Heritage important to city’s residents

In the first of a series of community consultations under the Shaping Albury program, residents told a workshop at the library museum that preserving the city’s heritage buildings and landscapes was “a must”.

“The council puts lots of money into development but ... we’re destroying our street-scapes and pulling down buildings and trees,” East Albury’s John Emmery said.

“Our heritage makes Albury the most desirable place to come to.”

Albury’s Michael Lush agreed heritage was vital but said he wanted “a vibrant future as well”.

“The key is to preserve the past but look to the future,” he said.

“We want to keep the things that are great about Albury ... and with the new things that are created in Albury we need to try to create iconic things that are going to last.”

Albury’s Jan Marsden said the city also needed to ensure the secure long-term employment and consider what industry to attract.

Community safety and violence was also among the key issues.

“What we need to create is social cohesion not social disintegration,” Lavington’s John Saw said.

The views from the workshop along with others to be held between August 4 and September 1, will be used to revise the 2030 Shaping Our Future document produced five years ago.

Among the positives Mrs Marsden said Albury had all the facilities of a major city without the “hustle and bustle”.

Lavington’s Celia Bevan said having picturesque countryside “within minutes” of the city was a plus, while sporting, health and education facilities were also praised.

Mr Lush, who lives in central Albury, said he appreciated the “ease of living” the city offered.

“I walked here today and I could have got a coffee on the way, a newspaper and if I want nature I go to the river or if I want recreation I go to the swimming pool,” he said.

For more information or to register for a workshop, call (02) 6023 8245, visit alburycity.nsw.gov.au or email shapingalbury@alburycity.nsw.gov.au