Planning and Development

Delivering the Buronga Gol Gol Structure Plan

Social Plan Workshop Outcomes

• 1 Introduction
• 2 Social Issues Discussed
• 3 Service Needs
• 4 Strategies to Address Needs
• 5 Workshop Agreement to Move Forward
• 6 Workshop Evaluation
• Appendix 1 : Attendees and Agenda

1 Introduction

Held on Wednesday 5th June 2006, the workshop was attended by 31 participants representing a wide range of service providers and community organizations. A full list of attendees together with a workshop agenda is provided in Appendix 1. A total of 61 different organizations were invited to attend the workshop.

The Buronga Gol Gol Structure Plan has been adopted by Wentworth Shire Council and provides a framework for the future rezoning of the area together with the preparation of a supporting Development Control Plan (DCP) and Section 94 Contributions Plan which will support its implementation. The Buronga Gol Gol Social Plan will be one of the supporting documents for the DCP and Section 94 Contributions Plan.

2 Social Issues Discussed

The following key issues for the new development were raised:

• New residents to Buronga Gol Gol – participants provided information on their view of who has moved into the Buronga Gol Gol area. Several indicated that there has been a significant increase in the number of older residents and young couples with no children to the area. Local primary schools indicated that there appears to be no increase in the number of school aged children attending local schools. Gol Gol Primary School is at capacity. Other agencies indicated an increase in demand for aged and family/children services while others highlighted an increase in demand from young people with disabilities.

• Service issues related to location on NSW/Victorian border – for many providers this divide has significant impact on funding and service delivery with no cross border agreements in place. This should be further investigated with the workshop considering that service duplication should be minimized and greater coordination achieved. However, some services may need to be provided at the local level while district/regional provision may be more appropriate with Mildura. This also has implications for service provision throughout the Wentworth Shire.

3 Service Needs

Key service needs identified by the workshop were:

• Transport – with a focus on the need for public transport both for the existing population and future development. Sunraysia Buses reported that a submission has been made to the Department of Transport for a 5 services per weekday service for Buronga Gol Gol. The workshop also highlighted the high need for pedestrian and bicycle facilities.

• Access – with the need for safe pedestrian crossings, footpaths and safe routes to school. Access to existing services was considered to be a major issue for Buronga Gol Gol.

• Aged services and housing – to service the needs of this growing group with Buronga Gol Gol providing an attractive alternative for many Mildura residents. There is currently a major demand for high care facilities (ie dementia care).

• Medical and health services – needed for all age groups with no local doctor and limited local provision of other health services. The need for office space for these services was identified.

• Child and family support services – with appropriate facilities available for sessional and full-time services.

• Education – may need to be reconsidered with existing schools at capacity. Potential to build one new primary school with existing schools relocated to this new facility. Also potential to segregate secondary school into Junior and Senior High Schools with a new campus at Buronga Gol Gol. School populations will need to be carefully monitored with potential to use Mildura schools.

• Youth services – including outside school hours services, recreational and leisure services for young people

• Recreation facilities – with the need for additional open space and active recreation areas identified.

• Housing – to provide for a range of lifestyle opportunities for a range of different groups including older people, young couples, families and people with disabilities.

• Communication – with Telstra indicating that the area already has the highest rate of ADSL connection in the Shire and that the existing exchanges have capacity to meet the demand for internet access as Buronga Gol Gol grows. Mobile phone communication is being further assessed to determine potential for growth.

• Culture – highlighting the importance of an overall identity for Buronga Gol Gol together with planning for leisure and creative opportunities for existing and new residents. This needs to link with the Wentworth Cultural Plan which is being prepared by the Regional Arts Board.

• Library Services and Information – will need to be expanded to meet the growth particularly children and older people who are the major users of libraries.

• Retail Services – will need to be provided although many will still shop in Mildura. Must include a chemist, newsagent and other local services.

4 Strategies to Address Needs

The workshop divided into 5 working groups which a summary of the key strategies identified by the groups highlighted below:

• Provide high quality access to services – this includes community support for public transport and fully accessible pedestrian/bicycle facilities within and external to Buronga Gol Gol. Links to both Mildura and the Wentworth Shire need to be considered together with outreach and sessional service models. However, it is important to note that many services are already outreach and a higher level of service may be required.

• Ensure early provision of public transport – needs commitment from all involved to support early provision and make it a workable and used service. Service must be affordable and regular with a long term commitment for 5 years minimum to give public confidence.

• Develop “Community Hub” service model - potentially at The Midway, which may include a library, community centre, cultural activities, child care, medical services and sessional/full-time space for service providers. A full-time staff person may be needed to manage this centre.

• Promote “one identity” for the development - with the established communities of Buronga and Gol Gol needing to support the development of a cohesive and linked community bringing together the older established areas with the newly developing areas. This may be a new name for the existing villages and new development area. Care is needed to ensure that existing village services are not lost to The Midway with nothing left for established residents.

• Develop cross border agreements with Victorian agencies - to be developed although this is likely to require a high level of government action. Potential exists for the NSW Premiers Department to take a more active role. Also Memorandums of Understanding may have potential together with joint action with Mildura Rural City Council. Partnerships with community groups/non-government agencies may also be possible. Need to look to other centres such as Albury/Wodonga to determine potential models.

