There’s a simple principle underlying LivingKingston – this is a place where people love to live.

We want to keep it that way... and make it even better. So, we’re taking the steps now to create the Kingston of 2035 – a city which has everything we’re renowned for now, and everything we’ll want in the future.

The Kingston of 2035 will be safe, supportive and full of opportunities for people of all ages, backgrounds and abilities, to learn, grow and contribute.

A place where we can live productive, happy lives.

We will be a healthy and active community where everyone belongs and shares opportunities to enjoy sporting and cultural activities, that celebrate our bayside lifestyle and identity... all the options expected in one of Victoria’s leading muncipalities.

Everything we need in employment, services and facilities will be there to help us maximise our potential as citizens and individuals contributing to the Kingston community.

Our natural environment will underpin this special sense of community and belonging - vibrant neighbourhoods will be connected by beautiful parklands, waterways, community spaces and paths.

This is the future you want for Kingston... growing and thriving, changing and evolving but still remaining the place you love to live.

How would you like the City of Kingston to be in 2035?

This was the challenge we took to the Kingston community. Throughout 2012, more than 5,800 of our citizens from all walks of life told us what they wished for the future of our City through surveys, community forums and online discussions.

Over 13,500 ideas were gathered, sorted into themes and tested to develop a picture of how we want Kingston to be in the future.

This is our shared vision – it’s an exciting picture of where we want to be.

Our shared vision for the future: LIVING KINGSTON 2035

Our shared vision for the future...

DRAFT

In 2035, Kingston will be a well-designed city with attractive places and distinctive local neighbourhoods As a ‘city within a city’, in 2035 the City of Kingston will be a truly diverse but harmonious community with all the right connections.

This Kingston character will begin with our urban design, successfully integrating our housing, industrial precincts, businesses and shops with parkland, sports precincts and recreational spaces.

Vital infrastructure will be securely in place to support this growth.

Planning will protect our green wedge, parklands, and waterways, preserving the appeal of our healthy natural assets – and especially our 13 km of beaches.

In managing our flexibility and risks, we will be equipped to accommodate any changes in our environment and weather.

Our community spaces will be full of activity as we enjoy quality facilities, a balance of indoor and outdoor amenities – from children’s playgrounds and sports ovals to bike paths and indoor leisure centres.

The look of our neighbourhoods will keep changing and evolving through a mix of renovation, public art and cultural activities - always reflecting our pride in where we live.

People wanting to live in Kingston will be able to choose from many types of housing, at a range of prices, integrated into harmonious neighborhoods and serviced to suit their needs. Green, sustainable features in our homes will be of the highest environmental standards.

The community will be well-informed and their opinions about development and change across Kingston will be influential in developing our city’s functions and appearance.

How this might look:

• Well-maintained green and open spaces will complement higher density residential areas. Greater access to our green wedge - such as walking trails, recreational space and bushland – will provide a modern urban living experience.

• We will have capacity for all demands on resource services and the demands placed by extreme weather – we will be ready to meet increased demands for water, sewerage, drainage and storm water treatment.

• Our investment in infrastructure - such as roads, bridges, drains, footpaths, parking - will be sensibly targeted to support population and housing density changes.

“I love where I live, I want to keep its character ”

Community forum partiCipant

“I want residents to have more say in the direction Kingston takes in regards to things like developments and the type of businesses that establish in Kingston.” SURVEY RESPONDENT

In 2035, Kingston’s many communities will be active, engaged and continually learning

Kingston will be a city of many different neighbourhoods, evolving but connected by a strong sense of community and place.

These harmonious neighbourhoods will be safe and friendly, defined by local activities that connect people of all ages, abilities and cultural backgrounds.

The past will be honoured as we move forward. Well-preserved historical buildings, memorials and artefacts will celebrate our living heritage, connection to the past and our distinctive identity.

We will celebrate and socialise through local and city-wide festivals, markets and community events that are highly regarded through Kingston and beyond. These will be affordable and superior quality, reflecting the high regard for Kingston.

Thriving business networks will offer learning, training and employment opportunities responsive to local needs and engaged worldwide through on-line technologies.

Everyone in Kingston will have access to life-long learning programs, innovative services and online technologies. Libraries, community centres and neighbourhood houses will be local providers of these vital services and connections. These facilities will have flexible spaces to accommodate all varieties of community groups and individuals.

These community groups and businesses will have access to strategic and practical information and services available in multiple languages and formats.

The community will grow and connect through a sustainable network of groups, clubs and service organisations, staffed by well-coordinated and trained volunteers. Volunteering will be strongly supported, highly valued and enhanced by access to a range of resources and opportunities.

How this might look:

• All residents will be able to find activities, assistance and services in their local areas and be connected to community organisations and volunteers.

• Community centres and neighbourhood houses will support a broad range of programs for all ages and be fully utilised during the day, at night and throughout the weekend.

• Libraries will be lively and popular places for the community to gather, access online technology to study and undertake learning programs in multiple languages.

“Support and promote local community groups and clubs so that they can continue to exist and meet residents’ social needs” SURVEY RESPONDENT

“Knowledge and appreciation of the past is important to feeling ‘at home’ or part of a place.”

Community forum partiCipant

ONE VISION • CITY OF KINGSTON COUNCIL PLAN 2013-2017

In 2035, Kingston’s high quality facilities, services and educational institutions will support a healthy, diverse communityFrom birth to old age, residents will be encouraged and inspired to reach their potential, contribute positively to society and secure their health and well-being.

This commitment to fulfilling lives will begin with our children who will be able to grow and learn locally with access to quality childcare, kindergartens, schools.

Training opportunities for young people will provide important opportunities for developing their lives.

