Strathalbyn residents are being asked to help shape the future of their town, with Alexandrina Council launching early consultation on a new long-term plan.
The ‘Strathalbyn and Surrounds Town Plan’ will guide how the regional centre grows over the next 15-plus years, replacing the current plan which has reached the end of its timeframe.
Mayor Keith Parkes says council is now in the first stage of engagement, seeking community input on key issues including housing, recreation and commercial land use.
“We’re at Stage 1 preliminary engagement right now, asking the community for their feedback about their housing, recreation and commercial land use needs, where they think growth should happen – or not,” Mayor Parkes said.
Council will use that feedback to prepare a draft plan for formal consultation later this year.
“The new plan, when finally adopted, will set a clear direction for future development so growth happens in a well-planned, sustainable way while reflecting local character, community values and needs,” Mr Parkes said.
The consultation comes as Strathalbyn continues to grow, with the population increasing by more than 1,600 people since 2014 to nearly 7,900 residents. That figure is forecast to climb by more than 3,000 to reach over 11,000 by 2041.
Residents can have their say by completing an online survey or attending one of two drop-in sessions at the Strathalbyn Town Hall on High Street on Wednesday the 15th of April, from 10am to 12pm and again from 4pm to 7pm.
Initial feedback closes at 5pm on Monday the 20th of April via mysay.alexandrina.sa.gov.au/Strathalbyn-town-plan
