It was standing-room only as the Romsey Community Hub was packed with about 70 people.

The plan proposed by the Macedon Ranges Council sets the direction for future residential, commercial and industrial growth. The town's population of 3800 is expected to grow to more than 5000 by 2021.

Many residents expressed concern about various aspects of the plan, including proposals for a new business area east of the town, rezoning for parts of Main Road from residential to business and extension of the Portingales Lane industrial area, which will lead to an increase in traffic through the town.

The meeting was organised by Romsey resident David Robertson, who believes the council's community consultation process was unsatisfactory.

Mr Robertson, who opposes a proposal for a business park opposite his Barry Street house, was ecstatic at the meeting turn-out.

"I've had a week and a half [to organise the meeting] and only been in the town 2 years, so I don't know a lot of people. To get the turn-out we got I think is extraordinary."

Mr Robertson said the community forum had allowed everyone to have an "equal and fair say", but stressed the importance of residents reading the ODP document and making a written submission.

"I would like to think that people go home and have been spurred on to talk to their neighbours. Attendance at the meeting alone will not effect any change at all. The only way to do that is to write a letter."

Mr Robertson hoped the council would take community opinion on board. "Idealistically, I want the council to listen to the community and what the community wants. I don't want industrial development through the east of town or the expansion of Portingales Lane."

"Of course, I want the town to grow, but in every other small town you don't have to drive through the town to get to the industrial estates. All the traffic will head straight past the kindergarten, primary school, tennis club, golf club, all the community facilities.