• Seek Federal funding opportunities - need to be explored as they cross State boundaries and have potential for regional funding outcomes. For example, child care and aged care are federally funded.

• Undertake greater consultation at the local level – to promote coordination and appropriate timing and location of service provision. This is particularly important for Council and government service providers.

• Address youth needs – as unlikely to have the large numbers to support local services but essential that youth have access to services both locally and in the broader region.

• Focus on employment opportunities – with the existing development area providing local employment and changed land use need to provide employment opportunities. Opportunities exist for part-time employment for young people eg retail, tourism etc. Need to explore tourism links.

• Focus on aged care and housing – for both existing residents and new aged residents to the area. Important to identify appropriate locations and promote development.

• Develop additional recreation areas – could look at extensions to Carramar Oval or area outside development area (ie north of Pittman Avenue).

• Provide local cultural development – residents need local access to cultural activities and programs with this development providing the opportunity to integrate culture into the outcomes.

5 Workshop Agreement to Move Forward

The workshop agreed that the following actions be undertaken to further inform the Buronga Gol Gol Social Plan:

• Action 1: A written report on the outcomes of the workshop be distributed to all participants and those unable to attend.

• Action 2: A second facilitated workshop be held in August 2006 to discuss and further develop Draft Strategies and Actions for the Buronga Gol Gol Social Plan.

• Action 3: The Inter Agency Group coordinated by Mallee Family Care be requested to incorporate within its role advice to Wentworth Shire Council and other relevant government and non-government agencies on the implementation of the Buronga Gol Gol Social Plan. In addition, Wentworth Shire Council be requested to provide 6 monthly reports to the Inter Agency Group on the progress of the Buronga Gol Gol development.

These actions are currently be facilitated by Wentworth Shire Council with the second workshop scheduled for Wednesday 16th August 10am-1pm. An Agenda and Draft Strategies and Action Report will be forwarded to all invitees by Friday 4th August 2006.

6 Workshop Evaluation

Evaluation forms were distributed to all participants with 18 surveys (58%) returned. The aim of the evaluation was to ensure that the workshop was an effective form of information gathering while also supporting service providers to focus on the future development of Buronga Gol Gol.

Overall participants found the workshop valuable and considered that they were provided an opportunity to input into the Buronga Gol Gol Social Plan. Results of the workshop evaluation are provided below:

• The majority (83%) of respondents considered that the workshop provided useful information about the proposed Buronga Gol Gol development. Only 17% considered that the information provided could have been better. Comments included;

− I found the experience valuable and I actually learnt a lot about the area

− a very effective session with vital members of the community included

− I feel much better informed about the directions council is looking at and felt the issues were listened to and will be considered

− It is a work in progress. A number of phases would be beneficial.

• The majority (89%) of respondents considered that they were provided with the opportunity to input into the proposed Buronga Gol Gol Social Plan. Only 11% considered that more opportunities for input could have been provided. Comments included;

− great opportunity to meet with key community groups to plan for future success of the area

− it gave everyone an opportunity to share their views

− need more input and would be nice to see actually happening and ideas progressing in last three years

− lots of great ideas and issues were discussed. Excellent forum to hear from a number of areas of the community

• Other additional comments (direct quotes from survey) provided by respondents about the proposed Buronga Gol Gol Social Plan were;

− Instead of providing access to Mildura, some service should be built here as resources to Mildura residents. Bring them to the other side of the river.

− Big opportunity for this area but needs considerable consideration to cope with long term growth.

− Are there other studies etc that are available for us to read/review ie community expectations and needs?

− I think it is important to keep the impetus going – there was a good cross-section of interests represented and I think such forums should continue.

− All I can say is that facilities are needed. Health, youth and transport need to be addressed.

− More action required but realize it is a long process

− Multipurpose community/health centre required incorporating medical clinic, allied health, maternal health etc to cater for growing young family population.

− Just the need for a great variety of social/cultural activities for youth.

− Ministry of Transport and Sunraysia Bus Lines needs to have continual input.

− Thanks for the opportunity to take part. Looking forward to hearing of future developments.

− I believe that the next meeting, when we have more clearly defined the issues will be more beneficial.

Appendix 1

WORKSHOP ATTENDEES

“Delivering the Buronga Gol Gol Structure Plan”

Social Plan Workshop

Midway Centre

Buronga

10am – 1pm Wednesday 7th June 2006

Agenda

1. Introductions and Role of Workshop
Overview of Council’s Adopted Structure Plan for Buronga Gol Gol
2. Addressing Potential Social Issues
• Other Social Issues
• Infrastructure Required
• Locational Requirements
• Timing
• Actions to Make it Happen
3. Summary of Outcomes
4. Thank you and where to from here

For further information on studies being undertaken for the Buronga Gol Gol Structure Plan contact Cindy Bright, Manager Strategic Planning, Wentworth Shire Council on 5027 5021 or email cindyb@wentworth.nsw.gov.au

For information on the Buronga Gol Gol Social Plan, contact the project consultant, Heather Nesbitt on 02 9654 0031 or email heather@heathernesbittplanning.com.au