2019 - 2024 Contents
1 OUYEN COMMUNITY PLAN Message from Chairman
I am pleased to present the Ouyen Community Plan Working Group for 20 years of consistently striving and Community Planning Strategy for 2019 - 2024. for success in this project. We have a unique social This encompasses 75 years of research and history dynamic and ability to be self-sustainable with limited from 1944 to 2019 and is a reflection of the hard work, resources, support, or professional expertise. dedication and persistence of the community who I hope you enjoy reading and this gives further insight consistently volunteer time and energy to drive our into the progress we have made as an organization priorities. that represents the emerging interests of the Over the past 21 years Ouyen Inc. have formed community. extensive long-term partnerships with stakeholders, I would like to thank Ouyen Inc and Mildura Rural industry and community groups. This has included City Council Project Officer Cassey Gloster for the Mildura Rural City Council, Mallee Track Health and development of this document. We also thank the Community Services, private enterprise, State and Ouyen Service Centre for the support in assisting Federal Government. Our partnerships are our with the everyday functions of the committee and the greatest resource and this has enabled us to shape our integral service provided to Mallee Track communities. future and surpass various challenges.
Notably, in October 2018 the Ouyen Recreational Scott Anderson Lake was formally opened and was attended by 3,000 Ouyen Inc Chairman people who enjoyed the fireworks, music and ‘catching up’ with friends and family. This is a monumental accomplishment and we are proud of the Ouyen Lake
COMMUNITY WELLBEING
CONNECTING OUR OUR REGION ENVIRONMENT
OUR FUTURE PRIORITIES
LEADERSHIP STRONG LOCAL AND ECONOMY GOVERNANCE STRATEGIC OUTCOMES
2 OUYEN COMMUNITY PLAN Ouyen ‘A Town Of Choice’
ABOUT OUYEN History The Ouyen community is situated in the Rural City of Mildura at the intersection of the Calder Highway and Mallee Highway, 105 kilometres south of Mildura, 441 km north-west of Melbourne and 400km east of Adelaide. The area was first occupied by the Wergaia Aborigine’s which some believe means ‘pink-eared duck’ and others To provide the claim it refers to ‘ghost waterhole’. vision, direction, Ouyen was first settled in the early 1900’s around the Ouyen Railway Station and historically the major economic input has been leadership and agriculture with a particular focus on dryland cropping and prime unity to create a lamb production. However in recent years, health services, mining, dynamic future for tourism, retail, and education have provided increased levels of local employment. Ouyen.
Ouyen expects to continue to be an important service centre because of its strategic location, located on the intersection of two major highways and some distance from major cities. There is abundant evidence of best practice in community-based small town self-reliance in Ouyen’s streetscapes, festivals, strong local retail sector, dedicated volunteer base, success in attracting key infrastructure, and dynamic local progress association Ouyen Inc.
OUYEN
CALDER HWY
Henderson St
Harold St
Ritchie St
Johnson St Weir St
Walsh Laneway
Fox Laneway Darkers St
Scott St
Rowe St
Oke St
GREGORY ST MALLEE HWY
Clay Ave
Nihill St OUYEN SERVICE CENTRE
MALLEE TRACK HEALTH AND COMMUNITY SERVICE (MTHCS)
OUYEN LAKE
TOWN CENTRE
OUYEN P-12 COLLEGE
3 OUYEN COMMUNITY PLAN POPULATION At the 2011 census Ouyen had a population of 1,085. The 2016 census recorded 1,293 (2016) usual residents. The median age of residents was 53 years and children aged 0 - 14 years made up 13.9% of the population and people aged 65 years and over made up 29.9%.
Over 40.3% of people participated and/or completed voluntary work through an organisation or a group which is double the state average, whilst the unemployment rate of 23.35% was slightly higher than the state average and 49% of people who were employed worked 40 or more hours per week, which is 6.6% higher than the state average.
Major industries for employment include grain and sheep farming, health services, primary and secondary education, local government, trade, laborers, machinery operators and/or drivers and retail workers.
*Census Data Code POA3490 (POA)
49% 1,293 employed worked Volunteers Ouyen population 2016 40 or more hours 40.3% 53 per week Median age
OUYEN INC VISION To provide vision, direction, leadership and unity to create a dynamic future for Ouyen.
