MOONEE VALLEY NEXT GENERATION 2035
Community Vision
Mayor’s foreword
I am very proud to introduce the Moonee Valley Next Generation Vision.
Not every council tries to create a Community Vision. The City of Moonee Valley
took the opportunity in 2012 to give deeper expression to the idea of citizenship
and democracy within our municipality by going back to the community to build
this document.
We now have an expression of the aspirations our community holds for the future
that reflects the varied ideas and different ways we experience our community.
Over 1,000 people contributed to the development of this Vision and I would like
to thank you all for your generous contributions.
The previous Community Vision, Moonee Valley 2020, was last refreshed in
2009 but much has changed since. Economic, social and environmental factors
are now having a greater effect on our city. Council feels a new long-term time
frame is warranted.
Moonee Valley people have told us that in 2035 they want our city to be clean,
green and beautiful, vibrant, built around diverse and sustainable communities
where people are friendly and are safe. These aspirations for 2035 will set the
foundation to ensure that the aspirations and issues most concerning our
community are mirrored in Council’s planning, partnerships and advocacy.
I look forward to joining you on this journey to realise this community vision for
2035.
Our community draws great strength from the diversity of all its residents and
celebrates this proudly while also respectfully acknowledging the traditional
custodians of this land – the Wurundjeri people of the Kulin nation, their spirits,
ancestors, elders and community members past and present.
Cr Jim Cusack
Mayor of Moonee Valley
Moonee Valley NEXT GENERATION 2035 Community Vision
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Contents
Mayor’s foreword .................................................................................................. 2
Overview ............................................................................................................... 4
Purpose ................................................................................................................ 5
Part 1: A Vision for the future ................................................................................ 6
Key themes ....................................................................................................... 6
Friendly and safe ............................................................................................. 11
Green, clean and beautiful .............................................................................. 15
Sustainable living ............................................................................................ 20
Vibrant and diverse ......................................................................................... 23
The way forward .............................................................................................. 27
Part 2: Behind the vision ..................................................................................... 28
What is a Community Vision?.......................................................................... 28
Council roles and responsibilities .................................................................... 28
The world around us........................................................................................ 31
Our city today .................................................................................................. 34
How the Community Vision was developed .................................................... 36
Moonee Valley NEXT GENERATION 2035 Community Vision
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Overview
The Moonee Valley of the next generation can be expected to look and feel very
different to how it looks and feels today.
This is obvious when we think about the changes that have occurred in Moonee
Valley over the last 25 years. While we cannot easily predict the evolution of our
city, it is something that affects all those who live, work, study, visit or play here.
What we do know is that Moonee Valley is a city in transition. It is significantly
affected by changes going on beyond the boundaries of our city, as well as within
it. The challenge for Council is to understand the shared and competing values
within our community and incorporate the best available data and evidence in
responding to them.
That’s why Council considers it important to have a conversation with the
Moonee Valley community about what kind of city people want for the future.
Moonee Valley Next Generation 2035 is the process for that conversation and
the opportunity to create a shared Community Vision we can all work towards.
We have used strategies designed to reach people where they are already
meeting across the municipality, as well as through the news media and social
media. Moonee Valley residents, students, workers, business people and visitors
from small children to the elderly have all participated. Underpinned by a short
survey, the process during 2012 has reached 40,000 households and over 1,100
people directly expressed their views.
The overarching Community Vision that has emerged is that in 2035 Moonee
Valley will be a city of clean, green and beautiful, vibrant, diverse and sustainable
communities that people experience as friendly and safe to live in.
This Vision builds on four interrelated themes:

Friendly and safe

Clean, green and beautiful

Sustainable living

Vibrant and diverse
Discussion of each of these themes, along with the challenges people see ahead
are included in this report. The report also includes implications for future Council
planning, partnerships and advocacy.
Moonee Valley NEXT GENERATION 2035 Community Vision
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Purpose
The purpose of this document is to outline the Community Vision for Moonee
Valley in 2035, to report on the consultation that led to it and to discuss its
implications, particularly in terms of how Council might best respond.
This document is in two parts. The first part outlines the Vision and implications.
It discusses the four interrelated themes that emerged from community
engagement, and it identifies the challenges people see. The first part also
outlines the implications for future Council planning, partnerships and advocacy.
The second part of the report discusses the idea of a Community Vision and how
it relates to other Council planning.
It discusses other factors that impact on Council planning and how Council
responds to community views. This includes discussing Council’s statutory
responsibilities and the broad context of the world around us including State and
National policy directions. It also provides a picture of our city today.
The second part of the report also details how the Vision has been developed. It
discusses the community engagement process and how the diverse input
received was analysed.
Moonee Valley NEXT GENERATION 2035 Community Vision
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Part 1: A Vision for the future
The Vision Statement
In 2035 Moonee Valley will be a city of clean, green and beautiful, vibrant,
diverse and sustainable communities that people experience as friendly and safe
to live in.
Key themes of the Vision are identified below (from most frequently mentioned
words to less frequently):
Safe, Green, Friendly, Clean, Community, Vibrant, Beautiful, Sustainable,
Accessible, Family, Liveable, Peaceful, Fun, Multicultural, Diverse, Health,
Environmentally, People, Healthy, Modern, Affordable, Happy, Transport,
Inclusive, Welcoming, Attractive, Parks Public, Low, Progressive, Good, Open,
Traffic, Environment, Awesome, Gardens, Quiet, Active, Well, Exciting, Facilities,
Spaces, Density, City, Live, Living, Picturesque, Traffic, Harmonious, Free, Tidy,
Shopping, Shops, Caring, Congested, Trees, High, Connected, Spacious
Key themes
Thinking about what kind of city we want Moonee Valley to be in the future,
people across the city consistently say they want it to be safe, friendly, green,
clean, beautiful and sustainable, vibrant and diverse. These are the key attributes
they want Moonee Valley to have in 2035.
These are multidimensional attributes. Many people say ‘friendly’, describing a
supportive, caring and inclusive Moonee Valley. People also talk about Moonee
Valley being ‘old age friendly’, ‘family friendly’ or ‘child friendly’. Others are
thinking of a happy, vibrant and fun Moonee Valley.
The themes are also interrelated. For example, a community is likely to feel safer
and friendlier if it is vibrant, clean and beautiful. Many people value the city’s
trees and parks for their own sake but also clearly feel they make the city more
beautiful. Others talk about trees and parks as underpinning an ecologically
sustainable city.
The themes have implications for future strategic activities that Council and
others might support, and also for the way in which the city is designed and built.
These implications are reinforced by the commonly identified challenges ahead.
These are:

Management of increasing population

Development and loss of ‘green’

