General News
22 June, 2023
Talbot could become an “explosion of development”
Victorian Goldfields Tourism Executive chair and Talbot resident Chris Meddows-Taylor believes the town is a powder keg for growth, with a number of projects leading to what he believes will result in an explosion of development locally. Mr...
Victorian Goldfields Tourism Executive chair and Talbot resident Chris Meddows-Taylor believes the town is a powder keg for growth, with a number of projects leading to what he believes will result in an explosion of development locally.
Mr Meddows-Taylor believes a combination of the Talbot Futures project, which will establish a vision for the town’s growth, sewerage in Talbot, London House, the Talbot Farmer’s Market, the bid for a Victorian World Heritage listing and Talbot’s central location will eventuate in significant growth.
“All of these projects present an opportunity to develop Talbot with regional significance and to benefit not only the Talbot community and broader shire community, but also create a place to attract people from around the region,” he said.
“All of this leads to Talbot being bigger in the future, that’s inevitable.”
Mr Meddows-Taylor said a draft of the Talbot Future project will be completed in the next six weeks and covers a town structure plan and fully costed sewerage scheme plan.
He said already the community have expressed significant interest in the future development of the town.
“There’s been a lot of community consultation as part of the Talbot Futures project which is due for completion by July,” he said.
“That will go out for community consultation again but already there’s been significant community input.
“That project is centred around how Talbot can sustainably grow and where it can grow and there is a real opportunity for that growth.”
Growth in Talbot builds on the town and community’s existing assets, Mr Meddows-Taylor said, particularly the Talbot Farmer’s Market, London House and the town’s central location.
“The Talbot Farmer’s Market has been an attraction and destination for many years as has London House,” he said.
“The community love London House and the Market Square, there is significant community ownership of this asset and without the community, it would never have happened.
“We know London House is going to its next stage but this is an exciting opportunity to tap into the future growth of this community.
“Our location between Ballarat and Bendigo, as well as the Victorian Goldfields World Heritage Bid is essential to our community thriving.
“The benefits this will bring to the town and region is massive — it’s a win-win.”