Yass Valley Council is holding a public presentation on its plans for the Crago Mill Precinct tonight from 7:30pm-9:30pm via Zoom.
The public presentation will give the community a chance to hear from Brewster Hjorth Architects (BHA), view the Crago Mill Precinct concept designs, ask questions and provide comments.
“This is part of an ongoing engagement process with the community. We’ve released information at various stages of the development and concept plan.This is just the next stage of taking the plan further,” said General Manager at Yass Valley Council, Chris Berry.
“We’re looking at internal layout, some of the design principles and responding to a number of the issues which have been brought to us in consultation,” he said.
This presentation is far from the last step in the development process. According to Berry, it doesn’t even necessarily mean construction of the Precinct will go ahead.
“It’s really just the next evolution of the design of the concept plan that is going to form the basis of launching the development application.”
“The development application doesn’t mean we’re going ahead with the building. Council’s made it really clear to staff that they want the concept plans prepared so that we’re in a good position to secure funding when it’s available.”
“Really this is all part of our agenda of getting plans prepared, so that we can look to secure funding when it’s available and deliver important infrastructure on behalf of the community,” he said.
With the decision to go ahead with the Precinct a responsibility of the next Council, Berry thinks the significant shuffling of Councillors is likely to push the beginning of the construction of the Precinct into mid next year.
“The decision to actually proceed with development will be made after the Council elections and that will be a matter for the new Council.”
“I think what the incoming Council will probably say before they make a firm commitment to go ahead with the construction. They’ll want us to make sure that we explore as many grant opportunities as we possibly can.”
“With every change of Council at an election there’s always refreshing of priorities. One of the things we’ll do after the election is sit down with the new Council and work out what their priorities are,” he said.
If you are interested in attending the session, email council@yass.nsw.gov.au. A link to the zoom presentation will then be sent in response.
As always, if you have any thoughts on what you’d like to see the next Councillors change to the current plans for the Crago Mill Precinct, feel free to send them in writing to editor@yassvalleytimes.com.au.
Max O’Driscoll
