About this project

The existing Berwick Structure Plan which maps out the development of Berwick Village Activity Centre is due for an update to make sure it meets the current and future needs of our community. Structure plans help to guide the development of an area based on community goals, policies and background information.

We undertook community engagement from 12 March - 23 April 2024, to gather feedback and ideas for the area which will help the updates to the structure plan.

A draft structure plan is intended to be prepared by early 2025.

Feedback has been shared with the relevant Council teams, to assist with future planning, where the voice of the community will be reflected.

What we asked

We asked the community to provide feedback and ideas for the area though an interactive map where respondents could share opportunities, issues and general comments or through the vision board where ideas could freely be shared and viewed by other community members. There was also a written submission form and an online survey with closed questions which were themed around transport, urban design and community events.

We received 363 contributions across the multiple engagement tools. This includes, 278 map responses, 11 vision board uploads, 63 survey respondents and 1 written submission.

The interactive map received 278 contributions. Key highlights can be grouped into opportunities, issues and general comments.

Opportunities

• More public art, festive lighting and opportunities to showcase local talent and history of the area.
• Enhance the current garden and playground areas.
• More work to improve the appearance of the area including focal points, refresh of facilities and more greenery.
• Increase the number of seats, toilets and include more picnic tables.
• Create more space for families, more walking space.
• A more user-friendly space for all members of the community

Issues

• Waterbeds and weeds have not been maintained.
• Increase of businesses which are not independents.
• Facades of shop fronts could be improved.
• Improvement needed for the streetscape and to utilise space in a more efficient way.
• Footpaths need improvements.
• Remove the car park
• Outdated facilities
• Fast-food restaurant opening could damage the village charm and independent businesses

General comments

• Importance of keeping the character, charm and village feel of the area.
• Minimise high rises and developments which do not fit in with the current feel.
• Consider the aging population.
• General refurbishing of the whole area needed.
• Pedestrian and nature focus needed over cars and development.

Vision Board

The vision board was a chance for the community to share their thoughts and ideas without any limitations.

The comments from the vision board reflected the key highlights above covering themes such as:

• Respecting the village charm and retaining the heart of Berwick Village
• An inclusive park for all ages
• Considering splitting Berwick into more than one suburb
• The addition of an Aboriginal flag and Torres Strait Island flags with the Australian flag