Thank you for sharing what matters to you

Thank you!

Thank you to everyone who took the time to share "what matters to you" - via surveys, community conversation events and focus groups - throughout February, March, April and May.

We also heard from 240 young people via class activities and drawing activities.

This is in addition to our consultation with our local secondary schools – Maryborough Education Centre and Highview College. Around 40 students contributed to in-person workshops across both schools in addition to 212 written submissions.

Community members shared what they found to be most valuable that was delivered by the last Council Plan, the top five being:

1. Renewal of pool facilities at Dunolly, Talbot and 25m indoor pool (59%)

2. Street tree planting program (52%)

3. Advocacy for additional rail services (50%)

4. Go-Goldfields – The Nest (45%)

5. Volunteer capacity building (44%)

Community members shared the areas that have had the biggest impact on them and their households health and wellbeing with the top five being:

1. Access to affordable and quality health services (72%)

2. Access to healthy and nutritious food and clean water (56%)

3. Reliable and affordable internet access and phone coverage (56%)

4. Feeling a part of the community (54%)

5. Nature and healthy spaces (53%)

What do you think we do best as a community?

Many people said we’re at our best when we support each other — especially in times of crisis or hardship. There’s also strong appreciation for the volunteers, shared spaces, and the sense of connection that exists across Central Goldfields.

What could we do better? What would you like to see?

Many people want to see more action and follow-through from Council, and more focus on the basics. There’s also a call to listen to all voices, not just the loudest, and to invest fairly across the whole Shire – not just in a few projects or places.

Community members wanted Council to:

■ Fix roads and footpaths and manage trees

■ Maintain and improve infrastructure and assets: 50m pool, Carisbrook Creek, Goldfields Reservoir

■ Strengthen tourism and economic development focus

■ Attract more industry and jobs

■ Provide opportunity for businesses to network and innovate

■ Focus less on niche projects and more on the whole community’s needs

■ Provide more activities and support for families, older adults, and young people

■ Improve healthcare and childcare access and transport between towns

■ Reduce delays and communicate clearly on plans and progress

■ Make the most of local skills, especially from retirees and volunteers

■ Keep successful programs like The Nest going with funding and support

■ Listen to more of the community

■ Transportation/evacuation in emergency situations

■ Strengthen financial and project management

What matters most to children?

Children shared that their favourites activities to do were:

■ Swimming at the pool

■ Energy Breakthrough

■ Playgrounds

■ Shopping

■ Parks

■ Cinema

■ Walking and playing with dogs

■ Lake visits

■ Library