"Our places are vibrant and sustainable; our people are strong and supportive" –
Community vision of the Campaspe community.
Campaspe Shire Council has released a draft of the long-term strategic plan, Campaspe Tomorrow 2040, now open for community comment through to Friday, 8 October.
Chief Executive Officer, Declan Moore said the draft plan is based on a vision developed through an extensive community engagement program.
"Campaspe Tomorrow 2040 is fundamentally a plan by the community for the community," he said.
More than 4,000 comments and opinions from more than 800 community members, staff and groups contributed their aspirations for the future, through community sessions, listening posts and walk-arounds, surveys and round tables from February to May this year.
"In June this year, after the community engagement program concluded, we released the initial summary of this community feedback," Mr Moore added.
"This was a check point, calling on the community to take a look at the summary results and let us know if something was missing or misinterpreted."
"This step has been part of preparing the Campaspe Tomorrow draft, as well as the Council Plan and Municipal Public Health and Wellbeing Plan which were recently out on exhibition."
Key themes highlighted by the community as important are outlined in the Campaspe Tomorrow plan, being:
- A place where we belong
- Activity for all
- An environment for all, now and always
- Towns and land that we love
- Opportunity for all
- Engaged and participative people
"The plan then documents the priorities in each theme, and the role that communities, businesses and individuals can do, what Council can do in partnership with the community can do, and what Council solely can do," Mr More said.
"What we heard was a resounding positive view of the future of our shire, with 93 per cent of residents reporting their community is a great place to live."
"Understanding the current strengths and challenges today is also part of the plan. Strengths need to be captured so that we can build on them, and challenges that we are committed to addressing through partnership and collaboration with the community and other levels of government."
Three key principles underpin delivery of the community vision, these are:
Inclusion – everybody is included, and should have an equal chance in life
Respect – respecting the diversity in our community
Sustainability – a key factor in planning for the future, and at the heart of everything we do
The Campaspe Tomorrow 2040 draft is on display through to Friday, 8 October and can be accessed on Council's website with a quick online form to assist in providing comment.
