Noosa Council is encouraging residents to get involved in a pilot placemaking project, designed to shape the future of a hinterland town.
Project lead Michelle Tucker said council wants to hear what Pomona residents and workers like about their town and what they’d like to change.
“There are a range of fun and exciting ways to get involved between now and September 24, 2023, and the input we receive will help shape a place plan for Pomona,” she said.
Placemaking is a process that harnesses the ideas of the local community to help shape and implement a vision for the future.
Council’s strategy and environment director, Kim Rawlings, said it could also be utilised in other areas of the region.
“Council is trialling the concept in Pomona and, if successful, the approach could be used to help guide how we understand and enhance the unique character of other towns and villages across the shire,” she said.
“Renowned for its charm and distinct identity, Pomona serves as the ideal testing ground for this pilot placemaking project.”
Ms Rawlings said the plan would give council a blueprint to secure Pomona‘s unique identity and prosperity for generations to come.
Key objectives of the Pomona Place Plan include identifying the characteristics and values that make Pomona special; establishing a shared vision for the town’s future; and outlining actionable steps for implementation by council, the community and other stakeholders over the next decade.
The opportunities to provide input started last week, with a Friday social gathering, sketching workshops, and a ‘walk-shop’ in Pomona.
“There will be plenty of other opportunities for the community to get involved over the coming weeks. Visit Your Say to keep up to date,” Ms Rawlings said.
Residents can also participate by completing an online survey; penning a heartfelt love letter to Pomona; and sharing an innovative idea to improve what makes Pomona special.
Everyone who takes part will go into the draw to win one of five Mastercard gift cards.
“This strategic initiative underscores Noosa Council’s commitment to delivering sustainable social, cultural, economic and environmental benefits to its diverse communities through collaborative, community-led place-based approaches and partnerships,” Ms Rawlings said.