4 OUYEN COMMUNITY PLAN Introduction
The first Ouyen Community Plan and was initiated in 2008 and a subsequent review commenced in 2017. In 2018 Ouyen Inc approached Mildura Rural City Council to assist with the development of a new and innovative plan and community planning strategy that would develop existing and future projects.
The residents of the Ouyen and district communities are highly engaged in issues relating to the community and participated in focus groups, open meetings, 1 on 1 interviews, online/hard copy surveys and group sessions. Data was collected during the Advancing Country Towns project from 2011-2017 and included several consultation sessions with community members, advisory groups, and project groups, stakeholders. In October 2017 Ouyen Inc held further small intensive group discussions with 19 willing DEVELOPING THE OUYEN community members to determine the relevance of previous findings and determine if there were any new COMMUNITY PLAN or emerging trends. This is the second community plan for the Ouyen Community covering a period of 2008 – 2024 with a strong strategic focus on long term sustainability, ABOUT OUYEN INC strategic collaboration and many notable achievements Ouyen Inc is a voluntary incorporated community since implementation in 2008. organisation, establishing on 3 December 1997, represented by community elected individuals who In 1988 Ouyen had previously been selected for bring a range of views seeking economic and social inclusion in the 1988 small towns study as an example development for the community of Ouyen. The of a small towns with a dry-farm rural base. It was purpose and functions is to provide vision, direction, also noted that Ouyen was an important rural service leadership and unity to create a dynamic future for centre iv, and was also a key element to the Victorian Ouyen. Governments Rural Futures Initiative 2008 (RFI) that had a strong focus on proactively responding to pressures Membership is open to all members of the Ouyen and in change. v district community that reside or own a property in the within the Mildura Rural City Council. The Ouyen Community Plan continues to be recognized as the community’s strategic planning document for Ouyen Inc works closely with many stakeholders the implementation of projects and services in the including the Mildura Rural City Council. community. This will support the delivery of high quality, efficient and effective projects, programs and Ouyen Inc strive to provide opportunities for all services, and improved outcomes. residents and visitors.
5 OUYEN COMMUNITY PLAN Our 10 Key Themes
THE COMMUNITY PLAN IS PLANNED AND EXECUTED UNDER 10 KEY THEMES:
Connecting Our Our Values 01 06 Region
Leadership and Our Vision 02 07 Governance
Community Protecting Our 03 Wellbeing 08 History
Protecting Our 04 Natural Environment 09 Our Concerns
Building a Strong 05 Local Economy 10 Project Action Plan
6 OUYEN COMMUNITY PLAN Achievements to date:
The Ouyen community have successfully achieved the Ouyen Regional Sale Yard following: Ouyen High Tech Truck Wash Ouyen Recreational Lake Mildura Rural City Council Kiamal Solar Farm ‘Project of the Year 2019’ Community Engagement Project (OP-12) Advancing Country Towns Project Ouyen P-12 Amalgamation Ouyen Recreational Lake Project Ouyen Community Club Resilient Services Project Iluka Mines Brigade Sustainability Pilot Ouyen United and Walpeup Underbool Football Mallee Research Station Business Case and Netball Club Merger Independent Living Business Case Ouyen Recreational Ground Upgrade Keeping Kids Connected Development of 2nd Recreation Reserve Football Oval Roxy Theatre ‘Mallee Up in Lights’ Ouyen Netball Courts Lighting Project Roxy Theatre Storage Project Ouyen Men’s Shed Ouyen Visitors Information Centre Redevelopment of the Ouyen netball courts and Ouyen Community Engagement Project lighting Oke Street Lighting Project Ouyen P-12 Mentoring Program Ouyen IGA Supermarket Upgrade Doctors in Secondary Schools Program Resurfacing of the Ouyen Railway Bridge Railway Crossing Murray Basin Rail Project Rail Sidings Rapid Appraisal
Events:
Mallee Root Festival Ouyen Pacing Cup Ouyen Farmers Festival Ouyen Traders Christmas Ouyen Mothers Day Classic Ouyen Anglers Fishing Competition Ouyen Mini Rowing Regatta MTHCS Christmas Celebration Ouyen Débutante Ball Ouyen Sporting Events - tennis, basketball, netball, football, bowls
7 OUYEN COMMUNITY PLAN Our Priorities
01. OUR VALUES 03. COMMUNITY WELLBEING Ouyen is a well connected, welcoming, Activities and initiatives that produce inclusive and family friendly community. vibrant towns and regions with a rich
