One such process is happening in Maitland at the moment.

Until August 21, Maitland City Council wants to hear suggestions on how the development of Central Maitland should be guided ... and it wants to hear from you.

Typically, planning professionals and developers have their say on these occasions, and their views are valid and deserve earnest consideration.

After all, it is their money, or their borrowed money, but still their risk, that will pay for and form the development and progress.

One developer, Hilton Grugeon, has tossed in a note of caution, along with some defined opportunities, under the draft plan.

These opportunities and reservations will undoubtedly surface in detail as the draft report progresses.

But it’s an opportunity for broad public input too.

Every person who has walked down the Heritage Mall and said “They should do this” or “They should do that” now has the chance to tell that to a willing ear.

And should.

The plan will be set in concrete one day, and then it will be too late to have a say in the shape, colour, texture and purpose of that concrete.

Bob Dennerley’s efforts, reported on page 4, are a marvellous example of one citizen keen to have his say on the city’s future and to take up a pencil in the cause.

The Mercury invites others. Send us your ideas in letters, emails or envelopes under the door, and we will will publish them and send them to the council to be included in its deliberations.

A stream of ideas could be contagious and lead to new ones, refinements and improvements.

Start writing now.