Table of Contents - Nillumbik Shire Council

Hurstbridge Township Strategy• Need an overall theme for the town.• Need consistent signage throughout the town to improve the image of the townshipcentre - replace modern signage with similar signs for all commercial developments.• Powerlines are intrusive and a problem with established trees along the Main Road.Given the prohibitive cost of underground cabling need to review types of treesplanted along Main Road.• Better maintenance of garden areas outside shops is needed.• More consistent landscaping is required along the Main Road, particularly north ofAnzac Avenue.• Greater uniformity of street lighting and street furniture is required consistent withthe theme for Hurstbridge.• Paving materials are ad hoc throughout the township centre and surfacing of pathsshould be reviewed.• Use of the vacant land between the milk bar and antique shop would be a bonus tothe township centre if used as an outdoor cafe.• Retention of existing trees is important.• Review additional heritage sites for protection.• The perceived weakness of the town being too spread out could be turned into apositive by developing separate but linked precincts e.g. upper, lower, village etc.Community Values - Built EnvironmentMany of the values raised by the community in relation to the built environment arerelated to the existing character of the area. Some of the values expressed by thecommunity in reference to the built environment are:• residential development should be site responsive and should complement theexisting streetscape and townscape character;• design guidelines should be implemented to guide residential development;• maintenance and enhancement of streetscapes, particularly Main Road;• protection of heritage buildings and places;• well designed and consistent street tree planting and landscaping of Main Road toprovide greater continuity;• signage within the Main Road precinct should be consistent and should be controlledto minimise visual clutter;• new development should respect the existing streetscape character with regard toform, architecture and historic integrity of the streetscape;• design and provision of street furniture should be uniform along the street; and• inappropriate use and development should be discouraged in the Main Road where itwill impact on the visual amenity of the township centre.Comment on Draft Strategy – Built EnvironmentMost of the comments received in relation to the built environment relate specifically to theMain Road concept plans contained within the draft Strategy. Responses have generallybeen supportive of the proposed changes and the strategic directions contained within theEnvironment section of the Strategy.Nillumbik Shire Council – March 2002 26