Rohrbach bei Mattersburg, Burgenland, Austria

The municipality Rohrbach bei Mattersburg is located 278 meters above sea level, near the Hungarian border and is well-connected to public transport and the transregional road network. It has 2635 residents, with a slightly decreasing population. The municipal area spreads across 1523 hectares, 12.4 percent are settlement and traffic space.

Arguably the municipality’s biggest asset is its unique natural landscape with rolling hills in the transitional region between the Eastern Alps and the Hungarian lowlands. Mixed forests meet structured acreage with lots of fruit and vineyards. Orchards, dry landscapes and wetlands – some of which are recognized European reserves – are home to a vast variety of flora and fauna, and boast exceptional visual appeal.

The people of Rohrbach are aware of this treasure. Their quality of life and location is strongly rooted in the paradisiac landscape, making its maintenance a central goal. In the spirit of sustainability, they do not consider economy and ecology a contrastive pair, but rather work with the motto “Protection through Usage”. The list of implemented and planned measures is long and ranges from tree planting and strategies for urban sprawl to making their living space tangible. One example would be the creation of the Orchard Meadow and Garden Center, which is internationally oriented and scientifically guided. Another example is the renovation and redesign of the natural bathing pond Rohrbach, which is attractive to both locals and tourists, creating regional value.

Great efforts are undertaken also in the field of energy conservation and utilization of renewable enrgy sources. Core values are awareness-building, networking and cooperation and “smart” means of energy conservation. The municipality serves as a role model and installed photovoltaic plants on the town hall, the farm, the kindergarten and the lake house, reducing their CO2 emissions by 12 tons. Simultaneously, it supports private entities in their transition to alternative heat and energy supply.

Traffic safety and mobility are also important issues. Based on an extensive concept, security flaws and barriers are removed step by step and traffic calming measures are implemented. A village bus, taxi vouchers for senior citizens and youth as well as an attractive Disco-bus drastically improved mobility and reduced private transport by car. The most important factor to reducing traffic, however, are short distances within the area by securing local supply of goods as well as health, social and other services. This is also reflected in efforts to improve appreciation for local businesses and products and to highlight their importance to the regions value, as they promote soft local tourism.

The municipality Rohrbach bei Mattersburg and its residents value the maintenance of its cherished townscape; renovation and revitalization always go hand in hand. Following the slogan “All of Rohrbach is a stage for social and cultural life”, spaces of community, communication, housing, working, leisure, education, supply, activity and creativity are not only created, but often combined. An excellent example is the successful renovation and modern repurpsing of th 400 year old Meierhof and princely cellar. The protected landmark now not only enriches the townscape aesthetically, but also serves as a modern cultural event center including a shooting range for sporting marksmen, a cafeteria, a café, starter apartments, a youth center and the service-oriented and friendly town hall.

Numerous associations and citizens’ movements and their diverse activities and projects in the fields of education, culture and sports shape the village life. The municipal administration expresses its gratitude through financial support, explicit appreciation and by providing attractive venues as well as necessary infrastructure. Efforts are made to reach all generations with their individual needs and to promote community among all age groups. Examples include the assisted senior flats with daily programs, the creation of a generations-playgrounds, and the addition of a baseball stadium and a paddle cage facility.

Village renewal and municipal development are based on an extensive and exemplary long- term participation process with clear guidelines, strategies, evaluations and visions. The goal is, among other things, to become the site of important pilot projects in the field of technology and service and to utilize digitalization in the best interest of the people and the environment.

Evaluated: 2020