularly reviewed and updated as actions are completed, new opportunities or challenges arise and priorities change.

It will be a document for Council, community groups and other organisations to coordinate better use of time, effort, sourcing of funds and other resources in delivering outcomes identified by the community.

Who We Are • Healthy, active and inclusive

Bruthen and District has a strong sports culture, with clubs attracting local youth and those from surrounding districts.

The Rail Trail, bush walking tracks and Fairy Dell draw people to our district and out and about in the community. Our tracks are safe and offer access to the natural environment.

• Heritage proud

Bruthen is a picturesque town with a commitment to restoring and maintaining historical features.

New works strive to be sensitive to Bruthen’s ambience.

Bruthen and District has an established network of community support groups and facilities that are easily accessible and friendly.

• Our arts community

Art and arts events, including the Bruthen Blues and Arts Festival, are continuing to raise the profile our town, attracting visitors and new residents.

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Our Future What do we plan to do next? The tables contained within the ‘Strategies and Actions’ section of this document provide the objectives, strategies and actions that have been compiled and agreed by the Bruthen and District Community Planning Group.

The next stage of the Community Plan towards implementation will be to further prioritise strategies and actions identified and develop projects.

The issues identified by the community as most important are:

• Community Health Centre services should be increased and facilities improved, including provision of a full time nurse and a permanent doctor.

• Continued development of the Lions Park.

• Review of traffic management issues –including lowering speed limits in town area, improving parking and diverting heavy traffic.

• Development of the Police Paddock.

• More community events – seek opportunities for more community arts projects, social events and festivals and community activities.

• Maintain town centre - retain historic ambience with growth development; maintain and develop gardens.

• Youth Programs –Develop recreational programs other than sport and other support for under 18 youth.

• Develop infrastructure to attract new businesses and investment.

• Support the provision of more accommodation options to meet increase in tourism.

• Extend bike trails especially Sarsfield to Bruthen and footpaths to link town.

• Improve public transport – explore possibility of a bus transport link with V/Line rail timetables.

• Pursue efficient and sustainable waste management options.

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Objectives and Actions Liveability

An active, healthy and safe community with services that support community diversity and connectivity.

Objectives Actions

To support safe access to and around Bruthen and District.

• Investigate ways of improving access and safety of roadways and footpaths – including provision for safer crossing points.

• Review of traffic management issues –including lowering speed limits in town area; improving parking and diverting heavy traffic.

• Identify the need for public or non-public transport options.

To foster an active, healthy and safe community engaged in recreation, arts and cultural activities.

• Continue to support Bruthen Blues and build on this for other musical and arts events – including erecting a permanent representation of the Blues

• Support the Bruthen Mechanics Hall Committee of Management to upgrade facilities for production of quality performances that support inclusivity and diversity.

• Establish a venue and programs for craft, including sewing and for adult education programs.

• Maintain and develop recreational infrastructure. • Support our schools and early years children. • Community Health Centre services should be

increased and facilities improved, including provision of a full time nurse and a permanent doctor.

To have safety in times of emergency and support in times of recovery.

• Develop a Bruthen and District Local Incident Emergency Management Plan.

Encourage and support our youth.

• Support our youth in developing a calendar of rotating social activities.

• Continue to develop sport options that attracts youth. • Facilitate a forum with a youth focus that will involve

relevant stakeholders, especially representatives from local youth.

To value our ageing population.

• Provide more independent living accommodation to encourage retirees to district.

• Provide a safe and accessible environment that is considerate of people over 55.

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Sustainability

A sustainable, healthy and diverse natural environment and a built environment that is sensitive to our region’s natural attributes.

Objectives Actions

To protect and enhance our district’s heritage rich ambience.

• To enhance parks and rest areas in a way that is practical, aesthetically pleasing and with safe access.

• Consider more sustainable options in future development.

To protect, promote and regenerate our natural environment.

• To support Landcare, Rail Trail volunteers and other environment focussed groups.

• To increase access to and maintain areas of natural beauty such as, Tambo River environs and Fairy Dell.