Adequacy of infrastructure including schools and public transport

Traffic congestion and parking constraints
Moonee Valley NEXT GENERATION 2035 Community Vision
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
Ageing of the population
A thriving community with clear definition between the business
community and the family community... means building in the
appropriate business corridors without impacting the surrounding
streets where our families are growing up. (Man 35, lives 3039,
online)
Key challenges and opportunities are identified in the list below (from most
frequently mentioned words to less frequently):
Transport, Community, Traffic, Population, People, Public, High, Housing,
Development, Density, Parking, Moonee Valley, Less, Better, Area, Rise, Needs,
City, Schools, Roads, Buildings, Growth, Keeping, Services, Opportunities, Area,
Environmental, Infrastructure, Areas, Keep, Facilities, Parks, Residents, Council,
Affordable, Living, Congestion, Young, Increase, Make, Good, Planning,
Shopping, Spaces, Cars, Trees, Activities, New, Around, Streets, Many,
Developments, Education, Moonee Ponds, Essendon, Apartments, Road, Local,
Many, Support, Good, Heritage, Street, Stop, Space, Work, Buildings, Families,
Clean, Friendly, Events, Children, Many, Youth, Centres, Overdevelopment,
Management, Green, Old, Car, Live, Keilor, Increased, Feel, Increased, Park,
Airport, Access, Homes, Get, Open, Like, Live, Older, Employment, Pollution,
Great, Safe, Units, Bike
Both the themes and challenges identified by the community are reinforced by
recent consultations undertaken by Moonee Valley City Council.
The Healthy Ageing Strategy survey results emphasise the importance of an
age-friendly community and especially:

Meaningful social and recreational activities

Transport as a major aid to participation in the community

The importance of family and friends to help people stay active and
connected
Council’s Walking and Cycling Strategy notes the community’s concern about
the impact of traffic and its appreciation of open public spaces, the Maribyrnong
River, Queens Park and Woodlands Park.
Consultations for the World Class Locally Branding and Marketing Strategy
revealed a strong sense of pride for Moonee Valley. People described it as
vibrant, diverse, well developed and having everything you need on your
doorstep. There was also a strong attachment to Moonee Valley’s green space
and a feeling that it was a cohesive and welcoming community.
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Moonee Valley’s City Sustainability Strategy consultation to date also
emphasises that:

People strongly value nature and gardens in our city.

Living locally is very important along with people seeking a strong
sense of community with neighbours knowing each other.

People want slower traffic and streets safer for children to play.

They want to be able to get around without a car with closer services,
better walking and cycling paths and more public transport particularly
in areas like Avondale Heights.
People still want to see homes and buildings built in a way that helps the
environment and reduces running costs, especially any new developments in our
city.
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Broader research about the capacity of cities to withstand the pressures of the
future reflects similar concerns, notably population expansion, climate change,
outdated transport and other infrastructure as well as outmoded patterns of use.
These all demand serious attention to avoid inefficient and unsustainable cities. 1
The Moonee Valley community clearly associates many of the ingredients of a
liveable city with the city as it is now. Its high quality public realm and local
character include the low rise built environment of much of the municipality, its
heritage features, along with its parks and a natural environment that supports
wildlife in the suburbs. These are essential to the sense of community connection
many of us attribute to Moonee Valley.
This is not unwillingness to disturb the status quo. People seek a varied mix of
neighbourhoods and vibrant business and entertainment areas. However people
want greater certainty that Council values the attributes they associate with the
city too.
Maintaining a sense of community will be very difficult with so many
new residents and the distrust between the community and council
over new buildings. (Woman 33, lives 3040, online)
It is important for a suburb to retain some heritage, some grass roots
belief and feeling to drive ownership and commitment within a
community ... also brings people together. (Man 35, lives 3039,
online)
A city to be proud of with a wider range of essential and nonessential services. A city that is cultured, diverse, inclusive; that’s
progressive but calm and quiet about it. A place you don’t need to go
anywhere to get what you need. (Man 67, lives 3033, Mediterranean
Fiesta)
Key ingredients of livable and sustainable cities
The six key ingredients1 of liveable and sustainable cities are:
1

Mixed use

Density
Eg Victorian Department of Transport and the City of Melbourne (2009), Transforming Australian Cities for a more
financially viable and sustainable future, updated March 2010. Retrieved 24 May 2012 from
www.melbourne.vic.gov.au/AboutMelbourne/Statistics/Documents/TransformingCitiesMay2010.pdf
Moonee Valley NEXT GENERATION 2035 Community Vision
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
Connectivity

High quality public realm

Local character

Adaptability
Moonee Valley NEXT GENERATION 2035 Community Vision
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Friendly and safe

Community connection

Multicultural, accepting

Easy and safe to get around in by foot, bicycle or on public transport

Young and aged feel safe and well looked after
People emphasise safety and friendliness as the foundations of the kind of city
they want Moonee Valley to be in 2035: a supportive, caring and inclusive
Moonee Valley.
This area… has a heart and a soul. (Ambassador, Moonee Valley
2035 video)
Understanding that strong connections within a community help make people feel
accepted and safe, people want a city that welcomes diverse cultures; where the
young feel accepted and older residents feel safe and cared for. We want to feel
safe getting around, whether crossing the road, on public transport, or walking
about the streets.
A safe place, peaceful with nice parks... more children’s playgroups
and play areas so older children and younger children can... play
safely. (Woman 24, lives 3032, Community Centre)
A general characteristic of the community’s picture of Moonee Valley in 2035 is
that it is safe:

Children and the elderly feel safe.

People feel safe to walk around the streets any time of day or night.

Footpaths and road crossings are well maintained and easy to use.

People can cycle safely.

People feel safe on public transport and around public transport stops
and stations.

The incidence of crimes and violence is low.

Public places are clean.
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Real or perceived safety has several dimensions. It is fundamental to people’s
confidence to get out and about and participate in their community. Some high
profile incidents of crime aside, Moonee Valley is one of the safest municipalities
in Victoria. However attention to other dimensions of safety is also important.
People comment on how traffic safety including for pedestrians and cyclists, and
safety on public transport, promotes a safe and welcoming community.
A welcoming environment. To be a safe environment for my children
to socialise with their friends and be able to walk or ride their bikes
safely to a mate’s. (Woman 38, lives and works 3033, Early Years
Teachers forum)
Our picture of Moonee Valley in 2035 is a friendly and safe city:

It is happy, welcoming and fun – with a feeling of energy.

