Helping businesses to recover from the COVID-19 pandemic, introducing state-funded three-year-old kindergarten, addressing housing affordability and accessibility, responding to climate change and developing a plan to honour First Nations culture are among the priorities for the next decade in Knox, identified in the new Community Plan and Council Plan.
Together the plans identify what the community wants Knox to look like in ten years’ time and the work required from Council, its partners and stakeholders, as well as other levels of government, community groups, businesses and individuals to make this a reality.
Mayor, Cr Lisa Cooper said the plans reflect the voices of our community and thanked those who participated in their development.
“These plans represent our promise to the people of Knox and guide our work to achieving the vision for our city that we’ve set together,” said Cr Cooper.
“Our community is still feeling the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic and our response and recovery as a city will be a key focus over the next four years. We will continue to prioritise delivering services for those facing hardship, helping local businesses to bounce back, and working towards a healthy, connected and resilient community into the future.
“Thousands of people contributed their thoughts and ideas to inform these plans. From the people who shared their ‘wish for Knox’ at the 2020 Knox Festival, to all those who took part in surveys, focus groups and many other activities, thank you for your valuable contribution.”
The ten-year Community Plan sets out the community vision that ‘Knox is where we connect with our people and our environment, ensuring they are safe, supported and have every opportunity to thrive.’
It also identifies five key directions that will guide action towards this vision:
- Opportunity and innovation
- Neighbourhoods, housing and infrastructure
- Natural environment and sustainability
- Connection, resilience and wellbeing
- Civic engagement and integrity
The four-year Council Plan outlines how Council will contribute towards achieving the vision, by delivering projects, programs and initiatives across these key areas. It also incorporates the Municipal Public Health and Wellbeing Plan which includes priorities for supporting, protecting and improving the health and wellbeing of the community.
Key initiatives of the Council Plan include implementing the Climate Response Plan to reach zero greenhouse emissions by 2040, advocating to state government for improved public transport and road connectivity, delivering Boronia Renewal works and prioritising mental health and wellbeing initiatives.
The plans were formally adopted on Monday along with the Financial Plan 2021-2031, which provides a long-term view of the resources Council will need and how they’ll be used over the life of the plans.
The plans are available on Council’s website.
