LOCAL Area Planning has now commenced for Eudlo and Woombye to ensure the rich history and character of the towns is preserved.

"While it is important to be able to interpret the history and development of the rail towns, it is more important to understand that their role and character are still evolving and that changes for the better ought to be allowed," Cr Geoff Littler said.

"The Local Area Plans are about the communities’ own environment. The role that the communities play in the studies is therefore extremely important."

He said the communities were most aware of and best able to, identify issues.

Public interest meetings will be held in the Eudlo Hall on Tuesday, July 8, at 7pm, and in Woombye School of Arts on Thursday, July 10, at 7pm.

Residents and stake-holders are urged to attend these meetings to register their interest and to learn how they may become involved in the studies.

The communities of Eudlo and Woombye are encouraged to become involved in all stages of the studies and the implementation of the study’s recommendations.