It is supportive, caring and inclusive – with a sense of acceptance
Wider research shows friendships and neighbourhood connections have
diminished in recent decades across Australia.2 Trends such as more people
living on their own increase the risks of people being lonely. Busy traffic in
residential areas undermines contact between neighbours. In contrast, urban
design that makes it easy to walk or cycle around promotes healthy activity and
social interaction. These are obvious examples of the ways in which a city is
organised and built has a real impact on how it functions, and how design can
help people to connect with and understand each other.
For me the most important thing is to be able to walk to wherever I
want to go not just because that gives me exercise but it connects
me to the community and what’s going on within my community.
(Ambassador, Moonee Valley 2035 video)
Flow-on benefits of closer knit and active communities for both mental and
physical health are also profound. As the population ages these issues are likely
to become more important. They are also significant issues for young people as
the rising incidence of both obesity and depression indicate.3
2
Kelly, J-F. et. al. (2012), Social Cities, Grattan Institute, Melbourne. Retrieved 25 May 2012 from
www.grattan.edu.au/pub_page/130_social_cities.html
3
Department of Health (2011), Victorian Public Health and Wellbeing Plan 2011-2015, p.20-22. Retrieved 24 May
2012 from www.health.vic.gov.au/prevention/vphwplan
Moonee Valley NEXT GENERATION 2035 Community Vision
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My community, where I know I can belong, know that I can catch up
with friends and or join a group and be involved, to organise
fundraisers or events that will bring the whole community together,
the young and the old. (Woman 65, lives 3040, online)
A community, homely, where everyone meets, not a grey city but full
of parks, music and things to bring us together. (Girl 12, lives 3039,
Sounds Loud festival)
The ageing of the population is in general a success story in terms of increasing
lifespan. However it presents challenges as the size of the older population
increases and their health and other needs change. We generally prefer to age in
the place where we live. Maintaining our social connections and confidence
despite any increase in frailty is vital to achieve this successfully.
I would like Moonee Valley in 2035 to be a lovely mix of age groups,
good place to age in with good retirement villages, eg. at Moonee
Valley racecourse, and lots of trees and gardens. (Woman 66, lives
3031, Community Centre)
In addition to services, it means creating greater support for both lively and quiet
leisure activities, as well as opportunities to form and maintain relationships.
Along with design of the physical environment, community centres, libraries,
playgrounds, sports facilities and parks especially in the North and West may be
particularly important. Similarly Moonee Valley people emphasise the need for
accessible public transport across the whole of the municipality.
A place without discrimination. A city where everybody can come
and have a good time at parks or playgrounds. Also a city that
creates opportunities for everybody, with public transport that gives
access to all parts of the area. (Man 42, lives 3042, online)
Moonee Valley in 2035 will be typified by generosity of spirit...
enabled by effective infrastructure planning that provides equitable
access to high quality health and aged care, education (through high
quality schools and libraries), affordable housing, local employment
Moonee Valley NEXT GENERATION 2035 Community Vision
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opportunities and suitably upgraded public transport that facilitates
mobility. (Doutta Galla Community Health Service submission)
Implications for planning, partnerships and advocacy
Council planning needs to give priority to approaches that enhance the safety,
friendliness and participation of neighbourhoods across Moonee Valley, including
developing and implementing strategies for:

Health and wellbeing that emphasise actions to promote:

Community connection and perceptions of safety across all ages,
from children and young people to the elderly

Tolerance and acceptance of diversity

Increased lively and quiet recreational activities including walking
and cycling

Physical environments and community facilities that are designed
and built to promote connected, friendly and safe environments

Healthy ageing that expand opportunities for people to age in place,
feeling safe and included in their community

Improved access to transport across the whole municipality and better
traffic management, including the safety of pedestrians, cyclists, and
public transport users
Partnerships with community agencies such as Doutta Galla Community Health
Service and the Moonee Valley Bicycle Users Group, Women’s Services, police
and other small services such as the Moonee Valley Bicycle Users Group,
business groups and others to realise these strategies.
Advocacy on issues of health and wellbeing including the positive impact of the
natural environment and well designed facilities and services to other levels of
government.
Moonee Valley NEXT GENERATION 2035 Community Vision
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Green, clean and beautiful

Parks, gardens and playgrounds

Streetscapes and trees

Attractive natural and built environment
A key reason people say they love Moonee Valley is for the contribution made by
both its natural and built environments.
A beautiful city with its beautiful gardens (eg. Queens Park) & parks
well maintained. (Not supplied, 3042, mail)
The natural environment of Moonee Valley is much loved both by those who live
and work here as well as our visitors. This includes its natural reserves, rivers,
creeks and wildlife. Its parks, leafy streets and attractive gardens are also a
major drawcard for the city.
I really enjoy living in Moonee Ponds. I love the closeness of the
shopping hub, and the Maribyrnong River and the parklands near it. I
hope none of the parklands that exist around disappear because the
environment is (an) important part of encouraging this community to
be healthy and fit. (Girl 16, lives 3039, online)
Many people express support for major areas of Moonee Valley to remain
suburban and for its natural environment to be maintained and enhanced. They
frequently specify a desire for more trees planted in the streets, with this
maintenance of low density and trees promoting the function of suburban areas
as the ‘green lungs’ of the city.
Striking a balance between developmental pressures and
maintaining a tradition of open spaces, green corridors and
commitment to our unique waterways and wildlife. (Woman 36, lives
and works 3040, mail)
People also stress the importance of parks and gardens for children to grow up
in.
Moonee Valley NEXT GENERATION 2035 Community Vision
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Well maintained parks and facilities for children. Keep clean and nice
living area in Moonee Valley. Friendly. (Man 39, lives 3039, Children’s
Expo)
Drawings of their ideal city contributed by young children certainly featured the
outdoors, water and animals. Most children drew pictures about play, ‘space to
run around in’, swings, slides, swimming, trees, flowers and nature. Some
children drew about family and being happy. Many drew trees and water near
buildings. They sometimes incorporated traffic lights highlighting their perception
of living in an urban environment but still connecting with its natural elements.
The community understanding the need for whole environmental
response. Keeping waterways clear of rubbish. Having environment
champions in youth and children. Promotion in the media. (Woman
40, lives 3033, works 3039, online)
Neighbourhoods with attractive green streetscapes and tree canopies provide
plenty of shade and encourage people to be in the street more. People feel safer
being in the street with others promoting more active and friendlier
neighbourhoods. Closer connections and a clean environment are also seen to
help reduce risks of theft, illicit drug use and other crime. Another benefit of leafy
streets is their contribution to a stable climate.
Lots of shade, greener, street trees planting (concrete jungle now)
and people would get out and walk around more. (Woman 45, lives
3032)
Our picture of Moonee Valley in 2035 is emphatically green and clean with:

Trees, parks and gardens that enhance the wellbeing and
attractiveness of our community

An environmentally sustainable community
Specifically it has:

Plenty of open and green space
Moonee Valley NEXT GENERATION 2035 Community Vision
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
Existing parks, playgrounds and street trees well maintained

More and diverse trees

Community gardens and farmers markets

Dog off-lead areas

Activities within parks

Clean parks and streets

Clean Maribyrnong River and Moonee Ponds Creek
The built environment is important too. Many people describe their vision of
Moonee Valley in 2035 as beautiful, pretty, attractive and pleasant with reference
to heritage architecture and period homes, tree lined streets and low rise built
environments. These are typically viewed as expressing the character of our city.
Protecting this character as the city grows is seen as a major challenge.
Similarly, people say that new developments should also strive to be attractive in
ways that complement the city’s existing look.
Still a great place to live… modernisation that is respectful of our
history. Clean streets and plenty of green spaces that incorporate
sensitive environmental and urban design to make them interesting
and relaxing to be in. (Woman 50+, lives 3040, works 3039, online)
Sensitive redevelopment of unused, derelict areas. Preserve
federation buildings. Medium and high density is good to attract and
sustain services but do it sensitively and appropriately. (Woman 41,
lives 3039, Moonee Valley Festival)
A place that still has backyards for kids to play in, that is not
overdeveloped, a place that still has its period homes... a place
where kids still get to have sunshine and are not overshadowed by
buildings. (Woman 40, lives Moonee Valley - postcode not supplied,
online)
Moonee Valley NEXT GENERATION 2035 Community Vision
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The vision proposed by the community is highly consistent with frameworks for
Australian cities that see key development areas as having strict limits. Local
character, heritage areas and public open spaces protected.4
A diverse community which has retained its neighbourhood
character and green open spaces. (Woman 40, lives 3032, online)
A safe, well connected community with beautiful parks, streetscapes
and river precinct... Manage the tension between population density
and what makes the area attractive: heritage homes, trees and parks.
(Woman 50, 3040, mail)
Our picture of Moonee Valley in 2035 is a beautiful place that is peaceful and
relaxing to live in and visit including:

Parks, trees, gardens, open spaces and other attributes of the natural
environment

Heritage architecture and buildings

Low rise character across much of the city
Growth will be well managed to avoid:

Pollution from increased traffic congestion

Rubbish resulting from increased density
Implications for planning, partnerships and advocacy
Council planning needs to give priority to approaches that encourage
maintenance of a green, clean and beautiful environment in Moonee Valley by
developing and implementing strategies that promote:

4
Attractive streetscapes across the municipality including partnerships
with community and business groups
Victorian Department of Transport and the City of Melbourne (2009), Transforming Australian Cities for a more
financially viable and sustainable future, updated March 2010. Retrieved 24 May 2012 from
www.melbourne.vic.gov.au/AboutMelbourne/Statistics/Documents/TransformingCitiesMay2010.pdf
Moonee Valley NEXT GENERATION 2035 Community Vision
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
more and diverse tree planting

initiatives to identify and protect the value of existing trees

rubbish free parks and streets

Ongoing maintenance of clean waterways and open spaces

Protection of neighbourhood character and heritage environment both
built and natural
Partnerships with community groups such as the Friends of Maribyrnong River,
business groups and others to affect these strategies.
Advocacy to other levels of government and agencies such as the Environment
Protection Authority on issues of the environment and pollution control.
Moonee Valley NEXT GENERATION 2035 Community Vision
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Sustainable living

Sustainable, natural and built environment

Increased use of public transport and cycling

Well managed population growth and increasing density

Preservation of much loved heritage areas and public spaces
Young and old, many people in Moonee Valley are concerned about the
environment. Sustainability is seen as a critical attribute of the city into the future.
In 2035 Moonee Valley would be… an ecofriendly, green, clean and
safe environment for families and businesses to operate in harmony.
Traffic congestion would be minimal due to the vast walking/cycling
infrastructure and efficient local and wider public transport options
available (thanks to a state government that finally acted years
earlier). (Man 46, lives 3039, online)
Council leadership as well as individual and community action is seen as
important.
Opportunities: to lead the way in green development not only
keeping green areas but also in design of homes, government
buildings, businesses, etc. (Woman 55, lives 3032, online)
More programs to encourage residents to care for the environment
and reduce carbon footprint. (Woman 30, lives 3031, mail)
Overlapping with the previous theme the community also sees sustainability as
involving ‘smart management’ of an increasing population. Overwhelmingly
people see balanced development as continuing the low rise character of most of
the city along with its heritage architecture, gardens and existing open public
spaces. People describe these features as what contributes to the appeal of
Moonee Valley today and how they want to see it in the future.
Moonee Valley NEXT GENERATION 2035 Community Vision
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Encourage multi-storey developments to have setbacks from
footpath to allow for landscaping to soften the impact from street
level… (eg.) setback for landscaping and tiered setback in 1st, 2nd
and 3rd storeys. (Woman 51, lives 3041, online)
Along with this, they want to see increases in well designed open space for
families and individuals to enjoy right across the municipality. This desire is also
consistent with findings about how to create liveable neighbourhoods. For a truly
lively city or town, one or two great neighbourhoods are not enough. Right across
the municipality people need close-to-home opportunities to take pleasure in
public life5.
Our picture of Moonee Valley in 2035 includes a Council that leads the way in
promoting environmental and sustainable living with ongoing strategies
encouraging:

Renewable energy

Recycling

Green, future proof building design

Less car usage by facilitating increased cycling and pedestrian
infrastructure and promoting more accessible public transport
Congestion on the roads and on public transport in Moonee Valley is a major
challenge many people want to see addressed. People often identify more public
transport and cycling to get around as part of the response required. These
options are also supported for the opportunities they create for more community
connection.
If we could get more people riding bikes it would be better for the
community and for the world (Girl 12, lives 3034, video)
Fewer parents driving their kids to school. Lots of bike lanes. More
cohesive, more people gardening. More people using public
transport and cycling. (Woman 50, lives and works 3034, Children’s
Expo)
5
Project for Public Spaces (2009), The Power of 10. Retrieved 30 May 2012 from www.pps.org/reference/the-power-of10/
Moonee Valley NEXT GENERATION 2035 Community Vision
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Reducing car use is seen as having lots of benefits for individuals as well as the
environment, reducing pollution, traffic and noise, as well as creating more room
for public open space. Ensuring access to public transport across the whole of
the municipality is seen as one of the key challenges for Moonee Valley.
Implications for planning, partnerships and advocacy
Council planning needs to give priority to approaches that contribute to the
sustainable liveability of communities across Moonee Valley. This includes
developing, implementing and reviewing strategies for smart management of
population density that build on the Municipal Strategic Statement and
emphasise:

Environmental sustainability including renewable energy, recycling and
green building design

Open spaces, parks, trees, gardens and other attributes of the natural
environment

A built environment that encourages connected, friendly and safe
environments including greater walking and cycling

Heritage architecture and the existing character of much of the city

Increased pedestrian and cycling infrastructure and more accessible
transport across the whole municipality

Creation and clear communication to the community of Council’s
development framework committed to liveability
Partnerships with community groups and peak bodies such as the Municipal
Association of Victoria and the Planning Institute of Australia to contribute to the
formulation of Council’s development framework.
Advocacy of Council’s framework and the community’s values to State and
National Government reviews of urban development including the current State
Government Metropolitan Planning Strategy.
Moonee Valley NEXT GENERATION 2035 Community Vision
23
Vibrant and diverse

