Strategic Plan revamp under way

Banners such as this one have popped up around the Derwent
Valley to promote community consultation for the council's
new strategic plan.

WORK has started on a replacement for the Derwent Valley Council's expired 2011-15 Strategic Plan. In the development of the updated plan, dubbed "Your Valley Your Voice 2030."

"We would like to invite and encourage members of the Derwent Valley community to provide insight into our long-term plan for 2030," mayor Martyn Evans said. “We want the community to share their ideas on how to make the Derwent Valley the best it could be into the future.”

Cr Evans said Your Valley Your Voice 2030 would set the council's long-term vision and would shape what the community will look like, the services available, how people will get to and from places and what infrastructure is needed.

"To ensure there is ample opportunity for all members in the Derwent Valley to have their say, council will be holding a series of community workshops and listening posts throughout the Valley from July 23-31," Cr Evans said.

"Council is seeking input from people of all ages, backgrounds and areas in the region to better understand what is important to everyone in the Derwent Valley. To ensure council's future planning is informed, robust and relevant to the community, it relies on input from individuals, community groups and other government agencies.

“The ideas from the community will allow us to build a better understanding of community issues and priorities in the areas of liveability, infrastructure, the economy and environment.”

Following the community consultation period, information will be documented and reviewed for consideration into a draft strategy. All councils are required by state legislation to have a strategic plan, with the Derwent Valley Council's having expired three years ago.

"The strategic plan is set to deliver the services and infrastructure, which are important for the valley’s growing community and long-term future," Cr Evans said. "Council is seeking thought on challenges, service and infrastructure needs and opportunities, and wanting to hear your ideas and recommendations for meeting those challenges.

"Your Valley, Your Voice 2030 is an opportunity for you to help Council plan for the Valley’s future," Cr Evans said.

The council is expected to announce its community workshops and "listening posts" in the near future. Flyers inviting contributions have been distributed to local shops and some groups may be specifically invited to participate in the process.