Push for better community engagement

16 Mar 2021

The Australian Rail Track Corporation (ARTC) must commit to better community engagement to decide the future design of the existing Anderson St Overpass and Euroa Railway Precinct.

This is the clear message coming from Strathbogie Shire Council, who is advocating for the community to be meaningfully involved in the decision.

In a letter to ARTC Chief Executive Officer Mark Campbell sent yesterday (March 11), Mayor Cr Chris Raeburn again urged the corporation to take a step back in the process.

“We are continuing to call on the ARTC to implement a deliberative engagement process that will allow our community to reach a group decision on the future design on the Euroa Railway Precinct,” Cr Raeburn said.

“We are seeking openness, honesty, and transparency.

“Our community is calling for ARTC to explore more design options. We are urging them to listen.”

Cr Sally-Hayes Burke said the recent resignation of five members of the Euroa Working Group meant it was now even more important that the ARTC used best practice engagement to involve the community is this important decision.

“Our community is concerned,” Cr Hayes-Burke said.

“We are too.

“The future of the Anderson St Overpass and the Euroa Railway Precinct will have a significant impact on our town’s future.

“This is an area of historical significance. We must ensure any future solution recognises, protects and promotes this.”

Cr Kristy Hourigan said Council was also concerned about the Euroa Community Sessions held this week (March 9 and 10).

“We are worried residents were not given enough notice to attend these important sessions,” Cr Hourigan said.

“Community input into the urban design framework is essential and we have urged the ARTC to provide our community with further opportunities to have their say.”

Read Council’s letter.

Sally-Kristy