Clever and creative landscaping will tell the story of Cowies Creek as part of the proposed improvements for the public space at Labuan Square in Norlane.
The concept design which has been released for public comment responds to feedback received earlier this year with survey responders prioritising a sustainable landscape access to nature public art and play experiences in the redevelopment of the space.
Walking from the Forster Street entrance through to Tennyson Street will take community members on a journey depicting four distinct stages of Cowies Creek: the grassy plains of Moorabool the origins of the creek; the basalt rocks of the gullies; open water and wetlands; and lastly exiting through the bay and cliffs.
The concept has been designed in partnership with Wadawurrung Traditional Owners Aboriginal Corporation.
Cowies Creek is an important natural asset for the Norlane community as it features a rich diversity of wildlife and trees including Silver Wattle Golden Wattle Moonah Tree Yellow Gum and a 120-year-old remnant River Red Gum.
In addition to creating a public space that celebrates the natural environment further updates will include improving the existing toilet facilities and WiFi access and installing additional seats a drinking fountain and public art. These changes will also create potential opportunities for alfresco seating for local businesses.
An expression of interest process will be undertaken to determine the public art outcomes for this space.
Community members can provide their feedback via the online survey or by attending the drop-in session on site listed below bookings required:
- 10.00am to 12.00pm Saturday 20 November.
Improvements to the public space at Labuan Square are supported by a $250 000 investment by the City.
Community members are encouraged to view the concept plan register for a drop-in session or provide their feedback online before Monday 29 November 2021 at yoursay.geelongaustralia.com.au/Labuan
Windermere Ward Councillor Anthony Aitken:
This project has taken longer than all of us had envisaged; COVID restrictions prolonged the engagement and design development however what we have now released has been generated from one of the best local neighbourhood engagement processes the Greater Geelong council has ever undertaken.
The draft concept embraces a Wadawurrung interpretation of Cowies Creek and its wider landscape and seeks to attract the community back to Labuan Square relocate the public toilets and begin attraction of potential new tenants and services to the square.
Windermere Ward Councillor Kylie Grzybek:
In May we heard from over 150 community members who told us they wanted a space that prioritised a sustainable landscape access to nature public art and play experiences.
We hope the public space concept design has lived up to the vision from the community and that it is a space they can see themselves meeting friends relaxing and enjoying the natural environment.
Community feedback is still an important part of shaping the open space at Labuan Square – so please jump on the website have a look and share your thoughts.