The insights gathered are compiled in a Carrick Structure Plan: Current State and Summary of Survey Results Report, which will inform the development of a new Carrick Structure Plan.

A structure plan provides a framework for the long-term development of our towns and suburbs. They bridge the gap between State legislation, regional policies, and aspirations of local communities.

When considering the feedback received, this report has identified five key community priorities:

• Preserve and celebrate Carrick’s historic village character and buildings.
• Support improvement to public spaces to support both young families and older people.
• Facilitate upgrades to existing and future infrastructure that are fit for purpose and respond to the needs of the community.
• Cultivate community and provide opportunities for new and existing businesses to prosper and thrive.
• Encourage moderate growth in a way that is compatible with Carrick’s historic village character and does not exceed infrastructure capabilities nor result in over-development.

These community priorities have been distilled into the following draft vision statements:

• Support modest growth and development in a way that protects and promotes Carrick’s historic village character and responds to local infrastructure capabilities.
• Cultivate community by incrementally improving public spaces, including roads and footpaths, for people of all ages and abilities.

Together, these community priorities and draft vision statements will underpin the development of the draft Carrick Structure Plan, which will be published in draft form for a round of community feedback before being finalised and approved by Council later this year.

To further these vision statements, Council has initiated a Carrick Character Study which will support the preparation of the draft Carrick Structure Plan. The preliminary findings and recommendations of the draft Carrick Character Study were presented at the Carrick Community Forum in March 2025. The Character Study will be released in draft form alongside the draft Carrick Structure Plan for community feedback.