Protecting the valued rural lifestyle while planning for long-term population growth will be the focus of community consultation which begins today with the release of a discussion paper.
Acting Chairperson of the NT Planning Commission, Brendan Dowd, said an area plan for the Coolalinga/Freds Pass Rural Activity Centre would establish a range of housing types close to existing commercial and community services.
“By identifying appropriate areas for growth within the Activity Centre, we’re ensuring the efficient delivery of necessary infrastructure and community services while maintaining the amenity and lifestyle of the rural area,” he said.
Stage 1 of area planning for Coolalinga/Freds Pass will follow a similar path to recent consultation by the Commission in Howard Springs, with the sharing of information and ideas about how the Activity Centre could change into the future.
Feedback received during this stage will help the Commission to develop options for a draft area plan to take back to the community for comment later this year.
Mr Dowd said the public is invited to attend pop-up stalls, information sessions and community workshops around Coolalinga, Freds Pass, Howard Springs and Humpty Doo over the coming weeks.
“We will be at the Freds Pass Show on 13 – 14 May, where visitors to the Show are welcome to come and share their views about the future of this important rural Activity Centre,” Mr Dowd said.
Mr Dowd said the Commission would also be engaging with a community advisory group – including residents and Councillors from the Litchfield Council area - established by Litchfield Council specifically for the area plan.
“We would like to hear a range of views and ideas from interested people.
“I encourage residents, landowners, businesses and other users of Coolalinga/Freds Pass to become involved and contribute positively to the area-planning process, just as the Howard Springs community has recently done,” he concluded.
The discussion paper, as well as dates and times for stalls, sessions and workshops, are all available on the Commission’s website www.planningcommission.nt.gov.au. Submissions can be made online or by mail from now until 9 June.
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