Montville residents have say on their village’s future

Montville Village Association (MVA) has released the results of its community survey, ‘Montville’s Future: Your Views and What You Want To See Happen,’ capturing local sentiment on the village’s future.

The survey received responses from 107 residents, approximately 10% of Montville’s population, providing meaningful insights that will guide community planning. Coordinated by Michael Bradley and Deb Davis, the report highlights key areas of interest and concern among residents. 

Feedback included strong support for establishing an Artisan Village atmosphere, improving local facilities and opening hours, addressing parking issues, and enhancing community events. Residents also expressed concerns about maintaining Montville’s relaxed village atmosphere amidst increasing property prices and development pressures.

Community forum June 8

A community forum will be held at 2pm on Sunday, 8 June 2025, at the village hall, allowing residents to discuss the survey findings, establish priorities, and outline an implementation timeline. The meeting will also aim to form an implementation team tasked with advancing identified initiatives and reporting progress to the community.

MVA President Wayne Parcell PSM thanked participants and encouraged continued community involvement. 

“Across the board, the natural and built environment are important,” Mr Parcell said. “Communication and community engagement also featured strongly, as did the interest in seeing the village thrive.  It is clear there is much to be done to meet the aspirations of the community.  Whilst there was interest in greater levels of community activity, it was also apparent that the availability of volunteers will be a limiting factor in delivering community-based events.  It is no surprise to anyone, that community funding from the three levels of government is simply not going to deliver on the aspirational wishes of communities.”

Chemist’s return a positive

Mr Parcell said the return of a chemist to the village on Monday (March 17) was “a salutary lesson in how the single-minded determination of the community, campaigned through different channels, ultimately led to success”.

• Full survey results can be accessed at https://ensbeyhouse.au/rangecommunitynews/montville-village-association-project-shaping-future/ Residents and stakeholders will soon receive invitations to attend the forum.

MVA President Wayne Parcell PSM