Council to pilot placemaking initiative

Noosa Council is set to launch a new placemaking pilot trial in the hinterland town of Pomona. 

Pomona has been chosen as the location for Council's placemaking pilot trial.

“This initiative continues our investment in the hinterland, and our commitment to supporting and enhancing the unique character and charm of Noosa's diverse communities,” Mayor Clare Stewart said.

A place-based approach to planning looks to build on a community’s unique connections to a place, and the location’s values with a focus on creating vibrant, welcoming, and inclusive communities and public spaces.

“We will be working closely with residents, businesses, and other stakeholders – the people who live, work and play in Pomona – to identify and enhance the town’s unique assets and attributes that create a sense of place, liveability, and social connections.”

Environment and Sustainable Development Director, Kim Rawlings, said placemaking was about putting people at the centre of Council’s planning and design process. 

“By working together to enhance the qualities people love about their communities, we can create more attractive, functional, and inclusive environments that support the social, cultural, and economic well-being of everyone who lives, works, and visits our region."

Pomona’s size, strong community and business leadership, community buy-in, and the fact it has experienced change during the pandemic, including population turnover and increased tourism, all made it a good candidate for a placemaking trial.

“There are also a number of planned and resourced projects for Pomona which could be incorporated into the pilot. Plus, the village is of a size and scale to allow for meaningful monitoring and evaluation of outcomes.”

The pilot may involve a range of initiatives, with a focus on creating positive economic, environmental and social outcomes such as more targeted community services, street activation, improved pedestrian connectivity, and greater village amenity.

“These initiatives will be informed by community participation and will be designed to support the town's unique character and identity,” Ms Rawlings said.

“We look forward to the learnings from this pilot which will potentially inform further placemaking programs for our other towns and villages,” Mayor Stewart added. 

Cr Stewart said Council would begin developing the next steps in coming months, including establishing a vision and action plan in consultation with the Pomona community.