This follows the receipt of an overwhelming number of submissions against moving the Collie Railway Station’s rose garden, but few on the overall plan.

The submission period was to have closed on Wednesday of last week.

Deputy shire president Glyn Yates said the council was disappointed with the range of responses received.

“This is the first of a number of exciting CBD developments. We were hoping for a wider range of comments than we received,” he said.

Cr Yates said council is interested in hearing from Collie youth.

“One of the major users of the crossing over the railway line is kids, so we want to hear from them,” Cr Yates said.

“Council is responsible for making everyone happy, and that’s all ages of the community.

“In 10 years time, the high school students will be the ones benefiting from this, so we want to know their views. It’s about retaining history but also creating an environment for the future.”

Cr Yates said the CBD project, of which the pedestrian crossing is a part, is one of the most important projects in Collie for the next 10 years.

“We want to make sure we get it right. We are embarking on creating a CBD for the future, which is a vibrant central point for our community.

“There is an important link between CBD vitality and economic development, so this project is really important for positioning Collie as we move forward,” he said.

Council received positive and negative submissions about the link between north and south Collie. No submissions were received from local businesses.

“We will be organising a meeting with them,” Cr Yates said.

“We’re trying to get all the options, not balance the argument out. We want to understand what traders feel about it and what their opinions are of the rose garden.”

Submissions can be made to the shire via email, letter or by approaching an elected member.