By Seamus Smith, President of the Village Township Group

Many would recall the extensive community consultation in 2013 to create the Ferntree Gully Village Structure Plan that was adopted by Knox Council in 2014.

Fast forward 11 years and of the 21 strategies and 74 objectives, none have been implemented.

The Village Township Group recently revisited this Structure Plan with members of the community, with background and an overview provided by former Dobson Ward Councillor and Mayor, Karin Orpen.

It was evident that the vision of building designs specified in the Structure Plan to ‘encourage development to provide varied rooflines to reflect the landform of the Dandenong Ranges’ and ‘develop Ferntree Gully Village’ to ‘respond sensitively to its setting in the foothills’ is not being captured as demonstrated with recent building approvals.

Add to this the state of some areas of the shopping precinct and land banking by developers devoid of any appetite for improvements, and it appears that the future of this Village is at the crossroads. This is disappointing given its unique location nestled at the foothills, off main roads and its amazing businesses that know your name and make you feel so welcome.

Knox Council also purchased several shops and land in the Village in 2017. What are the plans for this acquisition on behalf of the ratepayers of Knox, and our Village?

The Township Group met with council staff in December and have not yet received any responses to matters raised regarding the Village. We have written again to the Chief Executive Officer requesting responses.

The Township meeting held recently to review the lack of progress of the Structure Plan also posed some questions for us all:

• The Strategies and Objectives of the adopted Structure Plan have not been addressed – why?
• 11 years on, is it time to revisit the Structure Plan?
• Is the Village vibe still relevant?
• What are your ideas for our area?

We would love to hear your thoughts: villagetownshipgroup.ftg@gmail.com

More ideas for the Future of Ferntree Gully Village here.