2015-09-15 Infrastructure and Services Committee Agenda

INFRASTRUCTURE & SERVICES COMMITTEE MEETING AGENDA   15 SEPTEMBER 2015




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INFRASTRUCTURE & SERVICES COMMITTEE MEETING AGENDA                                              15 SEPTEMBER 2015

            Executive Summary
            Noosa is recognised as one of Australia’s most desirable places to live, work and visit, thanks to its
            outstanding beauty, mild subtropical weather and enviable lifestyle prospects.
            The Noosa Social Strategy (the ‘Strategy’) aims to provide a framework to continue to improve community
            wellbeing and cohesiveness while addressing the social opportunities and challenges facing the Shire over
            the coming years. It highlights our current strengths as a community and commits to supporting and building
            upon these while at the same time identifying priority social issues and challenges for action.
            The Strategy articulates Council’s role in the cultural, community and social life of the Shire. It encourages
            greater collaboration between government and non-government organisations, service agencies, facility
            providers and individuals to avoid duplication improve efficiencies and enhance community cohesion.
            The Strategy has been informed by the Noosa Social Strategy Background Paper which details the evidence
            and rationale for the Strategy’s four key themes and key actions. The final Social Strategy will be
            supplemented by an implementation plan which details new initiatives, ongoing commitments and also
            provides actions, timeframes and key performance indicators. It is envisaged that this implementation plan
            will be reviewed and updated every three to five years. These documents provide Council and other agencies
            with solid evidence and rationale to help make well-informed decisions about social issues and community
            needs.
            Four strategic themes are identified in the Strategy. These themes are aspirational and identify our long-term
            goals. We are committed to becoming a more:
             e  Acohesive and resilient community
             e  Anactive and healthy community
             e  Anaccessible, diverse and affordable community, and
             e  Acreative and informed community.
            These themes were developed in consultation with the Social Strategy working group, key stakeholders and
            through an analysis of statistics, demographics and other social data. For each theme, aspirational
            statements and key initiatives are outlined to inform future implementation and action planning.
            In setting this policy direction, Council acknowledges the traditional custodians of this land past and present,
            salutes all those who have helped shape the Shire and pays tribute to the countless volunteers and
            community groups who help maintain and build the social capital of our towns and villages.
            Council looks forward to working with other tiers of government, local businesses, community organisations
            and individual residents to implement this Strategy.

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