Wellington locals now have until 20 November 2020 to submit their feedback for the draft Wellington Town Centre Plan (WTCP), after the public exhibition period was extended. Mayor of the Dubbo Region, Councillor Ben Shields, says the draft plan was created to help Dubbo Regional Council (DRC) understand what Wellington residents love about their CBD, and what they think needs improving.
“We know that there are sometimes issues with vandalism, and we know that there are problems with empty shop fronts, but what this draft plan aims to do is fix that! But we need your help, to tell us what you think needs fixing,” said Councillor Shields.
We’ve already seen great success with the Chalk Walk, where businesses were able to get involved and activate the CBD. The draft WTCP aims to do more events like that, to take advantage of the beautiful old heritage buildings, utilise the spacious Cameron Park, and capitalise on the already flourishing arts scene.
When developing the plan, staff consulted with the community, to find out what they thought would be good ways of revitalising the area. In addition to utilising the Cameron Park area and shopfronts, other suggestions included painting old and dilapidated shop fronts, and repurposing the old Caltex site, to turn it into a community garden or passive green space.
“These short-term recommendations are certainly achievable, but we want to make sure we’ve hit the nail on the head with it. So I encourage residents to jump online, or write into Council, to let us know whether you think we’re on the mark, or not,” said Councillor Shields.
President of Wellington Arts, Lisa Thomas, participated in the initial consultation phase to help develop the plan, and says she is pleased to see that Council had considered utilising the Cameron Park area, along with existing heritage buildings to attract more events to Wellington.
“Wellington Arts looks forward to working with DRC to initiate cultural changes to our township. We would love to see the adoption of more art-based activities like murals, sculptures, and creative themes that embrace the existing cultural and heritage elements of our township,” said Ms Thomas.
“Wellington Arts wishes to be actively involved in the transformation of Wellington’s image, and assist in the development of strategic and long-term benefits to the entire community of Wellington and the local region,” she said.
The draft Wellington Town Centre plan is currently on public exhibition, and can be accessed via Dubbo Regional Council’s website. Submissions can also be made in writing to:
Chief Executive Officer
Dubbo Regional Council,
P.O. Box 81,
Dubbo NSW 2830.
Source: DRC