A ring road proposal, the importance of Dubbo’s Macquarie River corridor and housing choice were among the issues raised at a community summit on Sunday.
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“Robust discussion” characterised the forum which attracted a “good roll-up” of people, Steven Jennings from Dubbo City Council’s planning division said.
The afternoon summit is part of the council’s consultation as it works on a new draft 2040 Community Strategic Plan.
The plan will be the overarching document from which major capital works, long-term actions and annual priorities are established.
The Dubbo summit and a similar forum at Wellington on Saturday were facilitated by Andrew Hammonds, an urban planner and director of PlaceFocus.
Mr Jennings, council city strategy services manager, was at the summit.
“A good roll-up there and some very good robust discussion amongst the tables,” he said..
“We really got some great perspectives on some of those things moving forward to 2040.”
He reported ideas put into the mix from participants included the importance of the ring road proposal that was part of the council’s long-term transportation planning.
Dubbo’s airport was recognised as being significant, particularly with the growth in its destinations and carriers, he said.
Dubbo’s natural landscape was also on the minds of participants.
“The importance of the river corridor and really making sure we can make the best use of that area and really how special that area for Dubbo is,” Mr Jennings said.
The discussion also touched on housing choice and housing in the city in general.
“And making sure we did have a good range of there for people at a number of price points as well,” Mr Jennings said.
Tertiary education was also raised, he reported.
“Issues such as making sure there was a good range of university subjects and courses for people to study at Dubbo as well, and really trying to expand that offer,” he said.
At the Wellington summit, there had been quite a lot of discussion about the town’s central business district, Mr Jennings said.
Other ideas shared included, the issue of 24-hour policing, jobs for young people and beyond, and services for children and teens, he said.
The focus will move to the area’s villages, starting with Eumungerie on Tuesday, and then Ballimore on Wednesday and Wongarbon on Thursday.
All meetings start at 5.30pm and light refreshments will be provided.
Confirmation of attendance would be appreciated to help with catering but is not essential, the council advises.