MOUNTAIN bike tracks, sporting facilities, and improved parking and walking paths are among the community’s aspirations to enhance Dromana while maintaining its rural character. The ideas were shared with the Mornington Peninsula Shire after public consultation was held in response to a draft of a Shaping Greater Dromana Plan.
Feedback into the draft plan, which was sought from May 20 to June 21, was also gathered into the use and development of the Dromana and Arthurs Seat escarpment area and Parkdale/Hillview Community Reserve, to help with the management and masterplans, which are concurrently being prepared. These projects are planned for completion next year with the future of the escarpment to recognise “the linkages into the Dromana township and surrounding green wedge hinterland”.
Greater Dromana takes in the coast at the base of Arthurs Seat, and there are plans to develop it to drive the economy and provide businesses, shops, schools, parks, jobs and services for tourists and people living in Dromana and Safety Beach. “Future development will be carefully integrated, respecting our local character and significant landscapes, and we will ensure our local biodiversity is healthy, valued and protected,” the Dromana Plan stated.
The shire shared the outcome of its consultation outcomes, which included working closely with the Dromana Association Inc, at its September 9 council meeting. A council report noted that suggestions included developing Dromana into a sustainable town, promoting youth development, ensuring sufficient space for recreational and sporting facilities, and maintaining the area’s rural character. There were also calls for improved car parking, electric vehicle charging infrastructure, and the construction of club rooms. Improved accessibility including better footpaths and parking facilities were also among the community’s priorities, with an emphasis also placed on community gardens, playgrounds, and facilities for specific groups such as youths and cyclists.
The presence and potential for major developments such as a McDonald’s “have been a point of contention among residents”, was also noted, with a loss of habitat being a “critical issue”. But “overall, the survey results suggest that there was broad support for the proposed vision outlined in the draft plan,” the council report stated.
The plan includes advocacy in key areas including environmental protection and climate resilience, sustainable transport and movement networks, and community infrastructure. Other outcomes include public open space and recreation local economic development, and affordable and diverse housing.
Following the community’s consultation, “minor editing and formatting improvements have been made to the plan,” which councillors unanimously adopted at their meeting. Seawinds ward councillor and deputy mayor Antonella Celli said the plan was “another win” for the Dromana community. “This plan brings together a brilliant explanation of the numerous strategic plans, projects and initiatives that will help inform the present and future Dromana, as well planned as a well-planned and sustainable township on the Mornington Peninsula,” she said. “The Shaping Greater Dromana plan sets the course for Dromana to become a sustainable town with spaces and places for sport, community and recreation facilities, while also maintaining its unique neighbourhood character as the township accommodates for growth.”
Seawinds ward Cr Debra Mar said the plan had been in the making for the past five years and would aim to preserve the township’s “natural beauty, its character, and uniqueness in perpetuity for future generations”.
First published in the Southern Peninsula News – 9 October 2024