Our community values are: history, a safe and healthy community, and a strong sense of community Well connected, family friendly and welcoming pride. community This includes a focus on: New communities members are welcomed and are able to connect Economic, recreational and social development Safe, friendly and diversity of people and interests Emergency Services Warm weather, peaceful and quiet Sporting / non sporting events, activities and Access to high quality health and wellbeing facilities services Family day care and supported playgroups Access to sporting clubs and facilities Early, Primary and Secondary education Ouyen Recreational Lake development Youth services Education and employment opportunities Aged care services Attractive streetscapes and town entrances Well maintained parks & gardens Quality Infrastructure and assets that are well Clean and safe public amenities managed, used and maintained Ouyen Recreational Lake for social, boating and Low density and affordable housing fishing activities Swimming pools for training, water safety programs, school carnivals and competitions 02. OUR VISION Community halls & buildings The vision for Ouyen is a place where Animal Control there is: Heritage Advocacy, innovation and support to grow jobs Libraries and attract visitors Promote existing commercial and new industrial development opportunities 04. PROTECTING OUR Projects that capture tourism and local spend NATURAL ENVIRONMENT Attract new and middle-aged families to community Working towards conserving and Integrated, innovative and local health, wellbeing promoting the natural beauty of our and community services region. Collective impact framework to bring together This includes a focus on: government and community Residential and recreational water supply Placed based funding from Local, State and Drainage management Federal Government to deliver services locally Environmental initiatives Professional employment opportunities for Recycling residents Energy efficiency Local educational opportunities Sewerage management High speed internet services Waste facilities & services Shop buildings occupied, and local businesses supported Biodiversity & natural heritage Clean and tidy town appearance Noxious weeds
8 OUYEN COMMUNITY PLAN 05. BUILDING A STRONG LOCAL ECONOMY Supporting the development of a prosperous and diversified economy delivering lifestyle benefits to the community through employment, income and sustainable economic growth.
This includes a focus on: Tourism Economic infrastructure and diversity (i.e. industry) Employment opportunities Business support Attracting new residents Major events Education & skills Placed based investment Marketing & promotion Quality services
06. CONNECTING OUR REGION Focusing on linking our towns and connecting our region to larger cities.
This includes a focus on: Partnerships with outlying Mallee Track communities Quote? – Including Walpeup, Underbool, Torrita, Linga, Boinka, Tutye, Cowangie, Murrayville, Carina, Panitya, Mittyack, Kulwin, Hattah, Patchewollock and neighboring communities Service integration and collective impact Quality road network and transport services High quality and fast speed communication networks Placed based projects and funding supported by Local, State and Federal Government Bike paths & walkways Public transporting including rail, bus and taxi
9 OUYEN COMMUNITY PLAN Quote?
09. OUR CONCERNS The community is impacted by a number of concerns and challenges. Concerns that were highlighted: Gap between rural community and urban policy (red-tape) Isolation from larger cities Limited access and funding to deliver specialist 07. LEADERSHIP AND and health services including, prenatal, antenatal and post-natal support, maternal child health, GOVERNANCE mental health and 24 hour emergency care Ensuring a strong Local and State services Government that is representative of Attracting and retaining GP’s our unique community and effective in Limited access to entertainment, sporting, non- meeting the needs of the community. sporting and youth activities This includes a focus on: Government support for future economic development High level public participation, communication, Lack of younger and middle aged families consultation and engagement Aging and declining population Expertise for strategic delivery of initiatives and projects Volunteer burnout and changing patterns of volunteerismvi Participation in council decision making Limited access to public transport Governance Poor and unreliable phone and internet service Advocacy Lack of non-sporting activities Access to grant funding Lack of independent living accommodation for the Need to form partnerships with Local, State and elderly Federal Government to strategically integrate services and for Ouyen Inc to deliver projects and programs on Lack of investment and service coordination to a placed based basis. meet local priority Limited career and educational opportunities High quality roads and footpaths 08 PROTECTING OUR HISTORY Better storm water and drainage management Maintenance of local infrastructure and History Resource Centre beatification of public spaces XXXX Bushfire threat
10 OUYEN COMMUNITY PLAN 10. PROJECT ACTION PLAN Below is a list of the projects that the community identified as part of the planning process.
