Shaping Our Future Commun Whittlesea 2030 Strategic Community Plan Plan The vision for our community, as set by our community in 2013 2 Shaping Our Future www.whittlesea.vic.gov.au We recognise the rich Indigenous heritage of this country and acknowledge the Wurundjeri Willam Clan as the traditional custodians of this place. Contents 2 Shaping Our Future Introduction 4 A plan informed by the community 6 Where the Community Plan fits 6 The City of Whittlesea—who we are 8 Facts & Figures 10 How to read this Plan 11 Our top ten priorities 11 Inclusive & Engaged Community 12 Accessibility in, out and around our City 14 Growing our Economy 16 Places and spaces to connect people 18 Health and Wellbeing 20 Living Sustainably 22 Good Governance 24 Next Steps for the Community Plan 26 Council’s Role in managing the Community Plan 26 Indicators for success 26 How our community can get involved 26 Whittlesea Whittlesea2030 2030- -Strategic StrategicCommunity CommunityPlan Plan 3 Introduction ‘Shaping Our Future’ Community Plan 2030 details our community’s vision for the City of Whittlesea to the year 2030. It is a plan that articulates the type of municipality our community can expect in the future. This Community Plan establishes clear outcomes for our community that will guide priority actions that will need to be undertaken over the next four years. ‘Shaping Our Future’ Community Plan 2030 was built from the foundations of the 2025 Strategic Community Plan developed in 2009 and articulates key actions against the six Future Directions from that Plan, and the additional Future Direction of Good Governance: • Inclusive and engaged community • Accessibility in, out and around our City • Growing our economy • Places and spaces to connect people • Health and wellbeing • Living sustainably • Good governance The development of the plan follows a consultation process that provided everyone in the community an opportunity to be involved and express their opinion. Over 2,000 people from every part of our community participated in our consultation process. Having consulted extensively, a series of community and stakeholder workshops helped prioritise the objectives and strategies that will help us achieve the community’s goals and vision. It provides direction for the provision of key projects and services which enable us to meet the needs of our community and deliver good quality services and facilities. ‘Shaping Our Future’ Community Plan 2030 is a whole of community plan, in which all levels of government, business, educational institutions, community groups and individuals have an important role to play. In delivering on this plan, Council has the following three roles: 1. Provider: Council can be a provider and directly undertake work to support a strategic objective 2. Advocate: Council can advocate for works on behalf of its communities 3. Facilitator: Council can support the work of others. This plan articulates the strategic objectives for each future direction, along with Council’s role and an indication of who else can be involved to help us progress towards achieving our community’s long term vision. Through our consultative process we have talked, listened and debated ideas and concepts. This has As we move towards 2030, we will need to review provided a robust evidence based strategic direction, how we’re working towards our vision and continue giving us every confidence that this Community Plan to check that the priorities remain relevant. We will provides the blueprint for one specific purpose – to do this by reviewing the actions of the plan annually create together a vibrant, self-sustaining community. and providing regular progress reports to the This plan will assist in shaping the future of the City Health and Places and and spaces to Inclusive Health Placesand andengaged spaces to Inclusive and engaged Places Health and andand spaces to Inclusive engaged Health Places and spaces to Inclusive and engaged community. of Whittlesea and enable us to collectively respond to wellbeing wellbeing wellbeing connect people community connect people community connect wellbeing people community connect people community emerging challenges and opportunities. es and spaces to Inclusive and engaged Accessibility in, out and Inclusive and engaged nnect people around community our city 4 Shaping Our Future Accessibility in, out Living Accessibility in, and out and around our city sustainably Health and ourour Growing Living Growing Good Places and spaces Growing ourto to Accessibility in, out and Places and spaces Inclusive andand engaged Health and Good Accessibility in, out Living Health and Places Growing our and spaces to Living Living Inclusive Good Growing our and engaged Good wellbeing wellbeing connect people sustainably community connect people governance community governance economy governance economy our city economy sustainably around around our city economy sustainably Good governance Whittlesea 2030 - Strategic