Media Release

8 July 2021

The ACT Government has formally recognised the Molonglo Valley Community Forum (MCVF) as the 8th Community Council in Canberra.

In February this year, ACT Labor backbencher, Dr Marisa Paterson MLA, moved a motion calling on the ACT Government to support the establishment of a Community Council for residents of the Molonglo Valley.

There are currently seven Community Councils across the ACT, operating as non-political groups, designed to represent a broad range of interests and needs of the local communities they represent.

Dr Paterson said “This is really exciting for everyone living in the Molonglo Valley. It struck me that a separate Community Council was needed for the area, in recognition of the distinct needs of the ACTs newest greenfield development as it continues to develop and grow”.

“I’ve attended all of the group’s ‘community forum’ meetings this year and have been very impressed with the strong sense of community cohesion, the diversity, energy and passion of residents wanting to help shape the future of the area. The ACT Government’s formal recognition of the group as a Community Council will open up new opportunities through funding and in-kind support”.

The formal recognition of the Molonglo Valley Community Forum as a community council is welcomed by Interim Spokesperson, Ryan Hemsley.

Mr Hemsley said “We are excited to become an official Community Council and act as a forum for the voices of residents, businesses and community groups within the Molonglo Valley”.

“As a growing region, we are keen to support the communities of Coombs, Denman Prospect, Whitlam, Wright and the future suburbs to be developed in the Molonglo Valley”.

Founding member of the MVCF, Monique Brouwer, encourages the community to get involved in establishing this new council as a united voice that truly represents this diverse district.

Mrs Brouwer said “There are many ways to get involved in the MVCF. You can become a member, volunteer for the committee, attend monthly public meetings, join the mailing list, follow the Facebook page, or contact the MVCF with any ideas or concerns”. “If you are interested in becoming an MVCF committee member, the first election will occur in October 2021, and we encourage anyone keen to represent the Molonglo Valley to nominate”.

The next meeting of the MVCF is on Thursday, 15 July 2021, commencing at 7:30pm in the library at Charles Weston School Coombs. Simon Tennent, Molonglo Development Director from the Suburban Land Agency, will present the Coombs and Wright Village Design & Place Framework.

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