Spotlight on Foster’s future
A COMMUNITY hub in Foster could be overhauled.
The building now occupied by Stockyard Gallery, visitor information centre, Foster library and Parks Victoria could be redesigned or the tenants could find alternative accommodation.
The tenants’ future needs will be investigated as part of the Foster Community Infrastructure Plan 2016 adopted by South Gippsland Shire Council last Wednesday.
The plan also recommends council:
- encourage committees of management for council facilities to develop master plans before seeking support for funding from council;
- encourage facilities with multiple meeting rooms;
- link existing parks and open spaces via path and cycle networks, including linking the Great Southern Rail Trail with the town centre;
- analyse the training needs of volunteers and establish ongoing training; and
- advocate shared promotional activities, such as via websites and newsletters.
By 2030, the plan recommends council investigates the development of a community learning hub that could include a library, adult education facilities and the visitor information centre.
The draft plan was exhibited for public comment until April 29 this year. Council received six submissions, raising such issues as disabled access and the need for greater promotion of Foster Station Park.
“Over the next two decades Foster’s population will gradually increase with the majority of people continuing to be aged 50 years and over,” council’s director development services Bryan Sword said.
“Supply of community infrastructure in Foster is considered adequate for the current population but to meet the needs of the community for the next 20 years, forward planning to maximise flexible use of existing facilities and support to volunteers is required.”
United in vision: the future of the Stockyard Gallery, library, visitor information centre and Parks Victoria complex at Foster was discussed by South Gippsland Shire Council last Wednesday.
From left, gallery president Jan Bell, committee member Walter Birkenbeil, council’s manager of community services Bart Ruyter, mayor Cr Bob Newton, South Gippsland principal librarian Michael Hogan, and gallery exhibition administrator and vice president Annette Walker.
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Posted by Tayla Kershaw on Jun 28 2016. Filed under News. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0. You can leave a response or trackback to this entry
