The Daylesford and Hepburn Springs township structure plan will protect and enhance the existing character of our townships and to guide appropriate growth and development through providing a planning framework for private land use to 2050.

Through community engagement, township structure plans will seek to develop a shared vision that protects what we value, improves liveability, and empowers the community to thrive.

Your feedback and input through community engagement alongside research will guide the development of this plan.

Phase One: Initial Community Engagement

The initial step was to capture the community's sentiments on six themes: Housing, business and economic development, transport connectivity, neighbourhood character and urban design, cultural heritage and biodiversity.

The Daylesford & Hepburn Springs conversation starter (May 2023) was released exploring these themes and from 17 May to 2 July 2023 surveys were conducted to understand your values and priorities for the town. Community Conversations were also held in each town offering the community the opportunity to find out more and share their views in person as well.

The results of both engagement activities are provided in Daylesford & Hepburn Springs structure plan engagement report (June 2023). This is the beginning of the process of informing and developing the township structure plans with the community's input.

THANK YOU to the 207 people that completed the survey and the 40 people who attended Community Conversations in both towns, across both engagement activities there were key elements of strong agreement amongst the community.

The rural feel of the townships and character were highly valued, and people would like Daylesford and Hepburn Springs to be a well-known for its history and heritage.

There were a range of views about development and growth and a desire to ensure growth does not spoil their towns.

When considering opportunities for improvement, key themes were;

You can read about all the findings in the Daylesford & Hepburn Springs structure plan engagement report

The next phase will be to further explore your priorities in the upcoming co design workshops in late October and early November.

In early 2024 your feedback alongside input from research and technical studies will shape the development of the draft township structure plan that will be released for public comment.

The final stage is adoption of these structure plans which is earmarked for mid 2024.

We encourage you to register for Council's e-newsletter Hepburn Life to receive updates on these activities.