Join our community panel and help shape Cardinia Shire’s priorities for the future.

Cardinia Shire Mayor, Cr Jack Kowarzik said Council was currently working through the initial phases of the development of the plan and was looking forward to working alongside community members during the deliberative engagement process.

“Community input is essential as we set about developing our Council Plan for the next 4 years – it’s the foundation of a representative democracy at any level,” Mayor Kowarzik said.

“Our plan and associated documents ultimately guide Council’s activities and decision making for the next 4 years. Contribution and feedback from a variety of members of our community is the best way to achieve a well-rounded plan for our developing Shire.

“I highly encourage anyone in our community who has ideas for the future of Cardinia Shire, or who is curious in understanding how Council operates, to submit their expression of interest to join the panel.”

Council is currently in the process of identifying priorities for the shire to form the basis of the Council Plan 2025–29. This process will also review the Community Vision set in 2021. In developing the plan, Council will review its key strategic documents that guide the delivery and functions of various Council services.

This process takes place every 4 years in line with the Local Government election cycle and involves collaboration and input from the newly appointed Council group and community members. To gather an accurate representation of the Cardinia Shire community’s needs and requirements, we’re looking to develop a panel of 45 community members.

Panel members will come together over a series of sessions to learn, discuss and contribute ideas as part of a deliberative process. The panel will provide recommendations to update the Community Vision, review the Council Plan, and as well as the Liveability Plan, Asset Plan and Financial Plan. Each plan will go out for wider community engagement later in the year.

Expressions of interest are now open for applications from community members interested in participating. Panellists will receive financial recognition for their contribution.

To be selected as a panellist, you must:

Expressions of Interest are now open until 22 January 2025.

To submit your application, please visit https://creating.cardinia.vic.gov.au/community-panel-2025