Draft Strategic Community Plan 2040 open for feedback

Community members are being asked to have their say on the Draft Strategic Community Plan 2040, which is the Shire’s guiding strategic document identifying key focus areas for the local government over the next 20 years.

The Strategic Community Plan 2040 is open for first round feedback after being compiled on the back of input that was provided by more than 1500 people since September last year.  

This major review process only comes about once every four years and the community are urged to make sure it represents their collective visions for the future.

Shire of Augusta Margaret River CEO Stephanie-Addison-Brown said the new iteration of the document so far centres around placemaking in the different local government areas and identifying points of difference, commonality and collaboration.

“The Shire’s focus on ‘place’ is all about how we collaborate with our different local areas to achieve better community outcomes,” she said.

“It’s about recognising that our community is geographically diverse and that there are varying social, economic, cultural and environmental needs at play across our townsites, as well as across our agricultural and coastal communities.

“Place is also about honouring the unique values and character of each locality and bringing this into our planning for the future.

“The existing 2036 plan was developed over 12 months in 2016 through a dedicated Community Reference Group and it was written in-part by the community.

“This review has carefully focused on refining the community vision and the role of the Shire organisation, especially across different local places.”

Ms Addison-Brown said the Strategic Community Plan is the guidebook which ultimately prioritises and balances the use of Shire resources over time.

“We invite community members to please take a moment to read the draft Strategic Community Plan 2040 and provide us with feedback. We want to ensure it best reflects our whole community and provides a united vision for the future,” she said.

Councillors helped to shape the draft Strategic Community Plan 2040 and endorsed the draft on 23 June 2021 for four weeks community consultation. Once finalised it will be implemented through the Shire’s Corporate Business Plan and other strategies.

The vision of the draft Strategic Community Plan 2040 is: We are sustainable, inclusive, connected to place and respecting Boodja.

Read the draft plan and submit your feedback by:

Read the summary of community engagement to date at www.yoursay.amrshire.wa.gov.au/ourplace2040

Submit your feedback on the draft plan before Friday 30 July 2021.   For more information contact Stacey Hutt, Community and Corporate Planner, on (08) 9780 5217 or email [email protected]   Background information The draft plan has four focus areas: 1. Environment Shire role: We will protect and enhance the unique natural environment and biodiversity of the region through sustainable action and decision making. Shire commitment: We will reach net zero carbon emissions for the Shire and the community by 2030.

2. People Shire role: We will support and strengthen our diverse, resilient, welcoming, safe and connected community through our services and advocacy. Shire commitment: Every year up to 5% of the Shire’s rates are allocated to fund community groups, including environmental programs and events.

3. Place Shire role: We will responsibly grow and develop vibrant, sustainable places which maintain their distinctive country character, and which supports a local economy that is resilient, equitable and sustainable. Shire commitment: All townsites in the Shire will have their own Place Strategy by 2030.

4. Performance Shire role: We will deliver quality governance, service and value with integrity and transparency. Shire commitment: We are working to achieve a surplus net operating result by 2030.