Project Description Next steps/Actions Partners
OUYEN LAKE PROJECT STAGE 3 1. Investigate and determine project Ouyen Inc scope, objectives, forecast costing, to provide accommodation to generate budget and implementation. GWMWater income for long term sustainability. 2. Consultation with local businesses MRCC Second amenities facilities, play equipment, 3. Seek quotations Community aquatic storage facility, BBQ area, and 4. Funding strategy heritage display. Refer to business case here: Ouyen Recreational Lake Business Case
INDEPENDENT LIVING VILLAGE 1. Stakeholder consultation Ouyen Inc with purpose built aged independent living 2. Further business model generation MTHCS units and facility in Ouyen. and planning MRCC 3. Acquire old Ouyen Primary School site Community 4. Design specifications 5. Funding strategy Refer to business case here: Ouyen Independent Living Village Business Case
INTERMODAL TERMINAL 1. Confirm stakeholders, volume of Ouyen Inc freight, and identification of potential Freight terminal at Ouyen Rail Yards to lower terminal operators Private Enterprise transport costs for local containerised export commodities, increase employment, reduced 2. Business Case VicTrack road damage, accidents, and congestion. 3. Vic Track, Community and private Community enterprise consultation Refer to Rapid Appraisal here; Ouyen Intermodal Terminal Rapid Appraisal HEALTH SERVICES FACILITY 1. Investigate and determine project MTHCS UPGRADE scope, objectives, forecast costing, budget and implementation. Ouyen Inc Enhance allied health services by developing a fit for purpose facility and expansion that Mallee Track Health and Community will improve the quality of the service. Services Strategic Plan 2018 - 2023 SERVICE INTEGRATION MTHCS Integrate and expand the maternal child MRCC health and ….? Further funding to expand existing and new services
YOUTH SERVICES / ACTIVITIES 1. Regular consultation to facilitate and Ouyen Inc deliver project to support youth in Community Engagement Project Ouyen P-12 future employment opportunities Youth
11 OUYEN COMMUNITY PLAN Project Description Next steps/Actions Partners
COMMUNITY EVENTS 1. Ongoing consultation with Ouyen Inc community groups to ensure funding Mallee Root Festival Committees opportunities are available and Ouyen Farmers Festival suitable strategic planning is provided Community Ouyen Pacing Cup to expand capacity Other OUYEN RECREATIONAL GROUND 1. Develop brief for design works Ouyen United Kanga Football and URBAN TO RURAL WATER PROJECT 2. Seek funding to develop design Netball Club Convert urban supply to rural water reduce specifications cost to community group and Mildura Rural 3. Seek quotations MRCC City Council 4. Funding strategy and submissions GWMWater
INDUSTRY/EMPLOYMENT/ 1. Further community consultation and Ouyen Inc engagement with key partners ECONOMICS Private enterprise Abattoirs Solar OUYEN GOLF CLUB UPGRADE AND 1. Design specifications for disability Ouyen Tennis / access bathroom facility and outdoor Golf Club DISABILITY ACCESS PROJECT area Inclusive of exterior veranda, building and Ouyen Inc amenities upgrade. 2. Quotations MRCC 3. Funding strategy and submission
OUYEN TENNIS CLUB SYNTHETIC 1. Design specifications Ouyen/Golf Tennis Club TURF PROJECT 2. Quotations Replace the existing grass surface with a low State and Federal 3. Funding strategy and submissions maintenance and long-term cost effective Government synthetic surface. MRCC
OUYEN AIRSTRIP EXPANSION AND 1. Reform project group to lead project Ouyen Inc UPGRADE 2. Identify and consult with specialists in State and Federal Night time landing restrictions. Inclusive aviation field Government of widening the existing runway, sealing, 3. Investigate planning and engineering MRCC install a pilot/passenger holding building, car requirements parking and footpaths. 4. Design specifications Emergency Services 5. Funding strategy and submission
OUYEN BOWLS CLUB ARTIFICIAL 1. Planning, quotes and funding Ouyen Bowls Club submissions TURF AND BUILDING UPGRADE Ouyen Recreational PROJECT Reserve Replace the existing grass surface with a low State and Federal maintenance and long-term cost effective Government synthetic green. MRCC
OUYEN GOLF COURSE IRRIGATION 1. Planning, quotes and funding Ouyen Inc submission SYSTEM UPGRADE PROJECT Ouyen Tennis and Bowls Club OUYEN ROXY THEATRE SHIPPING 1. Complete Shipping Container Storage Ouyen Roxy Project Theatre CONTAINER, REAR ACCESS AND Incorporated GREEN ROOM 2. Rear access and green room design specifications Ouyen Inc 3. Funding strategy and submission
12 OUYEN COMMUNITY PLAN Project Description Next steps/Actions Partners
OUYEN SOLAR PROJECT 1. Complete construction Total Eren Refer to website here: Ouyen Inc https://kiamalsolarfarm.com.au/ Other private investors and companies COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT 1. Ongoing annual program Ouyen Inc PROJECT Refer to website here: Iluka http://www.ouyen.vic.au/community- plan/
OUYEN MALLEE MOTORCYCLE 1. Quotes and funding submissions OMMC CLUB PROJECT Ouyen Inc Provide the safety and portable equipment to run events.
