Community planning commenced in July 2007 in our municipality with joint funding from Council and the Victorian Government through the provision of a Victorian Community Support Grant from the Community Support Fund.
A Message from Councillor John Katis, Mayor
Community planning now enters a new phase referred to as Navigating Our Future.
This new program, supported with funding from the Victorian Government through the provision of a Victorian Community Support Grant from the Community Support Fund, will build on the frameworks and plans established through the community planning process. An amalgam of the common priorities in all the separate plans has resulted in a Swan Hill Rural City Council Municipal Community Plan. This plan has been finalised and has commenced implementation through the Navigating Our Future Program to further assist community initiatives to come to fruition with a whole of municipality approach.
Council looks forward to continually working with our communities through this new phase, Navigating Our Future.
Community Planning- Building Sustainable Communities
The Council Plan 2009-2013 seeks to achieve sustainable communities through engaging communities in working together to develop realistic long term visions for their district. Identifying and prioritising actions to progress communities towards their vision with the preparation of a living community plan which enables each community to aspire to achieve its vision.
Since the establishment of the community planning program eleven community plans have been developed and are managed by the prospective community groups with community members volunteering to implement projects. These plans are updated and reviewed approximately every eighteen months, as determined by each community.
Stories from the ground
Eleven Community Plans have now been developed Manangatang, Piangil, Robinvale, Nyah District, Ultima, Woorinen, Wemen, Lake Boga, Swan Hill, Beverford and Boundary Bend.
Each community has a unique story to tell about their participation in community planning.
Manangatang
Mrs Freule Jones, President of the Manangatang Improvement Group (MIG) said ‘The process of Community Planning has provided MIG with a FOCUS....a focus to look at ourselves as a community and to build on the important parts of the community for example, the children's services and the physical environment of our town.
Because the Manangatang Community Plan consists of prioritised projects and actions the members of MIG have been able work towards goals that improve the town, with enthusiasm, then satisfaction once an action/project was achieved. MIG appreciated the leadership for Community Planning given by Swan Hill Rural City Council staff.
Boundary Bend
Frank Conner said community planning in Boundary Bend has brought the community together and made us focus on what needs to be done to prepare for the future.
Opportunities
Community Planning through Navigating Our Future will continue to support local people to implement projects in community plans whilst identifying ways to support communities to be self-reliant into the future. Through the new phase, Council and Communities will investigate the Transition Towns concept to further support communities to plan for a sustainable future. This includes looking at food production and distribution, transport, renewable energy and infrastructure.
For more information about Community Planning, please contact Fiona Gormann, Community Planning & Development Officer on (03) 5036 2333 or email fgormann@swanhill.vic.gov.au
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