RESIDENTS have close to five weeks to have their say on a document that will guide Gannawarra Shire Council’s objectives for the next four years.
Four months of consultation helped council develop its 2017 – 2021 Council Plan, which serves as a guide for the municipality’s activities during the current term of council.
Close to 500 residents provided feedback on what they see as council’s strengths and ways to provide support to key attributes throughout the district.
“Across our entire community, there was a consistent message about wanting waterfront development, increased tourism, arts and culture, improvements to streetscapes and for our heritage to be emphasised,” Gannawarra mayor, Cr Brian Gibson said.
The 60-page document combines the community’s goals and the strategic direction of council to form five key focus areas – Connectivity economic diversity, growth and prosperity; sustainable natural and built environments; good governance and a healthy organisation; and strong healthy communities.
Incorporating a vision to “build upon our strengths of people, place and pride to inspire a positive future together”, the Council Plan will guide any subsequent plans and budgets council develops from its implementation to 2021.
In a first for council – thanks to meeting with community groups and developing a survey for residents to complete – the plan also includes profiles on each of the municipality’s nine communities, specifying what issues matter most to residents and goals each district would like to see achieved.
“With a focus on harnessing the strengths of people, place and pride, this plan attempts to be aspirational, measurable and cognisant of the financial constraints facing local government,” council’s community well-being director, Mandy Hutchinson said at last Wednesday’s monthly council meeting.
Residents will be able to provide feedback on the document at two open, informal community meetings occurring next month.
Sessions at the Gannawarra to Gateway Centre at Cohuna on Tuesday, May 2 from 11am to 1pm and the Kerang council chambers on Thursday, May 4 from 11am to 1pm, will enable people to meet with councillors and staff to ask questions, seek clarification or talk about the draft plan.
Councillors will also meet with the municipality’s nine community planning and progress groups in the coming weeks to gain feedback on the document.
Submissions can be made up to 5pm on Monday, May 29, with people wishing to speak about their feedback able to do so at a special meeting of council on Tuesday, June 13.