Thriving shopping strips and entertainment areas

Diverse, fun and exciting

Creating opportunities for all
Younger people responded to Moonee Valley Next Generation 2035 surveys
suggesting activities with friends, entertainment and fun with an edge of
excitement are often central to their sense of wellbeing.
The availability of these options within the municipality into the future will
contribute to them continuing to feel a sense of belonging and that Moonee
Valley is welcoming and safe.
Easily accessible via public transport, with vibrant public spaces and
nightlife. Open to people of all ages. (Man 22, lives 3040, Sounds
Loud Festival)
However they are not alone. Many members of the community envisage Moonee
Valley in 2035 as vibrant, exciting, progressive and innovative. Vibrant shopping
strips including entertainment options such as cinemas, theatre and other cultural
pursuits are frequently mentioned.
An innovative place that takes chances and has become a world
leader in introducing new ideas and technology to better its
residents and the environment... a place where small business
knows it has the support of its council to help it grow. (Woman 27,
postcode not supplied, online)
A warm and caring city, with a solid and successful business
community, amazing recreational facilities and a community in
harmony with each other (Man 42, lives 3042, works 3039, online)
A place where people want to come and visit for its beauty and great
facilities and shopping precincts and sporting/recreational facilities.
(Woman 49, lives 3033, mail)
Moonee Valley NEXT GENERATION 2035 Community Vision
24
Moonee Valley in 2035 is a vibrant city with diverse communities. Together,
these communities reflect our multicultural origins, high education levels, well
connected transport, diverse entertainment and recreational options and thriving
business community.
Specific aspects people identify that this builds on are:

Investment in education and transport

Celebrating the community, its diversity and encouraging social
interaction through investment in arts and cultural activities

Young people, the elderly and Moonee Valley’s diverse ethnic mix as
important contributors to and beneficiaries of arts, sports, recreational
and cultural events

Council support of businesses including investment in the appearance
and safety of shopping precincts
People stress investment in the appearance of and safety around shopping
precincts such as Puckle Street, Mt Alexander Road, Niddrie Central and
Essendon. Council is also seen as having a role in increasing the availability of
parking to support the continuance of these areas as shopping destinations.
These comments echo broader concerns that parking availability will not be an
issue in Moonee Valley in 2035.
Supporting the survival of strip shopping centres. They are an
integral part of the local neighbourhood character and create a
positive sense of community. (Woman 40, lives 3032, online)
Essendon North Village is a great example of community shopping
and I hope it receives assistance to maintain the local feel. (Woman
55, lives and works 3040, online)
The State Government and Council have been working with business and other
sectors to stimulate vibrant centres that combine residential and commercial
development with good access to services, shops and public transport in Airport
West and Moonee Ponds. Keilor Road, North Essendon, Union Road and
Racecourse Road are also expected to develop as major areas of focus. Smaller
neighbourhood oriented areas are also considered important.
Many people also associate a vibrant city with diversity of cultures and
multiculturalism, a thriving business community and plenty of job opportunities.
Moonee Valley NEXT GENERATION 2035 Community Vision
25
Vibrant city, diverse culture, acceptable for everyone… more youth
inclusion in the workforce. (Woman 31, works 3031, Community
Centre)
Finding staff who have innovative ideas, ensuring council members
are progressive and supportive, engaging big business in joint
ventures for the community. (Woman 45, lives and works 3032,
Children’s Expo)
Consistent with this view of Moonee Valley as progressive and prosperous,
community members often express a desire for more educational options in
2035, from preschools to secondary schools.
Everyone will have a really good education… opportunities to dream
and be inspired and go out and do whatever they want to do in the
future. (Ambassador, Moonee Valley 2035 video)
Many people who live or work in Moonee Valley also want to see access to
affordable living and housing, as well as transport that is readily available to get
them to work. They see these as challenges to be addressed by 2035.
(There would be) more opportunities for jobs if we had better public
transport. (Woman 54, lives 3042, mail)
These themes are high on the agenda of the Western Melbourne Regional
Development Authority. This regional collaboration highlights stronger links
between the higher education sector and industry to stimulate innovation and the
region’s economy. It emphasises that across the West, all levels of education
need to be adequate for the demands of the 21st century workplace.
The best solution is to make (this) locality a destination for
employment, education, so locals don't have to look elsewhere (Man
41, lives 3039, mail)
Moonee Valley NEXT GENERATION 2035 Community Vision
26
More education; job opportunities especially for migrants and more
help to settle in without going in the wrong direction. (Man 40, lives
3039, Community Centre)
Implications for planning, partnerships and advocacy
Council planning needs to give priority to approaches that capitalise on the
community’s vision of Moonee Valley in 2035 as vibrant, diverse and progressive
with strategies involving:

Strong promotion and advocacy of the economic opportunities that
exist within Moonee Valley

Regional approaches to growing local business and employment
opportunities and on issues such as affordable housing

A continuing focus on arts and culture including enlivening public
places, public art and activities for youth and diverse communities

