At Council's September meeting, Cr John Cunningham said the consultation period had been extended and rather than asking for that consultation period to conclude in October it had been extended to November.

Councillors discussed some of the issues raised in the report.

One strategy in the draft report relates to street trees and Cr Cunningham said there had been a lot of discussion about trees planted in towns.

"This is a significant part of this report, in terms of trees on roadsides and I would really encourage people in the community, that if you've got a view on what types of plants should be planted in nature strips, look at this report and comment on it because we do need comments. There's been conflicting views on whether we should use indigenous or exotic plants,'' he said.

Cr Cunningham said the reported related to the whole municipality.

"It's for the whole of the municipality, so it includes all of our smaller rural towns, not just Ararat city so we really are looking forward to the community participating in a proper consultation process and getting back in touch with council in relation to this framework.''

Cr Gwenda Allgood spoke on another strategy in the report, street furniture.

"One of the things I've had pointed out for me is that a lot of our new seating has no armrests on it. I'm like Cr Cunningham, I hope people get it and read it because this will shape Ararat's future.

"It really is up to the people to read it and come back to us.''

Mr Mitchell said a full copy of the draft framework was available on CD at the Ararat Rural City Council offices or on the Council website, www.ararat.vic.gov.au

He said submissions should be in writing, either via email to imitchell@ararat.vic.gov.au or by letter, posted to Ararat Rural City Council, PO Box 246, Ararat 3380.

Submissions would be received until Monday November 3.

In the meantime, queries could be directed to David Pitches or Ian Mitchell at the council, telephone 5355 0200.