The Belmont Trust Land - Future Vision project was officially launched on Saturday, 5 February with a smoking ceremony marking the start of the community engagement process.

The Belmont Trust land covers approximately 14 hectares and features a complexity of overlapping stories, uses and histories. While the City of Belmont owns the land, a Declaration of Trust over the land has seen Trustees appointed to manage the way the land can be used. The Trustees are the current and successive Elected Members of the City of Belmont Council.

Thankfully, the City obtained an exemption from DFES to be able to hold the smoking ceremony on Saturday which was done by traditional owner Nigel Wilkes.

The Trustees have instructed the City of Belmont to engage Aha! Consulting to lead the community consultation project which seeks to understand what recreational uses the community would like to see on the site and how those are paid for and maintained. Information gathered will assist the Belmont Trust to establish a strategic vision for the parcel of land.

There are many ways for the community to participate in the project both online and in person including:

• Visiting the Belmont Trust website to learn about some of the history of the site and the project.
• Completing an online community survey on Belmont Connect. Survey closes 13 March 2022.
• Attending a pop-up stall at locations across the City of Belmont during February and March. Locations will include Belmont Forum, Belvidere Street, Kooyong Road and Belmont Hub.
• Applying to be part of the Belmont Trust Community Panel. Applications are open and close 13 March 2022.

The consultants will also be holding targeted workshops with Ascot Waters residents, the City’s Aboriginal Advisory Group to understand traditional owner’s use of the land and their connection, as well as other relevant stakeholders.

To keep up to date about the project sign up to Belmont Connect and the Belmont Trust Land – Future Vision project eNewsletter.