Changes expected for next Central Highlands consultation

THE first public consultation about the future of the Central Highlands forest occurred in Marysville, on Tuesday, April 23.

The interim report was released in December 2023, and the final report is due in July this year, causing many to question whether the thoughts and opinions of Murrindindi Shire residents will be factored in at all.

At the Marysville session, held at the Marysville Community Centre, there was no introduction by officials and people were simply asked to visit each of three tables and write their answer to set questions on a sticky note and place them on a map.

There appeared to be only two officials wearing a name tag, so they were not…..

Overall, the event was disappointing and many locals simply walked out.

The panel received feedback from the Marysville community regarding the drop-in session that was held on Tuesday, April 23 directly at a targeted meeting with key Marysville stakeholder community representatives the following morning.

This feedback has been taken on board and changes are being made for future sessions, as well as follow up conversations.

Despite the lacklustre methodology being used for the Marysville consultation, it appears that there will be a change at the Alexandra consultation, and local residents in the shire are strongly advised to attend the meeting, to be held in the Alexandra Shire Hall on Monday, May 6 from 6 to 8pm, or to provide feedback via engage.vic.gov.au/central-highlands-forests

The following questions were asked of Karen Cain, chair of the Eminent Panel:

Will the consultation in Alexandra be run with the….

Image: Freepik.com

Read the complete list of questions asked during the event and the response in tomorrow’s edition of Alexandra Standard and Yea Chronicle.