Building a better future for Foster

SUBMISSIONS on the Draft Foster Community Infrastructure Plan are invited from the public. Prepared by Social Planning Officer Vicki Bradley, the Draft Plan recently went on public exhibition. It can be seen at Foster Library, Manna Gum Community House, the mobile library and in Leongatha at Council reception, Leongatha Library and Council’s website.

The plan provides recommendations for services and facilities to meet the needs of Foster’s population, which is expected to gradually increase over the next 20 years, with the majority of people continuing to be aged 50 years and over. It includes a detailed audit of current infrastructure and projected demographic data and will guide infrastructure priorities over the next 20 years.

Overall the plan concludes that Foster largely has adequate infrastructure, though it recommends that one or more of the current tenants of the Stockyard Gallery complex (library, gallery, Visitor Information Centre and Parks Victoria) should be supported to find an alternative site in order to provide increased space in the building.

Another recommendation is to encourage committees of management of all council facilities to develop Master Plans prior to seeking support for funding from Council.

The plan recommends increasing the capacity of facilities with multiple meeting rooms to allow simultaneous use of shared facilities. It also recommends providing connection between existing public parks and open space via path and cycle networks, including linking the Great Southern Rail Trail with the town centre.

The rate of volunteering is higher in Foster than for South Gippsland or Victoria. The plan recommends undertaking a training needs analysis of all volunteers in Foster and establishing ongoing training and support programs for volunteers in organisations and the community.

By 2030 the plan recommends investigating the development of a community learn hub. Tenants in the hub could include a library, adult education facilities and the Visitor information Centre.

Submissions will be accepted in writing to South Gippsland Shire Council, Private Bag 4, Leongatha, 3953, or email [email protected] up to 5pm on Friday April 29. Phone Social Planning Officer Vicki Bradley for more information on 5662 9200.

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