Community input sought for Borough’s 10-year vision

THE Borough of Queenscliffe is calling on the community to help set out long-term goals for the region.

In line with the new Local Government Act 2020, council is developing a Community Vision and Council Plan to establish a 10-year goal for the borough.

The strategic documents will heavily rely on the input of residents and what they wish to see from council over the next few years.

Queenscliffe mayor Ross Ebbels said the collaboration with community would allow residents to be involved in key decisions and set out actions during the detailed consultation process.

“Important strategic decisions in these documents will be made by residents, so I’d encourage anyone with an interest in our community’s future to share their ideas with us,” he said.

“There are plenty of ways to take part, and the ideas participants share will guide council decisions for years to come.”

The Community Vision will document residents’ vision for the Borough in 10 years’ time while the Council Plan will set out the ways in which councillors can deliver on these goals.

Under state law, almost all council decisions are guided by a Council Plan, which influences the way council funds and prioritises projects in the community.

The implementation of the Community Vision document will ensure council decisions are made in-line with the values and principles of residents.

“These two documents will have long-term impacts on what our community looks like years from now,” Cr Ebbels said.

“We are looking forward to reading the ideas our local community shares with us and developing a vision for our community’s future alongside local residents.”

Community members and ratepayers will have until March 28 to share their ideas on the Community Vision and Council Plan by heading to queenscliffe.vic.gov.au/plan.

Open house sessions will be held by council offices from 5-7pm on March 23 and 11am-1pm on March 27.

Following public submissions, a community panel will be enlisted to refine these ideas during the workshop stage in May.

More information on how to apply for a position on the panel will be made available closer to the date.