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

      Executive
      Summary




Noosa is recognised as one of Australia’s most desirable     Four strategic themes are identified in the Strategy. These
places to live, work and visit, thanks to its outstanding    themes are aspirational and identify our long-term goals.
beauty, mild subtropical weather and enviable lifestyle      We are committed to becoming a more:
prospects.
                                                             •   Cohesive and resilient community
The Noosa Social Strategy (the ‘Strategy’) provides          •   Active and healthy community
a framework to continue to improve community
                                                             •   Accessible, diverse and affordable community, and
wellbeing and cohesiveness while addressing the social
opportunities and challenges facing the Shire over the       •   Creative and informed community.
coming years. It highlights our current strengths as a
community and commits to supporting and building upon        These themes were developed in consultation with the
these while at the same time identifying priority social     Social Strategy working group, key stakeholders and
issues and challenges for action.                            through an analysis of statistics, demographics and other
                                                             social data. For each theme, aspirational statements and
The Strategy articulates Council’s role in the cultural,     key initiatives are outlined to inform future implementation
community and social life of the Shire. It encourages        and action planning.
greater collaboration between government and non-
government organisations, service agencies, facility         In setting this policy direction, Council acknowledges
providers and individuals to avoid duplication, improve      the traditional custodians of this land past and present,
efficiencies and enhance community cohesion.                 salutes all those who have helped shape the Shire and
                                                             pays tribute to the countless volunteers and community
The Strategy will be supplemented by an implementation       groups who help maintain and build the social capital of
plan which details new initiatives, ongoing commitments      our towns, rural communities and villages.
and also provides actions, timeframes and key performance
indicators. The implementation plan will be reported         Council looks forward to working with other tiers of
against every 12 months and reviewed every three to five     government, local businesses, community organisations
years allowing for consideration of emerging issues. These   and individual residents to implement this Strategy.
documents provide Council and other agencies with
solid evidence and rationale to help make well-informed
decisions about social issues and community needs.