Community members actively participated in the Planners For a Day workshop.
From flood resilience to bike paths, Rochester residents have helped shape a long-term vision for the town’s future through a series of council-led engagement sessions.
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Most recently, council hosted a “Planners For a Day” workshop at the Rochester Racecourse Recreation Reserve on Tuesday, May 19.
The initiative brought together community members, local businesses and organisations, technical experts, state agencies and council representatives.
Participants explored opportunities and challenges for Rochester while helping shape a long-term vision for the town.
Campaspe Shire Council director of sustainability Michael Sharp said the workshop was part of the first phase of community engagement for the Rochester Structure Plan.
“Its purpose was to bring together stakeholders to ... help shape a long-term vision for Rochester’s growth, resilience and development over the next 15-20 years,” he said.
“Participants were invited to step into the role of ‘planners for a day’, testing ideas, identifying priorities and discussing practical actions to guide future planning.”
Workshop participants included community members, local businesses and organisations, technical experts, state agencies and council representatives.
Rochester Secondary College students were also involved through a separate youth workshop, ensuring young people’s perspectives were included in the broader engagement process.
The workshop followed a series of pop-up sessions held throughout April and May, where residents could learn more about the structure plan and how to get involved.
The workshops and targeted sessions aimed to capture a broad cross-section of views from community members, agency partners and young people.
Mr Sharp said community participation across all engagement activities had been strong.
“Participants were actively involved in discussions, shared local knowledge and experiences and provided thoughtful feedback on a wide range of topics,” he said.
“There was a clear willingness from community members and stakeholders to contribute ideas and work collaboratively toward shaping Rochester’s future.”
Leigh Wilson and Campaspe Shire councillor Paul Jarman.
Key priorities raised during the workshops and pop-up sessions included pedestrian safety, improved community and recreation facilities and heritage preservation.
Residents voiced the need for better walking and cycling connections, stronger links to riverfront and open spaces and increased greenery throughout the town.
Supporting housing diversity, strengthening flood resilience and emergency preparedness and supporting local jobs and economic development were also identified as priorities.
Young people emphasised the importance of local jobs, expanded retail and food options, more green spaces and better bike paths and public transport.
For residents who missed the initial engagement sessions, a community survey remains open until the end of May.
Feedback gathered through the workshops, pop-up sessions and surveys will help inform the draft Rochester Structure Plan.
Council will continue to consult with the community as the draft plan is developed.
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