Community urged to contribute to city’s strategic plan

THE City of Greater Geelong is inviting the community to contribute to the development of the council’s next four-year strategic plan.

The Council Plan, which also includes the city’s Municipal Public Health and Wellbeing Plan, works to shape the focus of the council and guide its decisions about policy, infrastructure, services and programs.

It outlines how the city will work towards its clever and creative 30-year vision, established in 2017 in consultation with the community, and aims to support the region’s long-term social, economic and environmental sustainability.

Next year in June, the city’s existing Council Plan will reach the end of its lifespan, and a new plan, encompassing 2025-2029, is due to be finalised within the 12-month period following the October council elections.

The city is now looking to establish a deliberative engagement panel to help develop the new strategic plan and community members interested in participating are encouraged to apply before August 4.

Comprising a representative sample of the Greater Geelong community, the panel will participate in four independently facilitated sessions over a two-week period, with the first slated for August 14, to discuss what the council’s priorities should be.

Panel members will receive a stipend as compensation for their time and will present their recommendations to the new council early next year.

A 10-minute survey, intended to gather initial feedback about the community’s priorities over the next four years, has also been launched on the city’s website.

The survey will close on Sunday, September 15 and the responses received will help to guide the discussions of the engagement panel.

Geelong mayor Trent Sullivan urged the community to take the opportunity to influence the future strategic direction of the council.

“The Council Plan is the key document that guides everything the council does, so it’s vital that it represents the true views of the local community,” he said.

“It’s especially important right now given the period of change and transition Geelong is experiencing as we become a larger city.

“I’d encourage everyone with an interest in what the council does and in the future of this beautiful region to nominate for the panel or fill in the survey.

“The feedback and ideas gathered in these early stages will go a long way to shaping the final plan.”

To submit an expression of interest to join the engagement panel, visit forms.office.com/r/prWRimGcxd, or to complete the online survey, head to yoursay.geelongaustralia.com.au/CP202529