Community feedback collected over the past nine months as part of the Imagine Greater Bendigo project has informed the development of the new Council Plan (Mir wimbul) 2021-2025, Public Health and Wellbeing Plan 2021-2025, and 10-year Financial Plan 2021-2031.
In addition, this feedback has also helped develop the new Climate Change and Environment Strategy 2021-2026, which has been updated and is intended to replace the current Environment Strategy.
It is recommended Council release these strategic documents for public comment from Tuesday August 17 to Monday September 6.
All of these documents are designed to deliver on the new community vision: Greater Bendigo celebrates our diverse community. We are welcoming, sustainable and prosperous. Walking hand-in-hand with the Traditional Custodians of this land. Building on our rich heritage for a bright and happy future.
The vision is also underpinned by five values - transparency, sustainability, inclusion, innovation and equity.
The community vision and values were presented to Council in May this year by 61 residents, including 20 young people, who were specially selected to form a community panel and represent the views of the community in a process known as 'deliberative engagement'.
This work formed part of the Imagine Greater Bendigo community consultation project that collected a range of community feedback, and it was a requirement under the new Local Government Act (2020) for all Councils to develop their new community vision, Council Plan, 10-year Financial Plan and 10-year Asset Plan (to be delivered in 2022) in this way.
For the first time, the Council Plan has a dual name - Mir wimbul, meaning 'community protocol' in the language of the Dja Dja Wurrung. The dual name is a way to deliver on the new community vision and also reinforce the City of Greater Bendigo's continued commitment to advancing reconciliation and celebrating local indigenous culture.
Here is a brief description of each of the plans:
Council Plan (Mir wimbul) 2021-2025
A four-year plan that includes key strategies and initiatives to be delivered during the Council term that will help achieve the new community vision. It is based around seven themes, each with a number of goals, plans and objectives attached. The themes are - Lead and govern for all; Healthy liveable spaces and places; Strong, inclusive and sustainable economy; Aboriginal reconciliation; A climate resilient built and natural environment; A vibrant, creative community; A safe, welcoming and fair community.
10-year Financial Plan 2021-2031
A 10-year plan that supports the implementation of the Council Plan and outlines how Council will responsibly manage community funds and ensure it is financially sustainable.
Greater Bendigo Public Health and Wellbeing Plan 2021-2025
Climate Change and Environment Strategy 2021-2026
The strategy seeks to take strong action on climate change and environmental sustainability by setting targets and actions to reduce Greater Bendigo's emissions, facilitate active transport, divert waste from landfill to create a circular economy, regenerate our local biodiversity and waterways, and create more sustainable food systems. It will also support delivery of the Council Plan 2021-2025.
To view the Council agenda and attachments, visit www.bendigo.vic.gov.au/agendas
To view community feedback received to date as part of Imagine Greater Bendigo, including summary reports of stage 1 and 2 community engagement, visit www.letstalkgreaterbendigo.com.au/imagine.
