INCREASED outdoor dining, developing a “park and wander” strategy and growing Penola into a regional cycling hub are key considerations in the township’s roadmap for the future.
Wattle Range Council has released the Penola Town Centre Draft Concept Design for public consultation following extensive community consultation to create a vision for future actions and development.
WAX Design has spearheaded development of the blueprint, with around 280 submissions made across community surveys and in-person workshops.
The community can now have its say on the draft concept design, which focuses on six key priorities highlighted during consultation, including improving cycling infrastructure and footpaths, a focus on public art and building facades, as well as street activation measures on Penola’s town entry statement.
Among the opportunities flagged in the document is promoting Penola as a cycling hub for the Limestone Coast, which would build on existing cycling and rail trail infrastructure and encourage a low-speed environment along Church Street.
Reinforcing a sense of arrival into Penola from the bypass and increased outdoor dining opportunities on Church and Riddoch streets has also been mooted.
Integrating local stories, history and narratives in public art is also among the suggested measures.
WAX Design will present a one-hour community presentation on Thursday, March 4 at the Penola Visitor Information Centre from 5.30pm with a question and answer session to follow.
Council has also developed a survey to gather feedback on the draft.
Wattle Range Mayor Des Noll called on the community to once again support the project. “Community feedback has been an integral part of this project and I thank everyone who has provided their input,” Mr Noll said.
“I encourage the community to read the concept design report, attend the community presentation and complete the survey.”
Council will use the final set of documents to develop shovel ready projects for future budgets and grant opportunities.
Visit www.wattlerange.sa.gov.au/haveyoursay to view the draft plan and to provide feedback with submissions closing Friday, March 12.
Bookings for Thursday’s forum can be made through www.eventbrite.com.au or by contacting council direct on 8733 0900.
