MRCA Submission on Michelago Masterplan.Pdf
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MICHELAGO REGION COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION SUBMISSION prepared as input to the Michelago Masterplan Michelago Region Community Association (MRCA) thanks the Snowy Monaro Regional Council (SMRC) for the opportunity to provide input to the proposed Michelago Masterplan. MRCA comments on the Michelago Masterplan The Michelago Region Community Association (MRCA) welcomes the announcement that Council will develop a Masterplan for the future growth and development of Michelago. This is something the Michelago and region community has been requesting for over a decade, and the community is keen to participate in its development. We agree that a Masterplan is essential to protect the character and historical values of Michelago and region, and look forward to working with the Council to ensure it reflects the community’s vision. We note that the Draft Settlements Strategy (DSS) states that the timeframe for the Masterplan is ‘short’ [table p 17], and that it will take place following the completion of the Michelago Water and Waste Water Options Study currently being undertaken by Council. We understand that this study has been completed. However, this document has not yet been made public, and we look forward to the opportunity to comment on it. The ‘boundary’ of the village / town in the proposed Masterplan, referred to by Council representatives at the last consultation with residents, has not been defined. There were many questions about this at the consultation, given varying zoning conditions. We look forward to clarification. MRCA initial input into the development of a Michelago Masterplan Michelago has grown in an unplanned, ad hoc manner over recent decades and the time is right for this growth to be planned and managed in a sustainable way that retains our village identity. We look forward to Council’s increasing interest in our community. The prospects of further growth appear to be strong, given the village’s proximity to Canberra. In addition Australia’s experience with COVID-19 has stimulated population movement out of cities into regional areas. A strategic plan to guide the development of the village is needed urgently so it is not left solely to the discretion of large developers or landholders. The MRCA supports growth in the number of residents in Michelago on the proviso that growth is accompanied by investment in infrastructure and services. 2 Points detailing community input on aspects of growth follow, viz. infrastructure and services, recreational facilities, heritage priorities, employment opportunities and services, development conditions. Infrastructure and Services The following is a list of infrastructure and services that the residents of Michelago and the surrounding region have suggested should be included in the future planning of Michelago: ● Connection of Micalago Road to Ryrie Street via a bridge or causeway ○ this is a fundamental necessity for the village ● Sealed roads such as Micalago Road, Tinderry Road, Burra Road ● A new road that connects St Patrick’s Catholic Church to the village so that the dangerous highway entry can be closed ● Better and more footpaths in the village ● A public square where the community can meet. ● Better flood management in the village ● Proper waste collection facilities for the Michelago region ● A public road to the Murrumbidgee River that is accessible by car ● Refurbishment of the railway line from Queanbeyan to Michelago for commuter trains and establishment of a rail trail from Michelago to Bombala. Recreational facilities Currently, Michelago has few recreational facilities (tennis courts, cricket oval), and some are difficult to access (the pony club is not accessible without a horse float). The following recreational facilities would be desirable: ● A showground accommodating: ○ a football field ○ pony club facilities ● Picnic and bushwalking facilities in the Tinderry Mountains ● Outdoor BBQ facilities with lighting, for community use ● Other sporting facilities, for example: ○ a basketball court ○ a skateboard park ○ a pump track for bicycles ○ outdoor exercise stations at the oval ○ a swimming pool. 3 Heritage priorities Maintenance and protection of our heritage buildings are a priority, in particular: ● St Patrick’s Catholic church ● St Thomas’ Anglican church ● the Historic Michelago Railway Station precinct, and ● the railway bridge over Micalago Road. Employment opportunities and services The village has limited retail and hospitality venues and few essential services. The introduction of services could commence on a part-time basis. These have been suggested by our community: ● retirement village ● preschool ● medical facilities eg pharmacy and GP ● licensed restaurant ● public bar ● arts and craft precinct ● farmers’ market precinct MRCA supports the development of Michelago on the proviso that the development complies with the following conditions. 1. Michelago must maintain its rural charm and should not be built out or surrounded by high density housing or by townships that look like Googong with houses cheek by jowl on very small blocks. o Block sizes immediately surrounding the village should be a minimum of half an acre in size, increasing to, say, 10 acres in the surrounding areas. 2. The main thoroughfare through Michelago should continue to incorporate Ryrie Street through to Burra Road at one end and through to Micalago Road at the other. o Maintain the centre of the village in the area of the current general store, fire station and railway station, and not create satellite centres in new development areas. 3. The current infrastructure in Michelago needs to be provided with room for expansion. o For example the Michelago Primary School cannot sustain expansion with its current land size, so it is essential that land surrounding the school be set aside for this purpose. 4. More jobs should be created for residents of Michelago in tourism and hospitality businesses which are able to utilise the scenic beauty of the Michelago valley and surrounding mountains. 4 5. Growth in rates revenue received by the Snowy Monaro Regional Council should be invested in services and infrastructure for the Michelago region. 6. Developers’ fees should also be invested in the infrastructure and services prioritised by the residents of Michelago and surrounding region. 7. Residents of the village or town of Michelago are offered equitable treatment in the provision and accessibility of services and infrastructure. o That is, we do not want to see old Michelago neglected while a new Michelago receives all the services. 8. The development of Michelago takes place in an environmentally sustainable manner, emphasising efficient use of energy and water, opportunities for recycling and the avoidance of the heat-island effect from an expanse of dark roofs. 9. A rail trail is supported only if: o the railway tracks and other rail infrastructure in the Michelago rail precinct are retained, from the intersection of the line with Burra Road, extending to and including the railway bridge over Micalago Road, and o the existing rail corridor from Queanbeyan to Bombala remains available for the NSW Government or other parties to fully utilise should a decision be made to reintroduce passenger, freight or tourist trains in the future. 5 .