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

            Council values and embraces diversity, be it cultural, spiritual, ethnic or capacity-based. We want to assist
            our community to be tolerant, inclusive and welcoming. We will strive for social equity by advocating to
            ensure vulnerable groups have access to appropriate support so they can fully participate in our community.
            We recognise that people with a disability are an integral part of our community. We will put in place
            mechanisms to support residents with disabilities, and we will encourage them to participate in community
            life at a level of their choosing.
            Recognising that the Shire’s roads and transport networks are vital to ensure access to and interconnectivity
            between towns, centres and facilities, Council is developing a new Transport strategy. In partnership with
            Translink and other providers, Council will put in place initiatives to make public, community and active
            transport options more attractive with the aim of reducing dependency on private vehicles.
            As well as providing physical infrastructure, Council will invest in building social capital through community
            development. We will ensure that our not-for-profit sector and its many volunteers are recognised, valued
            and supported.
    4.3.1   Key initiatives:
        e   Actively encourage the establishment of social enterprises in the Shire.
        e   Improve and advocate for inclusive access to public places, spaces and services.
        e   Work with the traditional owners and the local indigenous community to incorporate their needs and views
            in policy development.
        e   Develop a social procurement policy and incorporate social benefit criterion into Council’s procurement
            processes.
        e   Advocate to Federal and State Governments for increased support for social service provision where need
            and gaps arise.
        e   Plan for an increased numbers of elderly people living independent.
        e   Advocate for increased flexible respite opportunities for the frail aged and people with a disability.
        e   Work with the community and relevant Federal and State Government agencies to assist the implementation
            of major social reforms such as the National Disability Insurance Scheme and Domestic Violence initiatives.
        e   Undertake a Housing Needs Analysis to inform planning and future advocacy
        e   Work with government agencies, not-for-profit organisations and the business sector to explore innovative
            ways of tackling housing affordability.
        e   Encourage inclusive participation in community activities for people with a disability.
        e   Continue to facilitate improvements in public transport, plus walking and cycling facilities to lessen
            dependency on private vehicles.

            44        Creative and Informed Communities
            Knowledge, creativity and innovation are key components to a flourishing community. They enrich individual
            lives and community environments, assist with problem solving and help create a shared identity. They
            articulate and reinforce our community values.
            Council recognises that the arts and creative industries play a central role in the way we view ourselves
            through music, books, film, theatre, art, festivals, fashion, design and architecture. Cultural pursuits generate
            a sense of pride, help reflect our special place to the rest of the world, and support our local economy. We
            will value and encourage opportunities to highlight the creative talents and unique cultures that exist in our
            local community.
            Council respects our past: from our Indigenous Aboriginal heritage to our contemporary culturally-diverse
            heritage. We will help preserve our heritage and provide opportunities to better understand our shared
            history.
            Council understands the importance of information, knowledge and education. We will facilitate access to
            quality information, support life-long learning and place high value on innovation. We will respect
            community debate and commit to transparent decision-making. Our libraries and galleries will continue to
            act as community and cultural hubs and centres of learning.
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