Strategies for young people that include employment, learning and
continued creation of fun recreational opportunities including vibrant
festivals
Partnerships with other councils and government; regional bodies and business
and employment groups and higher education institutes such as Victoria
University and Kangan Institute, to further extend the skills and knowledge base
of the local workforce.
Advocacy in partnership with the Western Melbourne Regional Development
Authority and business groups that promotes the competitive advantages of
conducting business in Moonee Valley arising from its green, clean and
sustainable objectives.
Moonee Valley NEXT GENERATION 2035 Community Vision
27
The way forward
Along with some interrelated priorities the people of Moonee Valley value, the
community has confirmed some big environmental, social and economic
challenges facing the city.
Future Council Plans need to include clear responses to these challenges, whilst
responding to the day to day needs of the city.
However ensuring the ongoing desirability of our city as a place to live and visit is
not just the responsibility of Council. State and Federal Governments obviously
have at least as much responsibility. Strong partnerships with business and the
not-for-profit sector, community groups, organisations and individuals are also
key to achieving the priorities and addressing the challenges identified.
Regional collaboration and advocacy, including with and to other councils in the
region, and peak bodies and state and federal governments, is likely to be
particularly important. The effectiveness of regional collaboration and advocacy
has been recognised on other major issues such as developing industry and
jobs.
The same approach is likely to be required in terms of population and housing in
the inner metropolitan area, with examples of potential partnerships including the
Inner Melbourne Affordable Housing Group. Partnerships with peak bodies such
as the Municipal Association of Victoria could also enhance awareness of
community priorities and concerns.
Raising awareness at appropriate levels on an ongoing basis may also require
strategies such as formal roundtables with key State Ministers responsible for
areas including planning, transport and community development.
Moonee Valley NEXT GENERATION 2035 Community Vision
28
Part 2: Behind the vision
This part of the report brings together the background to the Vision in Part 1. It
discusses the concept and purpose of a Community Vision and the broader
factors that impact on how the community’s views might be implemented. They
include Council’s responsibilities and roles, developments beyond Moonee Valley
such as the broader policy context and existing features of Moonee Valley on
which the Vision builds. This section also describes the community engagement
process and analysis of the data we collected to create the Vision.
What is a Community Vision?
A Community Vision is a statement of a community’s aspirations and values
about what kind of city people want for the future. Through Moonee Valley Next
Generation 2035 we are creating a shared Community Vision we can all work
towards for Moonee Valley.
This broad Vision can be used to inform Council planning and projects including
partnerships for action and related advocacy. The Vision may also be used by
other levels of government, as well as business and community organisations, as
they develop their own projects and advocate on the issues of most concern to
them.
These issues might involve goals that are beyond the ability of Council to achieve
on its own, for example improved public transport or education. The large-scale
concerns identified in the Vision highlight that in addition to opportunities for
Council action and leadership, regional collaboration is necessary to work toward
this Vision.
Ways in which the Community Vision might be used:
Collaborative partnerships
Council/community planning – Community Vision – Actions and services
Advocacy
Council roles and responsibilities
Under the Victorian Local Government Act 1989, the primary objective of a
Council is to achieve the best outcomes for the local community. The Act
specifies this must take into account the long-term and cumulative effects of
decisions (Section 3C and see below).
Moonee Valley NEXT GENERATION 2035 Community Vision
29
The Council Plan sets out proposed action to achieve agreed strategic goals over
a four-year timeframe. A Community Vision creates an overarching guide that
sits above this four-year Plan and other Council strategies and plans. It gives a
shared understanding of the community’s values and aspirations for the long
term. Alongside other research data and policy directions set by the State and
Australian Governments, the Community Vision can help Council fulfil the
breadth of its roles and responsibilities.
Moonee Valley City Council is concerned with the issues that affect the wellbeing
of our community. This arises in part from the statutory roles and responsibilities
councils must negotiate under numerous pieces of legislation. Just one is the
Public Health and Wellbeing Act 2008 which require councils to prepare a Health
and Wellbeing Plan to help promote the health of their communities.
Council also directly delivers a range of services from home-based care and
community services to rubbish collection and road works.
Broadly the role of Council is to directly influence outcomes for the community.
This may be achieved in collaboration with other councils or key stakeholders. In
other cases, this may require ensuring those with direct influence have a good
understanding what Moonee Valley citizens are concerned about. This might
include advocacy to the State or Federal Government or to business interests.
Victoria’s Planning and Environment Act 1987 requires councils to create a
Municipal Strategic Statement (MSS). Like the Community Vision, the MSS takes
a long-term view of the future. Due for review in the near future, the MSS sets out
a vision and strategic framework for local planning that responds to State
Government directions in a wide range of policy areas. This includes planning for
infrastructure, transport and residential and economic development. The
Community Vision can play an important part in informing the scheduled MSS
review.
The Victorian Local Government Act
The Victorian Local Government Act 1989 section 3D sets out broad roles for
councils. They must:

Provide leadership establishing strategic objectives and monitor their
achievement

Ensure resources are managed in a responsible and accountable
manner

Foster community cohesion, encouraging active participation in civic
life

Take into account the diverse needs of the local community when
making decisions
Moonee Valley NEXT GENERATION 2035 Community Vision
30

Advocate for the interests of their local community to other
communities and governments

