eurobodalla 2030

Community Engagement Final Report

Wednesday, 2 February 2011

Community's vision for the future takes shape

How the community would like to see the Eurobodalla in 20 years has now been captured in a report published by Council as part of the development of its highest level strategic document - the Eurobodalla 2030 community strategic plan.

The report, collated by IRIS Research, captures the contribution of the more than 700 residents and non-residents who participated in the telephone survey held in October last year, 15 focus groups and the community summit in November.

When consulted on a vision for the year 2030, most people said they wanted a community that is still friendly, supportive and safe which has access locally to higher levels health care. A prosperous local economy, with job opportunities and growth and development that is carefully controlled so it fits with the character of the Eurobodalla and has minimal impact on the natural environment, were also identified as very important visions.

The Mayor, Fergus Thomson, says now Council has this information, it plans to consult the community further on its preferred vision. "The next phase in the development of Eurobodalla 2030 is to create a vision statement for the Shire and then take it back to the community for discussion with some objectives and strategies to achieve it," he said.

He stressed that Eurobodalla 2030 is a community plan for the future. "Although Council is coordinating the project as required by the State government, it is not intended to be a Council plan," he said. "As a long term plan, it is more likely to succeed if it sets out the priorities and the best way forward for the people, the environment and the economy of the Eurobodalla. Making these priorities happen will partly rely on the Council but also on the efforts of many other people and agencies."

Over the last six months more that 2,800 people have participated in consultations associated with Eurobodalla 2030. So far they have provided their views on issues affecting the Shire and what they want to see in the future. Rating highly in importance to residents and non-residents were the beaches and the natural environment, the qualities associated with living in a rural community, including personal connections with others and living in a caring community with opportunities to participate and volunteer.

The key issues or concerns were health facilities and services, protection of the natural environment from development and the standard and availability of public transport, youth facilities and services. Unemployment was also identified as another important issue, especially for youth participants, together with the lack of tertiary education course options.

The consultation findings were presented to Council and the Community Reference Group by IRIS Research on 21 December 2010. 

To read the Executive Summary and full report click on a link below: