Urban renewal is a constant and difficult challenge for Local Governments. By addressing this challenge, Hume City Council in Melbourne’s north, won a 2004 National Local Government Award for its innovative Better Living in Broadmeadows and Dallas Urban Renewal Project.
Hume Mayor, Councillor Mohamad Abbouche, is proud of Council’s achievements in urban renewal. “Council appreciates the commitment, creativity and contribution of all Council staff,” he said. Better Living in Dallas and Broadmeadows — Urban Renewal Plan is about creating a better life and a more prosperous future in one of the oldest suburban areas in the City of Hume. The plan identifies the potential of local areas for community and economic development and cultural enrichment, as well as the more obvious physical aspects of infrastructure renewal and improved community facilities.
The renewal of the Dallas Broadmeadows area is a massive challenge that will require action on several fronts over a long period.
To simplify the process, Council has broken down tasks into a manageable eight part action program, dealing not only with physical improvements of the area, but community life, education, technology and community health and wellbeing. These include an intensive street tree planting program that will initially target streets that carry the most traffic for residents to see immediate improvements.
“This will encourage residents to take pride in their own surroundings and motivate them to clean up their area,” said Economic Development Officer, Brett Luxford. “Merlynston Creek Linear Parkland will also be developed as a key community and recreational focus. A partnership with eight schools will provide ideas into master planning, assistance with maintenance, regular planting sessions, creation of art and sculptures and park naming competitions.”
Brett Luxford said the renewal project was also designed to develop affordable housing along under used parks.
“These houses will be close to parks, shops and schools,” he said.
Council also hopes to reduce poverty through the project by providing greater access to computers and knowledge and giving residents the ability to compete for jobs.
“Residents are being encouraged to participate in job training where they will learn vital life skills and be introduced to job network providers,” Brett Luxford said. “Improvements will be made at centres such as the Dallas shopping centre with immediate clean ups tackling rubbish dumping and cleanliness. Hume transport services will also be improved with services running more frequently and with better connections.”
For more details contact Economic Development Officer, Brett Luxford, on (03) 9205 2353.
