News
Communities in action framework
Moorabool Matters : March 2007
Come in and talk, plan and implement with us
Moorabool Shire Council has adopted the Communities in Action
Framework which provides the foundations for strengthening the
partnership between Council and communities, and communications
between communities.
Council invites all community members to participate. Your input
would be most welcome.
The Communities in Action Framework aims to provide our communities
with an opportunity to be involved in the decision making process,
to ensure there is a clear understanding of local priorities and
the means to jointly develop strategies to build capacity
locally.
The communities of Gordon, Navigators, Yendon, Lal Lal, Blackwood,
Barrys Reef, Simmons Reef, Rowsley, Balliang, Balliang East, Ballan
and Darley have contributed to the development of the following
steps in the framework.
Step 1: Come and talk with us
Community meetings are held to share information, to find out the
key issues for each community and to set up effective ways to
communicate the actions. People from all ages are invited to
participate.
Step 2: Come and plan with us
Local Communities in Action open meetings are held to prioritise
the key actions to achieve better outcomes for each community and
their surrounding areas.
Step 3: Let's act and implement
Communities share a partnership with other communities and Council
to form Locality Based Reference Groups.
The communities have common issues such as weed management and fire
protection, water and sewerage, better access to health and
community services, tourism and economic development, heritage,
transport, road safety, planning and connecting new residents.
In the early stages many innovative ideas have come from community
meetings. Council’s role is to under take a partnership and
advocacy role with communities. The ’open to all’
Communities in Action meetings provide an opportunity to form
’Locality Based Reference Groups’. There are twelve
groups planned across the Shire.
Shire wide Theme Based Committees will help Council to develop
strategies. Council will advocate with Victorian and Australian
Governments, and other authorities and organisations to progress
outcomes. Examples of Theme Based Committees include
’Sustainability and Environment’, ’Sport and
Recreation’, ’Youth’, ’Infrastructure
Facilities and Development’, ’Health and
Well-being’, ’Cultural, Historical and Artefacts
Development’, ’Disability’, ’Tourism and
Economic Development’. A second Whole of Government / Whole
of Community Forum is being planned by Moorabool Shire Council to
facilitate Step 3.
The communities previously engaged are now at the planning and
implementation stages. Further work has been completed in February
when ’Let’s act and implement’ meetings where
held for residents of Gordon and surrounding areas; for residents
of Balliang, Balliang East, Rowsley, Glenmore and Yaloak; and for
residents of Navigators, Yendon, Lal Lal, Elaine, Mount Doran and
Scotsburn.
Residents are invited to participate in the development of this
initiative by contacting Tamsin Luke, Council’s newly
appointed Communities in Action Project Officer, on 5366 7100, or
the consultants, Vivien Clark and John Phillips from Clark Phillips
Pty Ltd, by phone (9676 9400), email (cp@clarkphillips.com.au) or
mail (PO Box 1638 Geelong 3220). Vivien and John would be pleased
to receive input through direct contact, letters, emails and
submissions from individuals, groups and organisations.