It was a significant day for Bakers Hill yesterday when it marked the start of a public consultation process to shape its 10-year community plan.
Member for Central Wheatbelt Mia Davies MLA joined Shire of Northam representatives to kick start the Bakers Hill Community Plan 2017-2027 consultation by unveiling a new wishing well.
Ms Davies said it was the first time the Shire had led development of regional plans for Bakers Hill, Wundowie and Grass Valley.
“The views of community members will play an integral part in shaping Bakers Hill’s community plan and developing a direction for the town into the future,” she said.
“Planning considers important development factors including attracting further economic growth, creating stability, increasing tourism, providing job opportunities and improving livability for all ages.”
She said the wishing well would play an integral part in the community consultation process, with coins being provided at the wishing well to allow locals and visitors to complete the sentence, “Bakers Hill would be better if….”
Ideas from the interactive coins as well as a community survey will be collected and utilised in the draft plan.
The sculpture, which was built by members of the Wundowie and Districts Men’s Shed, recognises Bakers Hill’s historic role as a transport hub along the Great Eastern Highway, Eastern Rail Link and Golden Pipeline.
The artwork incorporates a piece of the Golden Pipeline and the rail link.
She said the Shire had worked closely with the local Progress Association and would continue to consult the community as it drafts a plan to reflect community aspirations.
“Congratulations to the Shire, Bakers Hill Progress Association and local community on their willingness to engage with each other and jointly develop a vision for the future,” Ms Davies said.
“Strong partnerships rely on inclusion and this is an excellent example of business, local government and community working together to achieve an outcome.”
The Bakers Hill plan is scheduled for completion by May 2017, with consultation for Grass Valley’s plan set to start in April.
For media enquiries please contact Mia Davies on 08 9041 1702 (Merredin office), 08 9622 2871 (Northam office) or email mia.davies@mp.wa.gov.au.
