DECLAN Warburton of Emerald was one of many who spoke out at a town forum on Saturday.
He was also happy to leave his hand print on the fabric wall created for that purpose and have his say about the future of the town.
Townspeople flocked to the community house to be part of the Emerald Speak Out forum, the first of many activities to help build the town’s strategy.
More than 150 people made their opinions heard as they moved around the many interactive forums available at the community house.
Cardinia Shire Ranges Ward councillor Graeme Legge said it was great to see so many people taking part in a unique opportunity to have their say on the future needs of the town.
Emerald Speak Out was an important part of the community consultation process that will be integral to building the Emerald community.
Feedback forms were collected on the day with more than 80 per cent of people saying they felt the forum was very worthwhile.
The council will provide more opportunities for people to become involved in the building of the town strategy over the next couple of months.
And Declan Warburton? He would like to see the council build a playground next to the new library.