Table of Contents - Nillumbik Shire Council

Hurstbridge Township StrategyMonash Bridge located on Arthurs Creek Road is both a significant historical feature andan essential access route for vehicles entering the township. Community response has beenvaried in regard to the value of the bridge as an access route worthy of retention in iscurrent form. Three options have been identified with regard to the bridge: retention in itscurrent form, an additional single lane bridge; and an additional dual lane bridge. Councilresolved to with hold a final decision on the preferred option until further consultation hasbeen carried out.. Further investigation of environmental impacts and transportimplications will be necessary.In terms of open space the Strategy identifies a major opportunity to link the open space ofFergusons Paddock with the town centre, reinforcing the rural character of Hurstbridgeand providing new recreation opportunities.SummaryThe key strategies identified for Hurstbridge are:• Planning for the conservation of the qualities of the township.• Protecting natural resources of soil, water, flora and fauna in an area that is criticalfor the maintenance of environmental quality.• Protecting the landscape and built character of the township.• Promoting economic development, particularly locally based employment, in retail,tourism and the service sector.• Ensuring residential development is in accordance with environmental capabilityand is coordinated with infrastructure provision.The Hurstbridge Township Strategy seeks to provide a basis for ensuring that land use,conservation and development that occurs in Hurstbridge contributes to the qualities of thetownship. In order to achieve the long term vision for the township it will be necessary totake a series of steps which incrementally build towards the desired future.The Strategy will be implemented in the following ways:• strategic - changes to the Nillumbik Municipal Strategic Statement, and potentiallyLocal Policies;• statutory - changes to the provisions of the new format Nillumbik Planning Scheme,made by way of an amendment;• advisory - use of the Strategy in giving advice to potential developers and thecommunity about appropriate land use and development in Hurstbridge;• investment - identifying location and type of preferred land use and development inHurstbridge;• capital works - guiding the type and location of capital works development andmaintenance in Hurstbridge; and• environmental management - coordinated with Council’s environmental worksprograms and interaction with environment groups and State Government agencies.Nillumbik Shire Council – March 2002viii