Community Plan 5 A plan informed by the community We engaged with our community through festivals and events, online surveys, focus groups, at shopping centres, in libraries and via a posted survey. In total we collated over 6000 comments from five months of conversations. We used this data and prioritised it into common themes. We then gave the community an opportunity to prioritise the issues to make sure that the most important issues are being addressed first. We at the City of Whittlesea commend ShapingOurFuture as a Community Plan that provides a vision for our community, as set by our community. To this extent, ShapingOurFuture belongs to all of us, Council, the community and our stakeholders who all play a part in making our City a better place. Where the Community Plan fits ShapingOurFuture details our community’s vision for the City of Whittlesea to the year 2030. It is a plan that articulates the type of municipality our community expect in the future. The Community Plan comprises the long term aspirations of our community. To help realise the aspirations of our community, Council develops a four year Council Plan, which articulates the actions Council will take to work towards the type of City our community want. The Community and Council Plans then guide the development of our organisation’s annual Corporate Plan. Future Directions Connecting the Plans Community Plan - 20 year horizon Strategic Outomes Key Strategic Activities Council Plan - 4 year horizon Measures Annual Corporate Plan & Budget - 1 year horizon Reporting 6 Shaping Our Future Implementation & Monitoring through Department Plans Whittlesea 2030 - Strategic Community Plan 7 The City of Whittlesea - who we are The City of Whittlesea is one of the fastest growing municipalities in Australia. The population is expected to exceed 250,000 by 2030, with growth concentrated in the developing areas of Mernda-Doreen, South Morang, Epping North, Wollert and Donnybrook. In 2013, the City’s population is approximately 176,000 and this is expected to increase by 19% over the next four years. The City of Whittlesea is located 20km north of Melbourne’s CBD. Covering 490 square kilometres, it is a large municipality containing established urban, growth and rural areas. City of Whittlesea - Established, Growth and Green Wedge areas The most common languages used other than English are Italian, Macedonian, Greek, Arabic and Vietnamese. 3,300 BEVERIDGE 3,800 (RURAL NORTH) The City includes the major rural centre of Whittlesea, the rural localities of Beveridge, Donnybrook, Eden Park, Humevale, Kinglake West, Wollert, Woodstock and Yan Yean as well as the established and growing urban suburbs of Bundoora, Doreen, Epping, Lalor, Mernda, Mill Park, South Morang and Thomastown. WHITTLESEA HUMEVALE EDEN PARK KINGLAKE WEST 4,600 The Wurundjeri Willam people were the original inhabitants of this area and the traditional owners of this land. Today the City of Whittlesea has the fourth highest Indigenous population in metropolitan Melbourne. 6,500 DONNYBROOK 100 WOODSTOCK 41,500 YAN YEAN The City of Whittlesea is a diverse community. With migrants from more than 140 countries, 30% of residents come from a country where English is not the first language (double the Victorian average) and 43% speak a language other than English at home. WOLLERT 100 29,000 32,000 MERNDA 51,300 DOREEN EPPING NORTH 11,400 44,100 Household types (ABS 2011 Census data) SOUTH MORANG 22,000 EPPING 19,900 20,700 43.0% 8 22.9% 14.8% 12.7% Couples with Children Couples without Children Lone Person One parent families (33.6% Greater Melbourne) (23.5% Greater Melbourne) (22.3% Greater Melbourne) (10.4% Greater Melbourne) apingShaping Our Future Our Future Established areas 27,100 Existing growth areas MILL PARK LALOR 26,200 32,400 32,400 25,400 Future growth areas Existing/future open space Green wedge areas THOMASTOWN 22,100 25,100 BUNDOORA 13,000 16,300 Urban growth boundary Population (2013) Population (2031) Whittlesea Whittlesea2030 2030- -Strategic StrategicCommunity CommunityPlan Plan 9 Fast Facts 63 births per week in How to read this Plan 31.4% visit green space the City of Whittlesea. at least once a week. (One Melbourne or Two) (50.7% Victoria) This plan has been designed to show the logical flow from the community vision for each future direction. We have categorised common issues from our feedback into themes and for each theme, articulated the strategic outcomes our community wish to see. We were able to distil the 6,000 individual comments into the seven Future Directions. Twenty two themes were then identified and 50 strategic objectives were developed to encompass the priorities we need to address in the next 20+ years. These themes and objectives are provided in the following pages together with a list of what Council’s role is in delivering these objectives. Rural city over 50% of our city is rural and is used for grazing, dairy farming and fruit & vegtable production. Eco