The biggest single program Hume has undertaken since its inception in 1994 is the City Improvement Program. When Hume developed its current Corporate Plan it determined to take account of resident concerns identified by surveys. These indicated improving the appearance of the City and upgrading its footpaths as main community concerns.
Hence the City Improvement Program was developed to bring about major changes throughout the City. The Program includes projects to upgrade many of Hume’s parks, waterways and open spaces; highlighting various heritage features dotting the Hume landscape; a five year plan to reconstruct the City’s footpaths; improved road safety measures; installation and painting of street furniture; new signage; and eradication of litter ‘hotspots’.
Director Strategy and Organisational Development Frank Dixon said several facets of Hume needed to be emphasised to make the most of opportunities in the future.
“Hume is an important gateway City with a number of major roadways,” he said. “One of the most important tasks we had to do was present the entrances to Hume in a way which expressed the uniqueness of individual areas.
As an example he cited plans for the Sunbury gateway where landscaping works will include a wine barrel depicting the flourishing local viticulture industry. One of the Bulla’s roundabouts will be planted out with roses to reflect the nearby Alister Clark Memorial Rose Garden.
Likewise high profile public areas will be targeted to encourage local owners and occupiers to clean up and improve their properties and the City will wage a campaign to eliminate roadside debris.
Manager Infrastructure Planning David Runnalls said staging a regular clean up program in vulnerable areas gets the message across. “People are less inclined to do the wrong thing in a clean area,” he said.
Other activities will include banners and flagpoles proclaiming the City’s branding statement ‘Building a Future Together’, and planting of trees and work to highlight the many heritage features, such as the bluestone bridge across Jackson’s Creek in Sunbury.
In another intensive program, four neighbourhoods are being targeted for intensive consultation. Every household is being approached to identify their aspirations for the area and the improvements they would like to see made.
Not only will Council be carrying out work, it will be encouraging Hume residents themselves to undertake to improve the appearance of their own properties.
Other aspects of the intensive program include the Industrial Precinct Enhancement Program and the Improve Our City Day held in December.
