25 June 2021
Another bustling Southern Downs township is set to showcase its unique charm and character with the approval of the Pratten Urban Design Framework (UDF) at the Ordinary Meeting of Council on 23 June 2021.
A number of UDFs have been realised or are in progress across the region and Pratten’s tailored plan will focus on three core objectives to embrace and enhance the village’s personal identity.
A public workshop held with the local community in December 2020 brought to life the residents’ local values, aspirations and priorities for the town and identified the following platforms to base future projects on:
> Reinforce local identity
> Improve and upgrade the township’s streetscape
> Embrace a cohesive and active community
Long-time supporter of the UDF initiative, Southern Downs Councillor Sheryl Windle said she was excited to endorse the plan and was looking forward to Pratten progressing its vision and building on its country appeal.
“The Southern Downs region is particularly unique in offering a smorgasbord of country charm with many charming villages,” Councillor Windle said.
“Pratten’s framework considers its existing strengths and aims to improve and build on the unique qualities that make Pratten home for those who cherish the village’s history and atmosphere.
“The UDF initiative recognises and supports each of our villages in realising their potential, and we will not stop until all the townships on the Southern Downs have undergone urban design framework projects.”
Urban Design Frameworks provide a clear direction for the urban design of a town, and future projects included in the plan for Pratten will help ensure the unique character and identity of the community is protected and enhanced.
The framework provides a basis for budgeting of projects and identifying other avenues for potential funding including grants from State and Federal governments.
Frameworks have already been rolled-out in Wallangarra, Maryvale and Leyburn, with the Dalveen draft recently adopted at the Ordinary Meeting on Wednesday 26 May 2021.