Cobram 2025 Cobram Strategy Plan - Moira Shire Council

Cobram Strategy Plan
Final Report
3 Strategy Plan Philosophy
3.1 Settlement Vision
The vision for the Cobram Strategy Plan has been formed by a synthesis of good
urban design principles and a consideration of the relevant features that can be
utilised to create sustainable townships.
The Cobram Urban Design Framework was prepared in June 2006 and is
identified as a long term strategy which sets a vision and action strategies for the
enhancement of the Cobram town centre. This Framework has assisted in
informing this Strategy Plan.
The vision for Cobram in regard to its settlement strategy is:
“A sustainable and innovative environment that meets the needs of the
Cobram community through providing interactive neighbourhoods, safe open
space, connecting pathways, a vibrant business sector; encouraging
innovative building design; and recognising and valuing the natural
environment and heritage”.
3.2 Land Use Mix
A sustainable mix of land uses is proposed for the Cobram. It is the holistic
consideration of all existing conditions and issues as they relate to the study area
that has informed the vision and primary strategies for this Strategy Plan.
Cobram is fortunate to be structured with a clear division of its economic role of
industry and manufacturing, its business role as a service centre, its community
role as a housing provider and its recreation role around the river environs. There
are clear areas with distinct boundaries.
In this regard the historical distribution of land uses does not require restructuring.
The town centre areas should be pedestrian friendly and neighbourhood based.
Land identified in the longer term for industrial and associated uses should not be
located in close proximity to sensitive land uses such as residential or recreational
areas.
Those areas within Cobram that have been identified for future development
respond firstly to demand forecasts for both residential and industrial land uses,
and secondly to identified areas of environmental significance and identified
engineering constraints. For these reasons not all areas within the study area are
recommended to support land use change or development. The resultant
Strategy Plan recommends a sustainable area and mix of land uses, to service a
town that is experiencing a steady rate of economic and residential growth.
The concept of neighbourhood planning is endorsed within the Strategy Plan,
especially as Cobram continues to grow and the town centre increasingly focuses
upon a wider catchment rather than the town itself. Neighbourhood nodes
(incorporating local commercial, community and recreational facilities) are
© Coomes Consulting Group G:\13\131654\PL11 001 Strategy Plan Final Report.doc
page 11