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

      4       Themes and Aspirations
            In the process of consulting and developing this Strategy, four themes have emerged that reflect the
            sentiment and aspirations of the residents of the Shire. These themes are:
            Theme 1 - Cohesive and resilient communities
            Theme 2 - Active and healthy communities
            Theme 3 - Accessible, diverse and affordable communities
            Theme 4 - Creative and informed communities.
            These themes provide the focus for the Strategy’s key initiatives.     These initiatives will inform the
            development of further, more refined actions which will be detailed in the implementation plan.      The
            following section elaborates on each theme by providing a summation of the aspirations and visions, and
            also makes recommendations for initiatives to supplement Council’s existing commitments.
            4.1      Cohesive and Resilient Communities
            Council aims to help create a better environment for people to more actively participate in their community.
            In partnership with individuals, businesses and the other levels of government, we have set ourselves the
            task of building cohesive and resilient communities.
            We will work hard to build resilience in our communities and organisations so that they can recover and
            learn from unforeseen events - be they a natural disaster, an economic downturn or the loss of key
            individuals, businesses or even sponsors.
            Council commits to respectful dialogue with key stakeholders and residents and will ensure that
            opportunities exist for people to be involved in decision-making processes that affect their community.
            In protecting and enhancing our lifestyle, Council will build upon the Shire’s history and our status as a
            Biosphere Reserve under UNESCO's Man and the Biosphere Program.
            Connection with community is integral to individual wellbeing. We will encourage people to take part in
            community life and to use their own creativity to build a sense of place. Our public places will be purpose
            designed to accommodate a range of different uses and needs.

    4.1.1   Key initiatives

       e    Organise and facilitate a community partnership roundtable. This will identify and systematically consider
            and address key local social issues.
       e    Develop an interactive community facility database (including school facilities) with the aim of maximising
            use of existing assets.
       e    Review Council managed facilities to optimise usage
       e    Encourage, promote and provide both opportunities and appreciation for volunteerism.
       e    Encourage events and celebrations that bring communities together and recognise days of national or local
            importance.
       e    Partner with key stakeholders to encourage broad community participation in activities that protect and
            enhance the environmental values of the Shire.
       e    Undertake a service mapping exercise of providers in order to identify gaps and potential opportunities for
            partnering in service delivery.
       e    Encourage similar support groups and service providers to co-locate in order to provide better combined
            services and reduce duplication.

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