Add another 12,000 people to Warrnambool’s population and what would life in the city be like?
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It’s a question only a crystal ball could answer. Wrong.
Warrnambool City Council wants residents to voice their aspirations for the city as part of a new strategy called Warrnambool 2040. The strategy will shape how the city develops over the next 20 or so years.
Instead of just getting to 2040 and thinking ‘why has our city developed like this?’, residents can now determine the direction.
We all need to ask ourselves why we live where we do, what aspects we want to retain in a bigger, thriving city and what elements we would like to add to Warrnambool.
Traffic movement is smooth enough in 2017 but compared with 1997 or even 1987, it’s more congested.
But we don’t have the traffic snarls that clog other regional cities, our peak hour is more a peak 30 minutes at the Mortlake Road roundabout each morning and night and multiple car trips here and there are part of everyday life. A trip to the supermarket in some cities is a major logistical exercise, but not in Warrnambool.
We are so fortunate we live in a seven-minute city – everything is accessible within seven minutes – the beach, sporting facilities, shops, schools, workplaces.
This aspect of our lifestyle is one we should fight to retain through smart planning, increased public transport services and bike/walking trails.
It will be intriguing to see the value residents put on this element when the council collates survey results and comments.
Of course we will want to maintain our coastal environment. But do we want it improved? How can we improve it, what opportunities exist for adding infrastructure to the foreshore area without hurting the natural beauty?
Do we want the breakwater area to become a marina with shops and apartments? Do we want the area between Viaduct Road and Lady Bay transformed into public parkland and a meeting place where families, friends can socialise while looking out across the ocean?
Do we want Warrnambool to be a thriving, buzzing metropolis or will we retain something of a laid-back city feel?
We all need to take time out of busy schedules to promote our ideal city of the future. Future generations are counting on us.
