You’re invited to participate in a unique opportunity to shape the future of Corangamite Shire.
Council has embarked on a project to develop a community-led vision of a preferred future for the whole of the municipality. Like the current township community plans, this Shire-wide vision will be created by the community, for the community.
Mayor Ruth Gstrein said the process will be run independently of Council to ensure all ideas come directly from the grass roots of the community.
“The resulting vision will be a guide to help ensure Council decision-making and activities reflect the long term needs and aspirations of our residents,” Cr Gstrein said.
The project is connected with the new Victorian Local Government Act.
“The new Act requires each Council to prepare a ‘community vision’ to guide long-term planning as well as the preparation of the four-year Council Plans,” Cr Gstrein said.
“There are four ways community members can take part in this planning process.
“You can contribute your advice and suggestions either online or in print, participate in a ‘kitchen conversation’ with friends and colleagues using the ‘conversation kit’ we have prepared, nominate to become a member of a randomly selected Citizens’ Jury, or participate in an online webinar.
“The jury of 45 people will assess and weigh up relevant information and ideas from the community to come up with a vision or visions for the year 2040. No specialist knowledge is required.
“Just bring an open mind and a willingness to share your knowledge, experience and common sense.”
An independent company, Democracy Co., will randomly choose the jury members to reflect the age, residential location and gender make-up of the Shire. Any resident or ratepayer over the age of 15 years can nominate to participate (except current and former Councillors and Council staff).
“The Jury will meet for five sessions from 11 March to 8 May 2021,” Cr Gstrein said.
“Most sessions will be during the day on Saturdays so school students and more working people can take part.”
Cr Gstrein encouraged residents to nominate to become a jury member online by 31 December.
