Big year ahead

By Casey Neill
THE environment, transport, arts and shopping are the key issues for Mount Evelyn over the coming year.
More than 70 people attended the Mount Evelyn Township Improvement Committee’s (METIC) fifth annual town planning day last Thursday (4 February).
Secretary Jan Simmons said the turnout was fantastic.
“We started with 20 five years ago,” she said.
“The numbers have been growing every year.”
Ms Simmons said the group may next year expand the evening to include additional sessions because of the high turnout.
She said the planning day was “absolutely crucial” for the town.
“It provides an opportunity for people to work together rather than against each other,” she said.
She said it prevented “doubling up” on projects, built co-operation and helped groups better use resources.
“And people feel heard,” she said.
Ms Simmons said METIC could look for commonalities and connection points.
“So people can co-operate,” she said.
“You start to join up the dots a bit.”
Ms Simmons said the night brought together people from a wide range of backgrounds, agencies and service groups to discuss Mount Evelyn’s needs and identify key projects.
“We looked at what’s gone right and what to build on,” she said.
METIC will bring ideas from the session together in a township plan, to form an ‘action plan’ for the year ahead.
“But we can’t do everything,” Ms Simmons said.
A ‘transition towns’ project focussing on sustainability, climate change and peak oil was one priority identified.
Ms Simmons said it was an extension of the group’s ‘learning town’ model with more of an environment focus, which included making connections between key groups such as local council.
“We see it as part of that learning town concept,” she said.
Traffic flow and public transport, particularly for the elderly and people with disabilities, were other key issues, as was housing for an ageing community and forging better links between the community, business and schools.
A community film group, arts expo and farmers market are on the cards, as are a skate park and other activities for youth.
A business audit to identify shortfalls and improve local shopping also ranked highly. The next METIC meeting at Morrisons in Old Hereford Road on 4 March will feature an introduction to the ‘transition towns’ concept and an overview of the key points for the year ahead.
METIC membership is $10 a year.
“You don’t have to go to meetings,” Ms Simmons said.
“It just entitles you to keep up to date with what’s happening.”
Readers can call Jan Simmons at Morrisons on 9736 1457 for more information.