city supporting 11 nationally significant animals and 4 nationally significant vegetation communities. Future Directions The key strategic focus areas aligned to community aspirations that guide our effort to achieve our vision. We have continued the six Future Directions from the 2025 Strategic Community Plan and added Good Governance as a seventh Future Direction. Themes The 22 themes that our community consultation has been categorised into. Key themes are articulated under each Future Direction to group similar objectives. The top five themes are: transport, schools, access to services, employment and safety. Strategic Objectives The end result we want for our community. Strategic outcomes are listed against each theme under each of the seven Future Directions. Our top ten priorities Through our prioritising activity, we were able to determine ten clear community priorities: Diverse city 30% of residents were born overseas and are of non-english speaking background. 1. Our road network provides adequate access to the municipality and beyond 2. We can access public transport 3. The number and placement of schools are adequate for our population 4. Services and infrastructure keep pace with population growth 5. We can access mental health services Cultural city historic sites include the 1850 Westgarthtown settlement and many dry stone walls. 6. We have open spaces that are welcoming and safe for public gathering 7. We have a police presence that deters crime and violence 8. We can access hospitals 9. There are a diverse range of local employment opportunities 10. We take a prevention approach to health issues, health policy and emergency planning. Distinctive city our landscape features river red gums aged between 200 to 500 years old. 10 Shaping Our Future Whittlesea Whittlesea2030 2030- -Strategic StrategicCommunity CommunityPlan Plan 11 Inclusive & Engaged Community Our City is diverse and that is its strength. People from many countries with different languages, faiths and customs have made it their home. There are also urban and rural communities. When we are together we learn and grow through each other’s experiences. We build skills and capacity so everyone can fully engage and participate in community life. All voices are heard and decision making takes account of all views. Our inclusive, engaged community is resilient and strong. Health and wellbeing Theme Places and spaces to connect people What our community said about Inclusive & Engaged Community Inclusive and engaged community Community Plan Strategic Objective Council Role We encourage the development of community spirit We have access to arts and cultural programs Community spirit There are festivals that bring us together People are involved in issues that affect them Accessibility in, out and Living Participation & around our city sustainably decision making Community decision making is inclusive Community events such as this fair and other free family or age directed events help it be more inclusive and engaged. Things like that are what make it a “community” in my eyes rather than a suburb or estate. Alida, 44, Doreen Facilitator Provider Facilitator Provider This for me shows Australia’s multiculturalism, that our nation or more specifically my community includes everyone regardless of ethnicity and race. Further development starts individually. If we can personally choose to include all people we start culture, therefore change. Mark, 26, Mill Park Facilitator Provider Advocate GrowingProvider our economy We share an open expression of cultural heritage We provide support to new and emerging communities Diversity There are programs to promote cultural diversity and address race-based discrimination Facilitator Advocate Provider Facilitator Provider Facilitator Advocate Provider What I love most about living here is the community feel. People know each other. Kathy, 36, Whittlesea Township governance Good An inclusive and engaged community means living in harmony with one another. It means getting to know more about the cultural heritage of one another. It means sharing our cultural heritage with one another during cultural events and festivals. It means getting to know the history of countries where migrants come from. It means getting to know the historical links between Australia and countries where migrants come from. It means participating in cultural festivals and talking about the contributions our community is making to the wider Australian community. John, 62, Bundoora Facilitator Provider Examples of who else can be involved Individual community members—neighbours talking to each other. l Local businesses—ensuring inclusive hiring practices l State Government Agencies l Non-government Agencies l Schools l Churches l Whittlesea Disability Network—advocating for our disabled community l 12 Shaping Our Future Whittlesea 2030 - Strategic Community Plan 13 Health and Accessibility in, out and around our city Places and spaces to Inclusive