PUBLIC TRANSPORT 1. Ongoing consultation with local Ouyen Inc Passenger Rail and Taxi member.
ADVISORY GROUP PARTNERSHIPS 1. Partner with outlying communities on All future projects to enhance long term sustainability.
OUYEN TOURISM PROJECT 1. Establish Working Group Ouyen Inc Tourist attraction located around the Ouyen 2. Develop scope MRCC VRI Hall and Railways inclusive of a Hall of FAME/Discovery Centre 3. Preliminary costings MRD ‘Mile of Machinery’ display located at town 4. Operational analysis Community entrances points displaying farming history 5. Strategic plan / mini business case Cycling and driving trail linking Patchewollock with interactive QR Code System to access local history
OUYEN COMMUNITY GYMNASIUM 1. Establish sub group / working group Ouyen Inc Create a 24 hours community owned gym 2. Research similar models Sporting Groups that can be utilised by the community to run fitness, health and wellbeing programs, 3. Identify need and local sporting MRCC personal training, group fitness and training groups and programs classes, offer quality equipment and a MTHCS children play centre. 4. Investigate suitable locations Community 5. Preliminary costings 6. Operational analysis 7. Business Case 8. Funding strategy and grant submissions
*Source: Ouyen Community Plan Survey Data 2017
13 OUYEN COMMUNITY PLAN Other Projects / Initiatives
BELOW IS A LIST OF THE OTHER PROJECTS AND INITIATIVES THAT THE COMMUNITY IDENTIFIED. Placed based funding for services Better maintained streetscapes and roads Beautify access points to town High quality and fast speed internet service Service integration and collective impact Tourism plan Emergency Services UHF repeater Car wash Laundromat
14 OUYEN COMMUNITY PLAN Contact us
Ouyen Inc Mildura Rural City Council www.ouyen.vic.au www.mildura.vic.gov.au Email: [email protected] (03) 5018 8100 Telephone: (03) 5018 8100 Postal address: PO BOX 168, Ouyen Victoria 3490 Mallee Track Health & Community Services For speech or hearing impaired: www.mthcs.com.au/ National Relay Service TTY 13 36 77 (03) 5092 1111 Speak and Listen 1300 555 727
Acknowledgments
Thank you to Scott Anderson as Chairperson of Ouyen Inc, Cassey Gloster from Mildura Rural City Council and those who provided insight, thoughts and ideas throughout the development of the Ouyen Community Plan 2019 -2024.
A special thanks to photographers Philip Down and Kerry E Whitelegg for the amazing photographs we have exhibited throughout the document.
References i. Dr Robyn Eversole, Program Director, Regional Development, RMIT University, Hamilton, pg 121 ii. Ouyen Inc Business and Strategic Plan 2011 -2015, pg 7 iii. Ouyen Incorporated Rules, Constitution 1997 iv. Dr Robyn Eversole, Program Director, Regional Development, RMIT University, Hamilton, pg 121 v. Ouyen – Town of Choice Community Plan 2008, pg 4 vi. Resilient Service Project 2014
The Ouyen Community Plan was developed by Project Manager, Cassey Gloster on behalf of partners Ouyen Inc. and Mildura Rural City Council.
15 OUYEN COMMUNITY PLAN This community plan was developed by the community of Ouyen in collaboration with:
The final plan was endorsed by Mildura Rural City Council on XXXX