Community Feedback Guides Next Phase or CBD Streetscape Project

Southern Grampians Shire Council will progress to detailed design for the CBD Streetscape Revitalisation Project after adopting amended concept designs at last night’s ordinary Council meeting.

Following the release of updated concept designs in April 2026, residents shared their thoughts on what they valued, and what needed improvement. They also provided feedback on replacement tree species.

Southern Grampians Shire Council Mayor Dennis Heslin thanked the community for their feedback and strong interest in the project.

“We appreciate everyone who has contributed to this project so far,” said Cr Heslin. “After sharing the concept designs last year, we saw the need for changes. We listened, went back to the drawing board, and worked with architects to create something the community could be proud of.

“Feedback was largely positive. Residents liked the modern streetscape design, improved footpaths, more greenery, better accessibility, and a welcoming CBD. Some also valued the local character in the proposed materials.

“Further suggestions included improvements around parking, accessible parking, footpath durability, drainage, lighting, tree selections, and managing construction impacts on local businesses. These concerns will be addressed as Council moves into detailed design.”

The Project Advisory Group also supported the revised designs, highlighting the improvements over the original proposal. They emphasised keeping greenery in roundabouts and exploring more green infrastructure options like vertical greening.

The Noticeboard and Sheep artwork at the Commonwealth Bank corner will be included in the design plans with the final location of these elements to be determined during detailed design to allow flexibility for site conditions and surrounding context.

Additional requests included more bicycle parking, better recycling options, careful tree placement for visibility at intersections, and temporary shade solutions during tree establishment. Issues like parking meter arrangements and Council support for veranda reinstatement were also noted.

The consultant and Council officers have also been engaging with First Nations representatives to help inform and develop a Cultural Brief. This has included participation in Yarning Circle sessions, where key cultural values, themes, and design considerations were discussed. Feedback and cultural insights will be documented in the Cultural Design Brief and will continue to inform the design process.

Feedback from the Project Advisory Group, community, Council and staff has also informed some key design changes, including the removal of Australian native tree varieties and the use of Grampians Sandstone for seating and other secondary elements. Light bluestone is proposed for prominent civic areas, with dark bluestone to be used in intermediate areas to improve durability.

A preliminary cost plan has been prepared following a detailed review of the project scope, design requirements, materials and construction contingencies.

Night works have also been considered to reduce disruption to local businesses and road users, with early estimates suggesting they could increase construction costs by about 20%.

To help minimise these impacts, Council will use staged construction, appropriate traffic management, and consider after-hours or night works where affordable.

Council will now move into the detailed design phase, which will include continued stakeholder engagement, technical investigations as needed and the preparation of construction documentation.