Several Seymour projects are underway or in planning as Mitchell Shire Council strives to keep pace with the town’s growth.
Council is seeking community input on an Anzac Avenue Masterplan for the full length of the avenue between Station Street and Delatite Road.
Seymour residents named the project a priority during council’s Seymour Revitalisation community engagement process.
The masterplan will seek to develop a strategy to reinstate an Avenue of Honour on the street, along with other physical improvements to the streetscape.
An Avenue of Honour was planted in Seymour in 1917 as a mark of respect for the fallen soldiers of World War One.
The trees were removed in the early 1980s when the road was constructed in its current form.
The masterplan will seek to incorporate new trees and balance community sentiment with the functional requirements of the road.
Residents will have additional consultation opportunities later this year when council releases the draft masterplan for consultation.
Council officers will be at Seymour Library to discuss the project on today, Tuesday, from 9am to 12pm; Thursday, September 22 from 9am to 12pm; and Thursday, September 29 from 9am to 12pm.
Submissions close on Friday, September 23 at 9am.
Park upgrades
Council wants to hear from Seymour residents as it plans upgrades for Graham Reserve, Heywood Hill Reserve and Generation Park.
Council is proposing for the existing playgrounds to be removed and replaced with contemporary play equipment, and for the wider park areas to be refreshed.
Drop-in sessions for the three projects will give residents a chance to discuss the works at Graham Reserve on Wednesday, September 14 from 3.30pm to 4.30pm; Heywood Hill Reserve on Thursday, September 15 from 3.30pm to 4.30pm; and Generation Park on Thursday, September 15 from 5pm to 6pm.
Submissions close Monday, September 26 at 9am.
People can find more information and to have their say about the Anzac Avenue and park projects by visiting www.engagingmitchellshire.com.
Seniors’ fitness equipment
Installation of outdoor fitness equipment specifically designed for seniors began at Chittick Park on August 24.
The outdoor fitness equipment, which is also planned for Kilmore and Beveridge, aims to support older residents’ physical health and wellbeing, as well as improving their independence and sense of community connectedness.
Council designed pods containing equipment for a range of exercises in consultation with the National Ageing Research Institute.
The pods include information signs on how to use the equipment, additional seating, paths and additional trees to provide more shade.
A $200,000 grant from Sport and Recreation Victoria’s new Facilities for Active Seniors Fund and a $100,000 council contribution enabled the construction of the pods.
Chittick Park play space upgrade
Council is beginning design for an upgrade of the play space at Chittick Park and will soon commence community consultation.
The play space will be expanded and upgraded to be more engaging and inclusive, with plans for new equipment, modifications to improve safety, and a range of play options from climbing and informal ball play to imaginative, sensory and nature play. There will also be quiet areas and picnic facilities.
The project received $750,000 from the State Government’s Growing Suburbs Fund and $150,000 from council.
Mitchell Shire Mayor Bill Chisholm said with the seniors’ fitness equipment nearby, Chittick Park would be a great space for residents of all ages and abilities to enjoy healthy outdoor activity and social connection.
“These important projects will provide fitness and recreation opportunities for people currently living in Seymour and those that will call it home in the future,” he said.
“The Anzac Avenue Masterplan will look to restore an important part of Seymour’s military history while making sure this part of Anzac Avenue is suitable for current and future use.
“It’s important we hear from as many people as possible on these projects to ensure they capture what the community want.
“Locals know what is needed in their communities and I encourage people to have their say and help prepare Seymour for Mitchell Shire’s growth.”
