As part of the COVID relief and rebuild efforts, Bega Shire is creating a precinct masterplan for the Tathra Wharf and Headland to guide its growth into the future. Last month, our director Anna Chauvel was able to travel down to Tathra and do an overnight site visit to get a real sense of the town’s character and history. The essence of a coastal town is very unique and something to be empowered and not necessarily changed. The rich maritime and aboriginal history of the place paired with the wild rugged coastal landscape creates a beautiful town.
Last week PLACE Laboratory and WSP undertook separate workshops with the local aboriginal groups, community groups and government stakeholders. Despite being under COVID restrictions, PLACE Laboratory was able to develop a consultation process that encouraged everyone to participate and voice their opinion through the Mentimeter app and a virtual whiteboard. These tools enabled the participants to tell the consultant team which qualities and experiences of the Tathra Headland are important to them and crucial for protection. Using the local as the experts helped the team truly understand what creates the Tathra sense of place. It was also great to see people embracing the technology and having fun along the way.
‘Place Laboratory have provided innovation and robust critical thinking to the early development of the Tathra Headland Precinct Plan. Their process has built trust with our stakeholders and provided confidence to the client as we approach the delivery of the final Precinct Plan.’ – Bega Valley Shire Council