Older people will be valued, contributing members of the community and enjoy innovative services, activities and choices to support positive ageing.

People of all ages and backgrounds - particularly vulnerable and disadvantaged individuals and their support persons - will be able to easily find, access and afford local support services.

This will come about through strong partnerships between government, private industry and not-for-profit organisations.

Quality community facilities for activities will be distributed throughout the municipality and well-used by many different groups.

To strengthen our social connections, revitalised community buildings will be valuable resources, well-maintained and low-cost to use.

Activity and health will be encouraged through sport and recreation opportunities, excellent sporting facilities and precincts and open spaces that are clean, safe and appealling.

Shade and seated areas, with clean and easy to find amenities such as picnic facilities and toilets, will make our beaches, parklands, play grounds and sporting fields hubs of activity for people of all ages, abilities and fitness levels.

Residents, workers and visitors will talk about the exciting cultural and leisure projects and events showcased in Kingston. Our venues will be a preferred destination for sports, cultural events and performing arts.

How this might look:

• Kingston will be an ‘all ages’ municipality, where people are valued from birth to old age.

• Services, facilities and educational opportunities will underpin an active, positive environment that brings together the resources of government, private industry and not-for-profit organisations.

• Community facilities will be an active focus for building social connections.

“Churches/centres for elderly to be given funding to keep the elderly

active in body, mind and soul” SURVEY RESPONDENT

“My wish is for all residents of Kingston to have access to all services; health, education, libraries.” SURVEY RESPONDENT

ONE VISION • CITY OF KINGSTON COUNCIL PLAN 2013-2017

In 2035 moving around Kingston will be easy and efficient, on any mode of transport

Transport connections will be a strength in Kingston’s enviable lifestyle.

People will be able to travel all around the municipality and connect with Melbourne and the Mornington Peninsula without a car. Public transport and cycling and walking tracks will be designed and connected to maximise mobility.

Our transport networks will be safe, clean and reliable as a result of strong partnerships between Council, government agencies and industry.

Cycling will be popular and practical.. Cycling paths that connect our neighbourhoods and bicycle parking facilities at transport hubs and shopping precincts will place environment friendly transport at the heart of the city.

Walking will be another popular and well-catered for exercise.

Pedestrians of all abilities will enjoy safe travel around their neighbourhoods, shopping precincts, recreational spaces, roadways and railway crossings in Kingston.

Traffic will move efficiently through Kingston on carefully managed major roads and dedicated truck routes; our local streets will be safe and free from commuter traffic.

Our local economy, industrial precincts and businesses will benefit from our efficient network of road, rail, air and water transport and will be an employment hub for the region. Moorabbin airport will continue as a vital transport asset and industry and activities will be considerate of the needs of surrounding residents.

Our focus on the future and environmental efficiency will see Kingston at the forefront of introducing emerging forms of transport. Innovative environmentally-friendly forms of transportation such as electric cars and water ferries will be encouraged and supported.

How this might look:

• Flexible and environment-friendly transport and traffic options will provide residents with a choice of travel within Kingston and beyond.

• Championing innovative forms of transport will complement Kingston’s reputation for environmental leadership and stewardship the natural environment

• Cycling and walking will offer safe and healthy travel connections to transport hubs, shopping precincts, beaches, recreational spaces and popular destinations.

“Public transport is well catered for with bicycle parking, shelters, path connections and sensible, frequent services.” WEBSITE PARTICIPANT

“My wish is for all residents of Kingston to have access to all services; health, education, libraries.” SURVEY RESPONDENT

“All ages doing short trips by bike or walking on slower streets and everyone is happier and healthier as a result”

WEBSITE parTIcIpanT

Now, how

do we bring this

vision to life?Through a partnership between

the community, private industry, governments and not-for-profits, led by the Councillors and Council staff. This vision is being incorporated into

all aspects of Kingston’s guiding document, the Council Plan.

In 2035 we will enjoy our beautiful, green city and proudly share it with others.Our safe and clean beaches, parklands, green wedge and beautiful open spaces will underline Kingston’s enduring character of healthy natural environments.

Our indigenous plants and animals will be at the centre of initiatives to preserve and protect flora and fauna through education and personal leadership at home and right across our city.

Landfill operations will not have a place - we will be an example of a community recycling and reducing our waste.

Our city will bring people together. Kingston spaces will be a popular place to connect – our cafes, shops, and appropriate nightlife will showcase a safe, thriving and healthy social culture.

Families, friends and pets will enjoy our open spaces, particularly our beaches.

A shared appreciation of our surroundings will promote clean environments, free from litter and graffiti.

Pets will be valued and looked after responsibly. Dogs and their owners will enjoy our many safe and clearly signed socialising spaces.

All parts of our city will be aesthetically appealing. Attractive housing and streetscapes, appealing shopping strips, clean industrial areas and tidy beaches will be enhanced by vibrant public art. Our important local features will be proudly identified by clear signage.

Beautiful trees and greenery will feature in our open areas and along our roadways, nature-strips, at railway stations, shopping strips and industrial areas. There will be an abundance of fruit trees and community gardens.

How this might look:

• As active, concerned citizens, we will recognise that beauty in our communities is in our hands – we will work together to keep our business and industrial areas clean and fresh by tree planting, planter boxes, art trails, greening up our laneways, beautifying our railway stations and eliminating industrial waste from our creeks and waterways.

“We need to encourage open spaces, community gardens, cafes and bars where socialising can go on in a positive manner”

COMMUNITY FORUM PARTICIPANT

“I think everyone benefits from a clean environment which is healthier and promotes more community pride.” COMMUNITY FORUM PARTICIPANT