The Victorian Minister for Planning, Matthew Guy, has urged Melbourne’s metropolitan councils to continue to take a leading role in the ongoing community consultation over planning for Melbourne’s growth and development over the next 40 years.

Mr Guy said that local government would play an important role in bringing forward community views as part of developing the Metropolitan Planning Strategy.

“Community consultation will be critical to the success of the Metropolitan Planning Strategy and local government will be the driver of a successful consultation process,” Mr Guy said.

A Conversation Toolkit designed to assist local groups to host their own discussions about the Metropolitan Planning Strategy has been developed based on questions relating to a Discussion Paper, Melbourne – let’s talk about the future released in October last year.

Funding and resources to assist community groups to conduct community consultation workshops are available, including access to facilitators, venue hire, or reimbursement for reasonable costs associated with hosting an event.

“Local government, community groups and residents across metropolitan Melbourne and Victoria are encouraged to have a say in how to plan for a vibrant and liveable city,” Mr Guy said.

“Every individual or group that engages in the consultation process could drive a further 10, 20 or more people to be involved.”

People can have their say by making a submission, registering their interest in participating in a forthcoming community event, or downloading the Conversation Toolkit from the Plan Melbourne website www.planmelbourne.vic.gov.au

The closing date for submissions to the Discussion Paper has been extended to 28 March 2013.