Residents and community groups are being encouraged to have their say on the Shire’s look.

The council has allocated $200,000 of its 2017/18 Budget for the town and village streetscape program.

It plans to improve the centres of Crookwell, Gunning, Taralga, Bigga, Binda, Collector, Laggan, Dalton, Grabben Gullen, Tuena, Jerrawa and Breadalbane.

Acting general manager Andrew Croke said landscape design principles would allow for greater cohesion throughout the Shire while allowing the towns and villages to retain their unique charm.

“Our town centres are the hubs of our communities,” Mr Croke said. “They are also the gateways to our Shire and are often the first impression given to visitors.

“It is important that our town centres reflect the vibrancy and beauty of our Shire and contribute to making the Upper Lachlan an attractive place to live, work, invest and visit now and into the future. 

“It is essential that we get it right.”

Jennie Curtis of Fresh Landscape Design addressed the council in June on the project.

Paving, lighting, and town and village entrances are some aspects set to change.

Deputy mayor John Stafford, who moved the idea in chamber at the end of last year, maintained there was no predetermined view of what these changes would be.

“We recognise each of the villages and townships that make up Shire have their own individual needs,” Cr Stafford said.

“The individual needs of each village shouldn’t be overlooked to achieve that goal.”

A working party, made up of councillors Stafford, Richard Opie and John Searl and council staff, will lead with preliminary suggestions.

Cr Stafford said the program was not a short term fix, but would signal strong economic benefits for residents and tourists alike.

“We can’t underestimate the worth of this,” he said.

“There’s a lot more we can do to develop and grow the Shire.”