Act as a responsible partner in government by taking into account the
needs of other communities
The relationship between the Community Vision and Council planning:
Community Vision  Council Plan  Service plans
 Planning and Strategies
 Partnerships
 Advocacy
Moonee Valley NEXT GENERATION 2035 Community Vision
31
The world around us
There are many external factors which influence the development of a city.
These may be economic, social or environmental, have global impact or be
locally focused.
Often these factors are interrelated, as the growth of cities demonstrates.
Melbourne’s population is growing rapidly and is now expected to reach 5.4
million by 2031.6 This growth has seen significant urban expansion into rural
areas. Unchecked, this will have a major impact on our environment, our wildlife
and our self-sufficiency in food production. It will impede our economic interests
as we reduce our diversity of land use from farming to business, animal habitat to
residential.
Continually increasing the metropolitan boundaries is not feasible. The trials of
new communities built on the urban fringes with little infrastructure of any sort are
well known. Accommodating much of this population growth within existing
suburbs can create vibrant places for people to live. It can also bring increased
opportunities for both employment and entertainment that enhance the liveability
of our existing urban environment.
Council’s ability to renew infrastructure is also under pressure. Over time cost
shifting and funding approaches by State and Federal Governments have not
kept pace with the need for renewal of infrastructure and the increased costs of
providing services.7 Despite Australia’s relative insulation from the volatile global
economic situation, this trend is unlikely to reverse.
The challenges these trends present for inner city councils such as Moonee
Valley are pressing. Existing infrastructure requires renewal or replacement or
the substitution of new technologies and systems in the near future. In addition
the dearth of employment options in the North and West means workers from
new outer suburbs frequently commute to work into, or through, inner
metropolitan areas such as Moonee Valley. The result is severe traffic and public
transport congestion and escalating strain on ageing infrastructure.
Research exploring these issues suggests balance can be achieved if higher
density development is focused along major road-based public transport
corridors as it primarily is in Moonee Valley. Some studies suggest this approach
needs to utilise only 3 per cent of existing urban areas and may require only
medium rise buildings.8 Such studies also reinforce the need for development
6
Department of Planning and Community Development (2012), Victoria in the Future 2012: Population and household
projections 2011-2031 for Victoria and its regions. Retrieved 22 June 2012 from
www.dpcd.vic.gov.au/home/publications-andresearch/ urban-and-regionalresearch/census-2011/ victoria-in-future2012/VIF-2011-One-page-Profiles
7 Municipal Association of Victoria (no date), Local Government Finance: cost pressures. Retrieved 20 June 2012
from www.mav.asn.au/about-local-government/localgovernment- finance/Pages/Cost-pressures.aspx
8 Victorian Department of Transport and the City of Melbourne. (2009). Transforming Australian Cities for a more
financially viable and sustainable future. updated March 2010. Retrieved 24 May 2012 from
www.melbourne.vic.gov.au/AboutMelbourne/Statistics/Documents/TransformingCitiesMay2010.pdf
Moonee Valley NEXT GENERATION 2035 Community Vision
32
frameworks that protect high quality public spaces and the local character of an
area, specifically including heritage features. These factors contribute to both
liveability and sustainability of urban development.
The State Government is currently preparing a new Metropolitan Planning
Strategy that aims to ensure the valued aspects of Melbourne are protected while
allowing for future needs. Called A Vision for Victoria, the Strategy will address
housing choice, transport accessibility, economic growth, environmental
protection, infrastructure, community facilities and services. Council will be
actively involved in providing input into the development of Victoria’s new
Metropolitan Planning Strategy.
At the same time research evidence increasingly shows how vital community
connection is to the wellbeing of a community. Successful cities all have high
levels of social connection. The four key components are often formally
described as social capital, trust, cohesion and inclusion.9
Thinking about how to make neighbourhoods friendlier and safer places to live in
is a key tenet of the Victorian Families Statement released by the State
Government.10 It also underpins the national Government's statement on social
inclusion – A Stronger, Fairer Australia.11 Through this policy the Australian
Government emphasises the need to tackle issues such as the entrenched
disadvantage experienced by the significant percentage of children who live in
jobless families. More generally it highlights the importance of opportunities for all
Australians to connect with each other and the wider community.
Changing population trends reinforce the importance of creating more
opportunities for social interaction. We have a more diverse community with
migrants from many countries. Our community is ageing, more people live on
their own and more families are headed by single parents. More families with
both parents working face the challenge of balancing their work and family life.
Technology allows many more forms of virtual connection. Other factors such as
increased time spent commuting can limit people’s ability to be active and
physically connect with friends and family. Increasingly both children and adults
are less physically active and much heavier. And evidence reminds us that
loneliness and isolation is a health hazard.
The way we build and organise our cities can help or hinder these trends. Cities
can and do set the ground rules for interaction and activity. Environments
designed to promote walking, cycling and using public transport can encourage
physical activity and social interaction and boost mental health.
9
Kelly, J-F. et. al. (2012). Social Cities, Grattan Institute, Melbourne. Retrieved 25 May 2012 from
www.grattan.edu.au/pub_page/130_social_cities.html
10
State Government of Victoria. (2011). Victorian Families Statement. Retrieved 24 May 2012 from
www.premier.vic.gov.au/announcements/ victorianfamilies-statement.html
11
Department of Prime Minister and Cabinet. (2009). A stronger, fairer Australia. Retrieved 24 May 2012 from
www.socialinclusion.gov.au/files/publications/pdf/brochure_stronger_fairer_australia.pdf
Moonee Valley NEXT GENERATION 2035 Community Vision
33
A thriving business environment also contributes to a vibrant community.
Investment in human capital through education and business development can
create employment opportunities and enhance this vibrancy. Moonee Valley
2035 Community Vision provides us with a picture of how to go about creating a
city that maximises the opportunities, whilst minimising the negative impacts of
these trends.
Moonee Valley NEXT GENERATION 2035 Community Vision
34
Our city today
Moonee Valley is home to over 113,500 people living in a largely residential area
43km2. Victorian Government projections based on 2011 census data, suggest
we will have at least 12,500 more residents by 2031.12
Increasingly many of us are older people, with just under 12 per cent of the
Moonee Valley community over 70 years old. This compares with 20 per cent
who are under 18 living in 28,400 families. Especially when compared to
surrounding municipalities, the community is well educated, reflected in a high
proportion of white collar workers.
Moonee Valley’s suburbs extend 4 to 13km North West from the CBD including
major suburbs such as Essendon, Keilor East and Moonee Ponds. They are a
destination of choice for many shoppers and for entertainment. The natural
environment, parks and reserves also attract many visitors from beyond the
municipality.
Moonee Valley has 528 hectares of parks and reserves, with the four kilometre
walk around the Maribyrnong considered one of the great Melbourne walking
circuits. Other inner urban bushland areas Moonee Valley offers include Boeing
Reserve stretching along Moonee Ponds Creek and Spring Gully Reserve in
East Keilor surrounding a section of Steele Creek. The streets of Flemington,
Essendon, Ascot Vale and Moonee Ponds feature many different examples of
beautiful period architecture. Leafy boulevards such as Mt Alexander and Ascot
Vale Roads remain major transport routes from the north/north-western suburbs
to the CBD.
The area has a long and proud history. Its traditional owners, the WurundjeriWillam people were able to live well along our waterways. Areas such as the
Kulin Wetlands in East Keilor and the Afton Street Reserve in Aberfeldie remain
a haven of bushland and wildlife today. Early travellers heading for the goldfields
met at Queens Park in the heart of Moonee Ponds. Burke and Wills camped their
camels here in 1860. Queens Park remains a Moonee Valley landmark.
In the North many of us have Italian, Greek and Maltese backgrounds. Coming
here after the Second World War we brought both a new workforce and enriched
the cultural environment of Moonee Valley. Later Vietnamese and Chinese
migration and more recent arrivals from the Horn of Africa in Flemington have
added to our diversity.
Our diversity is evident in our language use and religious faith. Almost 40 per
cent of us speak Cantonese, Somali, Vietnamese and Arabic or other languages
as our first language. Many are Catholic (42 per cent), others are Anglican or
Eastern Orthodox. Nearly 3 per cent of us are Buddhist or Muslim.
12
This overview draws on the current Moonee Valley Municipal Strategic Statement, 2011 Census and MVCC Household
Survey 2011.
Moonee Valley NEXT GENERATION 2035 Community Vision
35
Across Moonee Valley 11,600 businesses make a strong contribution to
community life, employing nearly 50,000 people. This makes Moonee Valley the
leading business location in Melbourne’s inner northwest. Retail, health and
education are the major sectors in which Moonee Valley residents are employed.
Significant enterprises such as Linfox Logistics and Murray Goulburn are
beginning to locate their global headquarters in business hubs such as Essendon
Fields.
We love our sport. Moonee Valley is home to the Essendon Football Club and
numerous community sports clubs. They range from Little Athletics to the
Moonee Valley Magpies, which has engaged girls and boys with intellectual
disabilities in footy since 2001. Moonee Valley Racing Club has been running the
Cox Plate since 1922. We also walk, swim, cycle, run and use gyms and parks
for both recreation and exercise.
We also have plenty to stimulate our imagination with innovative exhibitions at
the historic Incinerator Gallery designed by Walter Burley Griffin and a packed
program each year at the Clocktower Centre where a range of performances
take place from music and children’s shows to professional theatre. Settings for
performances include the Sounds Loud concert for young people in Queens Park
and the Winter Music in the Valley program in our churches.
We like to take part in and give back to our community. 2,000 people joined in
the first birthday celebrations for the Avondale Heights Library and Learning
Centre. Over 30,000 people each year come to celebrate our community at the
Moonee Valley Festival. We celebrate our volunteers through the Spirit of
Moonee Valley Award and show off our diversity at events like the Mediterranean
Fiesta in East Keilor or the Gateway to the World Café at the Flemington
Community Centre.
Moonee Valley is changing as the urban population booms. Young families are
seeking more affordable housing in the north of the municipality. Many new
immigrants are finding their first homes in one of Moonee Valley’s two major
public housing estates. New housing and commercial opportunities are also
being developed along the municipality’s major transport routes, such as Keilor
Road, Mt Alexander Road, Buckley Street and in Moonee Ponds.
Growth creates some tensions as we work out how to accommodate it. However
it also has benefits. The increasing population has the potential to change the
ageing profile of Moonee Valley and inject new vibrancy into the city.
Moonee Valley NEXT GENERATION 2035 Community Vision
36
How the Community Vision was developed
Moonee Valley is a diverse community of people whose range of views and
interests is broad. We wanted to ensure this breadth of views contributed to the
Community Vision. Over 1,100 people took the opportunity to have a say during
the engagement period.
A deliberate effort was made to involve all parts of the municipality. Our survey
reached over 40,000 households through the Valley View magazine. We also
spoke to you at over 20 different community events such as the Moonee Valley
Festival, the Children’s Expo, the Mediterranean Fiesta in East Keilor, a Buddhist
lunch at the Flemington Community Centre and the youth focused Sounds Loud
festival.
A Youth Summit included a specially designed workshop. Education leaders also
encouraged participation by young people through their networks and schools,
and children in childcare centres and preschools around the city created pictures
showing how they imagined their city of the future. Many of these were displayed
on the website.
Moonee Valley businesses, such as Victoria University and area Traders
Associations highlighted Moonee Valley Next Generation 2035 on their Internet
home page, and emailed staff, students and members encouraging them to
complete a survey. Doutta Galla Community Health Service also highlighted
MV2035 on their home page, provided a detailed submission and encouraged
clients to participate in a focus group discussion to contribute their views.
Students of a local Neighbourhood Learning Centre engaged with the survey as
an exercise in their English Language classes.
People could respond to a short survey online or in hard copy. They could fill in a
postcard at the event they were attending or send it back post-paid. Translated
surveys meant people could complete it in languages other than English such as
Somali, Arabic and Chinese. Interpreters also assisted people attending cultural
events such as Harmony Day to complete the survey in other languages. We
also created a specific Moonee Valley Next Generation 2035 webpage where
people could comment, answer a survey or simply see what others were saying
in YouTube clips. They could also leave a comment on Council’s facebook page.
Key questions we explored
Our survey and other tools asked people for their responses to the following:

