Alpine Shire Council invites community submissions to the draft Alpine Shire Neighbourhood Character Strategy, a document that, once implemented, will inform the assessment of future planning applications in residential areas of Alpine Shire.
The Neighbourhood Character Strategy will also inform future strategic planning work across the four Service Towns of Bright, Mount Beauty/Tawonga South, Myrtleford, and Porepunkah to support the protection and enhancement of the preferred neighbourhood character now and into the future.
Service Towns are towns that are connected to reticulated water and wastewater services, which will cater for the majority of Alpine Shire's future housing needs.
Alpine Shire Mayor, Cr Sarah Nicholas, said that the Neighbourhood Character Strategy assists Council's efforts to ensure that future residential development reflects the preferred character of Alpine Shire's communities.
"We know that one of the many reasons people choose to live in this region is because of the beautiful ambience of the area, which includes the ways that residential areas look and feel," she said.
"This is your opportunity to tell us what is important to you about our townships as they continue to grow and adapt."
This final call for community feedback follows on from a comprehensive engagement period in 2024, where members of the public were invited to have their say on the pre-draft consultation material. This engagement included an online survey available on Engage Alpine, hard-copy surveys available at Council facilities, and four in-person drop-in sessions across the Service Towns.
Cr Nicholas extended her appreciation to every person who took the time to fill out the survey or have their say in person.
"This will be a great opportunity for members of our communities to shape the Neighbourhood Character Strategy before a final document is considered by Council," she said.
"If you would like to help shape the look and feel of our residential areas into the future, I encourage you to take advantage of this opportunity to have your say."
Community members can view the draft Neighbourhood Character Strategy online by visiting Engage Alpine: https://engage.alpineshire.vic.gov.au/neighbourhood-character-strategy
There are also opportunities to contribute in person by visiting the libraries in Bright, Mount Beauty, and Myrtleford.
Submissions are open until Sunday, 12 October 2025.