Facilitated by Campaspe Shire Council, the Enquiry by Design workshop brought together community members, planning experts and government agencies to map out a long-term vision for Rochester.
Campaspe Shire manager of integrated planning Kirsty Beattie presented the workshop findings at Rochester Rotary Club’s community chat breakfast on Thursday, June 18, outlining both key challenges and emerging opportunities.
Ms Beattie said the approach marked a shift in how council engaged with the community on major planning projects.
“Usually with our engagement, we engage with the community, tell us what you want, then we go away and make a plan and come back,” she said.
“We had community members at the workshop, but we also invited ... some technical experts in the room, so we could have some real conversations about what could be the potential for Rochester.”
The workshop identified a range of pressures facing the town, including housing shortages, limited transport options, flood resilience concerns, an ageing population and the ongoing loss of traditional industries.
At the same time, it highlighted opportunities for growth, including new housing in lower-risk areas, expanded industrial land, infrastructure upgrades, improved emergency preparedness and initiatives to attract new business investment.
The former Saputo dairy factory site was singled out as a major redevelopment opportunity, with potential to support jobs, tourism and broader town revitalisation.
Participants placed strong emphasis on economic development and liveability, prioritising job creation, business investment, activation of the Saputo site, preservation of heritage buildings and improved urban design.
Broader priorities also included climate-resilient infrastructure, stronger emergency preparedness, improved transport connections, investment in multi-purpose community facilities and continued advocacy for a new swimming pool.
Separate discussions identified two preferred residential growth areas in Rochester’s south-east and south-west, while land north of Lowry Street and east of Cohen Street was nominated for future industrial expansion.
Ms Beattie said council was now undertaking further analysis before returning to the community with more detailed options.
“We're still really in the investigation phase. These projects aren't quick projects,” she said.
“We want to make sure we do this right because this is a really long-term project.
“We're doing some more background work so that we can come back... for you guys to see the work that we've done, what those options are and what it could actually look like in real life.”
Council expects to release draft growth options later this year, before preparing the draft Rochester Structure Plan for public exhibition.
For more information about the structure plan and updates on its progress, visit https://tinyurl.com/3pd4vvy2
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