RESIDENTS across the region will be given the opportunity to voice their ideas and issues over a coffee and catch-up with Wattle Range councillors.
Mayor Des Noll and chief executive officer Ben Gower started their town visits in Kalangadoo, followed by a visit to Mount Burr for a community “chat”.
Mr Gower encouraged residents to organise a meeting with each other to discuss ideas and for their town plan.
“Every year when it comes to budget time we look at all the plans across the 13 townships and we go ‘right, I think it is about time to have a crack at that one, that one and that one’,” he said.
“We feed a handful of projects into the budget process and the council sort of deliberates on all of that.
“Then by May we have a rough list which goes out for consultation to the community who put all their input back in.
“Everyone has their deputation and talk about how they advocate for their particular project and then we make our final decision.”
A hot topic for discussion at the Mount Burr catch up was the potential to build a world-class mountain bike and walking trail throughout the forest.
Resident Rob Gordon touched on the comprehensive 20-page project proposal created by Thomas Joseph, which mapped a stack loop network of shared use recreational trails in degraded and unused
sites.
The document highlights the development of 10 trails, including a Lookout Loop, Gran Gran Graves and Caves Trail and a nature play space area.
Mr Gower said the trail was a “really great idea”, however the challenge was it was not council’s land.
“We can help advocate and help connect them with Forestry SA or whoever they need to talk with to get permission,” he said.
The next community coffee and catch-up will be held on April 26 in Rendelsham and Southend.
