Community plans

In November 2018 Council adopted streetscape designs for Chewton, Campbells Creek, Guildford, Newstead and Taradale. Staff worked closely with residents and community planning groups to develop the designs for each township, which link in with the community plans.

The designs propose key elements such as the placement of trees and plantings, traffic management, pedestrian safety and creation of social spaces.

Key documents
Campbells Creek streetscape designs
Chewton streetscape designs
Guildford streetscape designs
Newstead streetscape designs
Taradale streetscape designs.

In 2011, Council received state government funding to support the development of community plans in nine townships within the Shire:
• Campbells Creek
• Castlemaine
• Chewton
• Elphinstone
• Guildford
• Harcourt
• Maldon / Tarrengower
• Newstead
• Taradale

Campbells Creek is a close knit and friendly community with many historic buildings and a range of community facilities.

The Campbells Creek community identified several points of significance that are reflected in the community plan:
• Residents are keen to promote Campbells Creek's rich and unique history
• Residents value green space and the rural feel of Campbells Creek
• Recreational space, the community centre and sports clubs are significant community assets
• Intergenerational support is expressed through activities such as the local school and community garden

View the Campbells Creek Community Plan

For more information, contact Dhirendra Singh or Pamela Harris or visit the Campbells Creek Community Inc website.

Castlemaine is the largest town and regional business centre within the Shire, with a rich gold rush history and a growing reputation as a fine food, arts and shopping destination.

Castlemaine is a highly engaged and active community, with strengths in arts, culture and sustainability. Today manufacturing, retail, tourism and health are some of our key industries.

By achieving our future directions we will be a community that:
• Creates opportunities for people of all ages to participate in local events and activities
• Celebrates its cultural past and present
• Provides the facilities and services that meets the needs of all
• Becomes a destination for others to live, work and visit

View the Castlemaine plan: Castlemaine Together 2015 – 2018

Chewton is a picturesque hamlet, surrounded by bushland and the Castlemaine Diggings National Heritage Park.

Through the community plans the community of Chewton identified the need to retain much of its self-reliant, ‘live and let live’ character, while embracing new residents and changes that enhance what they already appreciate.

Keys points of significance:
• Community assets
• The buzz of our vibrant people
• Having the infrastructure to do business and participate in community life
• Caring for our environment
• Succession planning, shared administrative support, promotion, volunteering

View the Chewton Community Plan

Elphinstone is characterised by undulating hills and the river flats of Coliban River, with diverse flora and fauna and gently winding roads.

The Elphinstone Progress Association Inc (EPA) has been working steadily for the past three years on implementing aspects of the Community Plan.

The Elphinstone Community Plan, developed and published in 2014, was framed around five priorities of equal weighting:
• Mapping Elphinstone (completely implemented including resolution of street naming issues and installation of town map)
• Connecting People in the Community (partially implemented, including installation of noticeboard and continuing work on improving town signage)
• Enhancing Facilities & Environment (partially implemented, including new street trees (in conjunction with the Landcare group, planning for new directional signage and improvements to the Hall)
• Develop a Town Master Plan (fully implemented with the development of a physical master plan document, further community consultation and resulting engineering design by Mount Alexander Shire Council)
• Enhance and Support Recreation Opportunities and Facilities (not implemented yet)

View the Elphinstone Community Plan

For more information, email the Elphinstone Progress Association or visit the Elphinstone Progress Association website.

Guildford is a welcoming community on the banks of the Loddon River between Daylesford and Castlemaine.

The Guildford Community has a vision through their community plan to:
• Preserve and enhance its present bucolic character and peaceful ambience
• Enhance its liveability
• Preserve and enhance its natural environment and native flora and fauna, which are often present in the village
• Recognise and preserve its historic and cultural site and buildings.
• Build upon its natural assets from the Loddon River to our ancient volcanic plateau, tree-lined avenues and open spaces.

View the Guildford Aspirations Plan

Harcourt is the apple centre of Victoria with a long history of apple and pear growing, and more recently, cider production.

The Harcourt Community Plan identified five key areas for ‘Creating Our Future’:
• Hub and heart
• Harvesting opportunities
• Happening Harcourt
• Connecting Community
• Our natural environment

View the Harcourt Community Plan

Maldon is a town characterised by a lovely preserved streetscape attracting visitors to its variety of retail, cafes and gold heritage.

The Tarrangower Community Plan identified six priorities for the future:
• Protect our cultural heritage and preserve our historic buildings
• Grow local tourism and support and promote cultural and community events
• Protect our natural environment and improve our public and recreation parks
• Improve our community services, accessibility and public transport
• Support local businesses, farmers, industry and employment
• Support our youth, families, and improve our Sports clubs.

View the Tarrangower Community Plan

Newstead is located on the Loddon River with cafes, antiques and collectables, galleries and nearby wineries providing a genuine village feel.

The Newstead Community Plan identifies four areas of focus:
• Open spaces
• Dollars and Cents
• Community Life
• Bricks and Mortar

View the Newstead Community Plan

Taradale is a scenic town with walking trails linking historic landmarks including its magnificent 19th century railway viaduct.

Taradale community identified several points of significance:
• Business and communications
• Arts, crafts, culture and events
• Sustainability and skills
• Facilities and services
• Beautification

View the Taradale Community Action Plan