I would like Moonee Valley in 2035 to be…

When I picture Moonee Valley in 2035, the three words that should
describe my city are…

To complete my picture I think what most needs to change is…
Moonee Valley NEXT GENERATION 2035 Community Vision
37

I think the major challenges and opportunities in Moonee Valley over
the next twenty five years are…
We also collected demographic data that told us where people lived, if they were
a resident, a worker, a student or a visitor to Moonee Valley, how old they were
and whether they were male or female.
In total 1,123 people participated directly. This included 876 people responded
using the survey, in addition to almost 250 people providing their views and
feedback in other ways. The largest groups responding to the survey were

35 to 49 year olds – 25 per cent

50 to 59 year olds – 13 per cent

12 to 17 year olds – 11 per cent

80 per cent lived in the Mooney Valley area

27 per cent worked in Moonee Valley

17 per cent both lived and worked here
The postcode distribution of people according to the suburb they lived in is
shown in the graph below.
Postcode distribution of survey respondents (numbers approximate only)

3031: 65 responses

3032: 70 responses

3033: 72 responses

3034: 52 responses

3039: 120 responses

3040: 155 responses

3041: 40 responses

3042: 81 responses

Other: 100 responses

Not stated: 65 responses
Moonee Valley NEXT GENERATION 2035 Community Vision
38
The community engagement processes aimed to involve a broad range of
people. We obtained views from diverse age ranges, from children and
teenagers to the elderly, and engaged people from all Moonee Valley suburbs.
Critical to the process were the Council Officers’ Working Group and the
Community Ambassadors. Community leaders, entrepreneurs, educators,
business people and service providers from across Moonee Valley were invited
by the Mayor to help promote the project. This group worked hard, encouraging
others to get involved and providing direct feedback; promoting the vision in the
media and designing a workshop for young people.
We used software called NViVo to help ensure the rigour of our analysis of all the
data collected. To help confirm our findings we also looked at the results of other
Moonee Valley Council consultations such as World Class Locally, City
Sustainability, Arts and Culture surveys and the Healthy Ageing Strategy 20122017 survey.13
At the conclusion of the community engagement process, 150 senior staff of
Moonee Valley City Council participated in an Organisational Leaders Forum.
This enabled Council leaders to look at the community’s aspirations for the city.
Brainstorming responses, they confirmed the need for action across Council and
to involve the community in developing these responses. At this point, all the
views expressed during the community engagement process were interpreted
and presented in the Moonee Valley Next Generation 2035 Draft Community
Vision.
Following the development of the Moonee Valley Next Generation 2035 Draft
Community Vision, Council undertook a further consultation period. The
consultation period took place in July 2012 and was used as an opportunity for
the community to confirm the Community Vision. The community consultation
process received minimal feedback. However, the responses received indicated
that the community found their view reflected in the themes and additional minor
amendments were made to improve the clarity of the implications for planning.
For a more detailed report on the consultation process, you can read ‘How the Community Vision was Developed’,
which can be found at mvcc.vic.gov.au/mv2035
13
Moonee Valley NEXT GENERATION 2035 Community Vision
39
Acknowledgements
Many people contributed to the development of the community engagement
process and this report.
We would particularly like to thank for their thoughtful and generous
contributions:
The Community Ambassadors:

David Adamson Principal Essendon Keilor Secondary College

Fiona Alexander, Parent and Early Childhood Consultant

Rob Brown, Victoria University Pro-Vice Chancellor

Jane Canaway, Co-founder Avondale Heights Community Gardens

Joseph Connellan, Chair Doutta Galla Community Health Service

John Dainutis, Western Metro Regional Network Leader DEECD

Ahmed Dini, People of Australia Ambassador 2012

Sue Duras, Immediate Past Chair Moonee Valley Foundation

Brian Haratsis, Chief Economist Macroplan

Caz Healey, CEO Doutta Galla Community Health Service

Frank Kinnersley, Australian Bicycling Achievement Awards Volunteer
of the Year 2012

John Larkins, President Senior Football Section Aberfeldie Sports Club
Inc

Ken Matthews, Chairperson of Melbourne's West Export Network

Patrick McGorry, Australian of the Year 2010

Erin Young, founder REAL Magazine for young women

Ralph Plarre, Prominent speaker about practical sustainability and
business
Volunteers in the Community video and from St Bernard’s College Essendon.
The children who contributed drawings to My Dream for Moonee Valley, some of
which are feature in this report.
The MV Next Generation 2035 team:

Denise Shearer, Manager Community Development

Meredith Carter, Principal Consultant Meredith Carter & Associates

Michelle Hall, Research and Evaluation Officer
Moonee Valley NEXT GENERATION 2035 Community Vision
40

Celine Oerlemans, Senior Communications Project Officer

Claire Spivakovsky, Community Planning Officer

Amona Hassab, additional administrative assistance

Participants of the Officers’ Working Group