The Molonglo Valley will soon have its own community council. Photo: File.
The ACT Government has formally recognised the Molonglo Valley Community Forum (MVCF) as the eighth community council in Canberra, and elections for the new body will occur in October.
The official recognition comes after ACT Labor backbencher Dr Marisa Paterson moved a motion in February in the Legislative Assembly calling on the government to support the establishment of a community council for residents of the new and growing district of the Molonglo Valley.
The MVCF will join the seven other community councils across the ACT, which operate as non-political groups and represent a broad range of interests and needs of their local communities.
Dr Paterson said the decision would open up new opportunities for community advocacy through funding and in-kind support.
“It struck me that a separate community council was needed for the area in recognition of the distinct needs of the ACTs newest greenfield development as it continues to develop and grow,” she said.
“I’ve attended all of the group’s ‘community forum’ meetings this year and have been very impressed with the strong sense of community cohesion, the diversity, energy and passion of residents wanting to help shape the future of the area.”
Interim MVCF spokesperson Ryan Hemsley said those involved in the Forum were excited about becoming an official community council and being a voice for residents, businesses and community groups within the Molonglo Valley.
“As a growing region, we are keen to support the communities of Coombs, Denman Prospect, Whitlam, Wright and the future suburbs to be developed in the Molonglo Valley,” he said.
Founding member of the MVCF, Monique Brouwer, encouraged the community to get involved in establishing the new council as a united voice that truly represents the diverse district.
“There are many ways to get involved in the MVCF. You can become a member, volunteer for the committee, attend monthly public meetings, join the mailing list, follow the MVCF Facebook page, or contact the MVCF with any ideas or concerns,” she said.
“If you are interested in becoming an MVCF committee member, the first election will occur in October 2021. We encourage anyone keen to represent the Molonglo Valley to nominate.”
The next meeting of the MVCF is on Thursday, 15 July at 7:30 pm in the library at Charles Weston School, Coombs.
Molonglo Development Director from the Suburban Land Agency, Simon Tennent, will present the Coombs and Wright Village Design & Place Framework.
Loading ...
