Community
21 March, 2025
Input welcome on long-term land use
WARRNAMBOOL City Council is developing a new long-term land use strategy and is asking the community to get involved.
“We’re working on Warrnambool Futures, which will guide sustainable and balanced growth over the coming decades across the whole of the Warrnambool municipality,” mayor Cr Ben Blain said.
“Our most recent comprehensive long-term land use plan was completed in 2004 so the time is right to prepare a new plan for the next 20 to 30 years.
“We expect that over the next two decades Warrnambool will gain another 2,700 homes.
“Over that time we’re also on track to reach a population of about 41,000 so we want to make sure that new housing, businesses, transport, and community spaces reflect the needs and values of our community.”
According to Cr Blain, there are some big questions to tackle - do we want to increase housing densities? Should we keep growing our residential areas and in which direction? How do we ensure our city remains easy to move around?
“This is why we’re encouraging the community to have a say,” he said.
“You can get involved by attending one of two Warrnambool Futures workshops, which will be held next Thursday, March 27.
There will be a workshop during office hours and one after hours.
As a conversation starter a State of Warrnambool report has been prepared by council’s partner in this project, SGS Economics and Planning.
“It provides a fascinating overview of existing growth plans, changes in our demographic profile, our health and wellbeing, housing affordability and the economy,” Cr Blain said.
“Among the notable changes is that between 2011 and 2021 there was a 26 per cent increase in lone person households compared to a six per cent increase in households comprising a couple with children.
“Unemployment has fallen significantly over the past decade while median weekly household income is higher for Warrnambool residents compared to the regional average but is lower than Victoria as a whole.”
Those wanting to attend a workshop can register at www.yoursaywarrnambool.com.au
“The State of Warrnambool is also on the Your Say site and we’re encouraging people to complete an online survey there as well.”
Over the duration of the Warrnambool Futures project there will be additional opportunities for people to have input.
The workshops, to be held on Thursday, March 27, will take place in the reception room at the Civic Centre on Liebig Street.
The first will run from 1pm until 3pm, with the second from 5.30pm-7.30pm.
