2015-12-08 I&S Committee - Item 5 - Attach 1 - NOOSA SOCIAL STRATEGY

Cohesive & Resilient Communities

Council will continue to provide multiple opportunities        In protecting and enhancing our lifestyle, Council will
for people to move more actively participate in their          build upon the Shire’s history and our status as a Biosphere
community. In partnership with individuals, businesses         Reserve under UNESCO’s Man and the Biosphere Program.
and the other levels of government, we have set ourselves
the task of building cohesive and resilient communities.       Connection with community is integral to individual
                                                               wellbeing. We will encourage people to take part in
We will work hard to build resilience in our communities       community life and to use their own creativity to build a
and organisations so that they can recover and learn           sense of place. Our public places will be purpose designed
from unforeseen events - be they a natural disaster,           to accommodate a range of different uses and needs.
an economic downturn or the loss of key individuals,
businesses or sponsors.                                        Opportunities for young people to develop to their full
                                                               potential will be available within our community. Schools,
Council commits to respectful dialogue with key                government and non-government services will aim to
stakeholders and residents and will ensure that                provide families with access to formal and informal
opportunities exist for people to be involved in decision-     support structures at the times and locations they need.
making processes that affect their community.




Key Initiatives

•   Organise and facilitate a Community Partnership            •   Undertake a service mapping exercise of providers in
    Roundtable. This will systematically identify, consider        order to identify gaps and potential opportunities for
    and aim to address key local social issues.                    partnering in service delivery.

•   Develop an interactive community facility database         •   Partner with Government agencies and service
    (including school facilities) with the aim of maximising       providers to collate and share localised data and
    use of existing assets.                                        statistics to inform social priorities, and advocate for
                                                                   additional resources to the Shire.
•   Review Council managed facilities to optimise usage
                                                               •   Take a lead role in establishing professional networks
•   Encourage, promote and provide opportunities and
                                                                   that encourage collaborative practice, information
    appreciation for volunteerism.
                                                                   sharing and professional development.
•   Encourage events and celebrations that bring
                                                               •   Develop disaster management plans and resilience
    communities together and recognise days of national
                                                                   strategies for at risk local communities and groups.
    or local importance.
                                                               •   Leverage technology to integrate and deliver services.
•   Partner with key stakeholders to encourage broad
    community participation in activities that protect and     •   Create One Stop Shop Community Hubs that bring
    enhance the environmental values of the Shire.                 multiple service agencies under one roof.

•   Partner with schools and support services to develop
    and encourage initiatives that support young people,
    their families and carers.




                                                                                                Noosa Social Strategy | Page 21