‘Burra facelift takes shape
MEMBERS of the Korumburra Business Association came together on Monday, October 5 to submit plans for the impending Korumburra Streetscape project.
South Gippsland Shire Council strategic planning officer Fiona Mottram led a presentation at the Korumburra Train Station where all guests were welcome to submit one proposal for the streetscape plan.
Ms Mottram explained laws in relation to the main roads of Korumburra that will dictate any streetscape plans ahead of consultation.
“VicRoads own the main roads including the South Gippsland Highway,” Ms Mottram said.
“While we are free to suggest any ideas to VicRoads in our proposal, it has the power of veto.”
Council planning manager Paul Stampton said meeting with community stakeholders had benefited council in helping to build initial plans.
“So far consultation has been with people who are members of key community stakeholder groups in Korumburra who have been asked for ideas prior to development of draft master plan,” Mr Stampton said.
“These plan options to be put on public display for four weeks. The display period will be starting in early to mid November.”
Korumburra Business Association president David Amor said the meeting helped business owners produce quality proposals and pointed out the parameters of submissions.
“It was certainly very interesting. It has opened up our eyes to explore what may be possible and what we need not bother with,” Mr Amor said.
“It was a good opportunity for business owners to discuss their ideas with us and recognise what their needs are on the main streets of Korumburra.”
Members of the Korumburra Business Association were encouraged to put forth suggestions at the meeting ahead of public consultation this month.
“A major focus was on what is occupational health and safety approved and user friendly. We also brainstormed on what makes Korumburra look vibrant and inviting to both residents and tourists,” Mr Amor said.
The streetscape must accommodate for two trailer B doubles that regularly drive through Korumburra en route from Melbourne to Murray Goulburn.
Many expressed concerns for the current dogleg on the South Gippsland Highway in town and how that may be changed to avoid multiple lane changes while in transit.
“The Streetscape Master Plan sees the potential of having one through lane as opposed to the current situation where drivers have to change lanes in the course of driving through Korumburra,” Ms Mottram said.
Maintaining a sense of heritage within Korumburra also seemed to be the general census amongst business owners, with proposal for incorporating coal mining heritage artefacts and historical references into the streetscape.
The suggestion of 30 degree angle parking was recommended along the left side of the South Gippsland Highway as travellers enter from Melbourne. The proposal has received positive feedback on the condition that an easement for reversing is provided to enable residents to reverse without obstructing traffic.
Another suggestion to bring Korumburra into the future was installing charging car parks for electric cars.
“Korumburra is the first point for travellers to stop for a rest in South Gippsland. We want to encourage people to stop by and boost local businesses,” Mr Amor said.
“We want to look to the future and plan for that too.”
Future of Korumburra: from left, Korumburra Business Association representative Lucy May Mertens, South Gippsland Shire Council strategic planning officer Fiona Mottram, Korumburra Train Station representative David Rasman and Jenny Rowe from Koringal Ladies at the Korumburra Business Association meeting on Monday, October 5. Mr Rasman and Ms Rowe accepted Community Connect awards for their respective groups’ contributions to the KBA.
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Posted by Tayla Kershaw on Oct 13 2015. Filed under Featured, News. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0. You can leave a response or trackback to this entry
