Start of innovative Place Program to help shape Pomona

A trial of an innovative approach to placemaking to shape the future of Pomona has begun, with residents and those who work in the town urged to get involved. 

Council wants to hear what Pomona residents and workers like about their town and what they’d like to change.

Placemaking is a participatory process that harnesses the ideas and aspirations of the local community to help shape and implement a vision for the future.

“Council is trialling the concept in Pomona and if successful, the approach could be used to help guide how we understand and enhance the unique character of other towns and villages across the Shire,” Council’s Strategy and Environment Director, Kim Rawlings, said.

“Renowned for its charm and distinct identity, Pomona serves as the ideal testing ground for this pilot placemaking project.”

Project lead, Michelle Tucker, said Council wanted to hear what Pomona residents and workers like about their town and what they’d like to change.

“There are a range of fun and exciting ways to get involved between now and September 24, 2023, and the input we receive will help shape a Place Plan for Pomona,” Ms Tucker said.

Ms Rawlings said the plan will give Council a blueprint to secure Pomona's unique identity and prosperity for generations to come.”

Key objectives of the Pomona Place Plan include:

• Identifying the characteristics and values that make Pomona special.
• Establishing a shared vision for the town's future.
• Outlining actionable steps for implementation by Council, the community, and other stakeholders over the next decade.

The opportunities to provide input begin this Friday, August 25, and Saturday, August 26, with a Friday social gathering, sketching workshops, and a ‘walk-shop’ all happening in Pomona. Places are limited, so go to yoursay.noosa.qld.gov.au to secure a place.

“There will be plenty of other opportunities for the community to get involved over the coming weeks. Visit yoursay.noosa.qld.gov.au to keep up to date,” Ms Rawlings said.

Additionally, residents can participate by:

• Completing an online survey.
• Penning a heartfelt love letter to Pomona.
• Sharing your innovative idea to improve what makes Pomona special.

Everyone who takes part will go into the draw to win one of five Mastercard gift cards.

“This strategic initiative underscores Noosa Council's commitment to delivering sustainable social, cultural, economic, and environmental benefits to its diverse communities through collaborative, community-led place-based approaches and partnerships,” Ms Rawlings said.