• Pursue efficient and sustainable waste management options.

• Extend bike trails especially Sarsfield to Bruthen and footpaths to link town.

• Improve connectivity of tracks and trails in and around Bruthen township

• Assess the need for bicycle parking infrastructure

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Productivity

A progressive community that encourages business and agriculture to thrive and develop sustainably.

Objectives Actions

To promote our district and attract business opportunities

• Promote and support local retailers.

• Foster an environment that will attract new businesses.

To support and encourage tourism industry.

• Foster an environment that will encourage new accommodation options in Bruthen and District.

• Seek opportunities for more Community arts projects, festivals and community activities and increase promotion of these events.

Aim to increase information access

• Maintain and increase user base for Tambo Rambler and Bruthen website.

• Determine information technology requirements and seek to improve.

• Continue providing information through the Bruthen and District Arts and Information Centre.

Page 9

Governance

A community with a unique identity, characterised by strong leadership and organisations which are open and accountable.

Objectives Actions

To develop ongoing Community Planning Group

• To document and support the aspirations of the community.

• To produce the Bruthen and District Community Plan 2012 to 2017.

• To provide opportunity for relevant community groups to participate and provide input to the development a Community Plan.

To strengthen community management

• To explore viability of creating a Community Development Coordinator position.

• Support the development of a volunteer network.

• Actively recognise the good work done by our volunteers.

• Support and develop community activities and networks throughout the District.

• Acknowledge and respect our cultural legacy.

Page 10

Acknowledgements The Bruthen and District Community Planning Group (BDCA) was seeded from the Bruthen and District Citizens Association. The Association has carried the planning process forward with the expertise gained from developing Bruthen and District’s previous plan.

As at March 2012, the members of Bruthen and District Community Planning Group comprise:

Chair: Judy Heil, BDCA President

Deputy Chair: Jessica Tarpey

Secretary: Sue Cheyne, Community Planning Project Officer, East Gippsland Shire Council

Members:

Jane Christie - Gippsland Lakes Community Health, Pat Elson - BDCA, Margaret Greenwood – Seniors Citizens Group, Nancy and John Hills – Community members, Joy Manley –BDCA, J. Nicholas – BDCA, Sue Svetlik – Gippsland Lakes Community Health, Peter Tarpey – Community Member.

Others:

The Bruthen and District community, Grattan Mullet, Cathy Cullen.

Quotes contained within this document are from community members through community planning consultations.

Council Plans and Strategies that have informed this plan The Bruthen and District Community Plan does not stand alone. It has been developed in partnership with East Gippsland Shire Council and has been informed by the following Strategies and Plans operating within the Shire.

East Gippsland Shire Council Plan 2009-13 Access and Mobility Plan Crossability Project Trails Strategy 2012 East Gippsland Cycling Tourism Action Plan 2012 Economic Development Strategic Plan Community Well-being Plan 2010 Accessible Information and Lifelong Learning Plan Municipal Early Years Plan 2009-13

Regional Youth Strategy 2008-10 Positive Ageing Strategy 2010-12 Disability Action Plan 2007-09 Strategic Plan for Sporting Infrastructure Municipal Emergency Management Plan Arts and Culture Strategy Plan 2011-12 Strategic Tourism Plan 2006-11 Environmental Sustainability Strategy 2008-13 Sustainable Water Use Plan Roadside Management Plan

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Getting Involved The Bruthen and District Community Plan is a living document that will continue to grow.

In the coming months, we will be developing projects to fulfil the aspirations of our Community Plan.

If you feel inspired by the idea of making things even better and want to participate, you can contact the Bruthen and District Community Planning Group via

Bruthen and District Citizens Association

Judy Heil PO Box 24, Bruthen, Vic, 3885 Telephone (BH): 03 5156 8120 Email: judyh@datafast.net.au Webpage: http://home.vicnet.net.au/~bruthen/home.htm

or

Sue Cheyne, Community Planning Project Officer, East Gippsland Shire Council, Phone 03 5153 9500 or email feedback@egipps.vic.gov.au.