Mayor outlines plans for increased focus on community engagement
November 24, 2016
Mayor Chris Potter has outlined plans for an increased focus on community engagement in 2017 as Colac Otway Shire Council looks to set up its key strategies for the next four years and beyond.
Cr Potter encouraged the community to take advantage of the opportunities on offer to have a say in Council’s future direction, which would start with engagement on the next four-year Council Plan.
In the first six months of 2017, Council has to produce six high level strategic documents - a Council Plan, corporate plan, rating strategy, budget, the Colac 2050 growth plan and Municipal Health and Wellbeing Plan.
In addition, there will be further consultation on smaller scale projects such as the Memorial Square Masterplan, the Apollo Bay Harbour Masterplan and Economic Development Strategy.
Cr Potter said Council was investing time and resources into engagement for these strategies to ensure the community had a sense of ownership of the outcomes.
“In the recent elections, the community told us that it wants more openness and transparency, more communication, and more say in the decisions that affect them,” Cr Potter said.
“We have heard loud and clear that our community wants more involvement in our decisions, and as such we’re setting up multiple opportunities for people to speak to us about their views on our services and their visions for the future.
“I’m calling on residents and ratepayers to embrace these opportunities so we can move forward with strategies that have the full support of our community.”
Cr Potter said Council’s Community Conversations had already started and were an opportunity to talk to Councillors and Managers in an informal environment.
The next Community Conversation will take place in Forrest this weekend, Lavers Hill on 4 December and Birregurra on 11 December. All Community Conversation dates are on Council’s website.
“I encourage people to keep an eye on Council’s website, facebook page, weekly advertising and Community Matters to keep informed on the upcoming opportunities to have their say,” he said.
Council Enquiries
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