Community engagement vital for 2025-2029 Council Plan
Published on 18 February 2025
Northern Grampians Shire Council leaders are calling on the community to make the most of several opportunities to help shape the organisation’s priorities for the next four years.
The council is developing its 2025-2029 Council Plan and accompanying Municipal Public Health and Wellbeing Plan, which will both continue the overarching direction and objectives achieved within the 2021-2025 versions.
Resident participation is already underway, with a Community Engagement Survey running until February 28.
The survey aims to assess the level of importance and priority across the council's key services and community responsibilities, from the community's perspective. It also aims to reaffirm the organisation’s 20-year Community Vision, which was developed in 2021 and provides a set of guiding principles to aid council decision-making.
Mayor Karen Hyslop said the initial response to the survey, launched on February 3, was positive, although she hoped people would continue to provide their feedback and insights.
“The survey does take between 10 and 15 minutes to complete, which might be a bit off-putting at first, but is vital to understand your wants and needs for the future of our shire,” she said.
“I suggest setting aside some time at night or on the weekend, with a cuppa or after you’ve put the kids to bed.”
Cr Hyslop said council staff had developed a series of listening posts and discussion forums, which would also provide opportunities for feedback.
Council has hosted listening posts at Concongella, Glenorchy and Halls Gap, with further events scheduled for Stuart Mill, Navarre, Stawell, St Arnaud, Great Western and Marnoo.
People can visit the council’s website, www.ngshire.vic.gov.au for more details, including dates and locations.
The listening posts are designed to offer opportunities for the community to ask questions of council staff and-or councillors, to help equip participants with the information they need to complete the survey.
“For example, people might have questions about current council priorities or past planning outcomes that could affect how they would answer,” Cr Hyslop said.
People will have access to hard copies of the Community Engagement Survey at the listening posts, or they can complete the survey on the council’s website.
The council will also host four discussion forums next month, at Stawell on March 11; Halls Gap, March 13; Great Western, March 18; and St Arnaud, March 20.
The forums will run from 5.30pm to 7.30pm and participants need to register their interest via the council’s website.
“The forums will enable members of the community to come together to discuss key themes and insights presented through the survey,” Cr Hyslop said.
“These forums are a limited opportunity, therefore please do not hesitate to add your details if you are interested in participating.”
Cr Hyslop said community participation was key to shaping the region’s future.
“This period and process is critical to ensure council is aligned with the community's needs and aspirations for our shire over the next four years,” she said.
“We encourage everyone to engage with the process and provide feedback whenever and wherever possible, so their voice can be heard.”
Hard copies of the Community Engagement Survey are also available from council customer service offices and libraries in Stawell and St Arnaud, Stawell Neighbourhood House and St Arnaud Resource Centre.