and engaged wellbeing connect people community Accessibility in, out and Living Growing our What our community said about Accessibility in, out and around our city Access in, out and around our community happens in many ways and for many reasons. Public transport, roads for vehicles, walking and bike paths, communication and digital networks allow us to connect with the services we need. The local services that are provided must match our community need, and services that cannot be provided locally are easily accessible. The design and construction of our built infrastructure enable access for all. around our city Theme Community Plan Strategic Objective We can access hospitals We can access health services We can access expanded library services We can access mental health services We can access community meeting spaces Access to services We can access childcare, kindergartens and playgroups We can access Council services We can access affordable housing We can access youth services Transport We can access community transport Our road network provides adequate access to the municipality and beyond Council Role Advocate Facilitator Advocate Provider Advocate Provider Facilitator Advocate Provider Advocate Facilitator Provider Advocate Facilitator Advocate Provider We have walking paths We can cycle safely We can access public transport Provider Facilitator Provider We access broadband Access to information Advocate Facilitator Advocate Examples of who else can be involved State Government Departments, specifically those with responsibilities around transport, education, planning and human service delivery l 14 l Bicycle Victoria l Developers l VicRoads Telecommunications companies l l Health service providers Local businesses l l Non-government organisations Transport providers (public and community) l l Sport and Recreation Victoria Centrelink l l Whittlesea Disability Network Shaping Our Future sustainably economy Good governance South Morang station opening has made such a great difference, my family use public transport. It would be great to have the train extended to Mernda and even Whittlesea. Road works are a pain but hopefully they’re almost finished. Robyn, 53, Mernda Transport is a major issue. I’d catch a train if there was one in Mernda. Maria, 38, Mernda Accessibility to me is to be able to go in and out of my community by different modes of transport and in the shortest time frame. We need a train station built in Mernda with heaps of car parks. We also need better ring roads or freeway to enable quick trips to the city for people that work in the city. Right now my community, Doreen, is hardly accessible, as there is plenty of traffic congestion everywhere and I am stuck in traffic jam just trying to get to South Morang Train Station. Laura, 28, Mernda People have to come out a long way to go where they need too. Roger, 53, Blossom Park I’m concerned that you have to have a car to get around. Public transport is unreliable and not accessible in many areas. Road works are a problem. Marita, 47, Thomastown The South Morang Railway Station has been a key factor in accessibility in the hub of Whittlesea. John, 22, Epping The roads are awful and it really impacts on our family life and takes time away from our opportunity to enjoy life together. Tina, 37, Mill Park We need to work on improving public transport services, road congestion and bike paths. Harminder, 42, Epping A train to Whittlesea might help with jobs - we need more chances for local employment. Thomas, 18, Lalor Whittlesea 2030 - Strategic Community Plan 15 Health and wellbeing Growing our Economy Places and spaces to connect people A diverse economy offers varied career opportunities so people can live and work in Whittlesea. Business attraction requires infrastructure and transport planning, affordable housing, skill development and a supportive regulatory environment. We need to work on supporting and developing opportunities for local businesses like growing the food we need locally. Education facilities offer everyone career and skill development options. Accessibility in, out and around our city Theme Living sustainably Inclusive and engaged community Growing our economy Community Plan Strategic Objective Council Role There are a diverse range of local employment opportunities Employment We have strategies that encourage new business investment Local businesses are supported Economic development Our rural land provides sustainable economic development Skill development Facilitator Advocate Provider Facilitator Advocate Provider Advocate Provider Facilitator Facilitator There are opportunities for life-long learning Facilitator Families are supported through all of life’s stages Facilitator Examples of who else can be involved l Federal and State Governments l Non-government agencies l Developers l Training providers l Local businesses l Business networks l Educational institutions l Business groups What our community said about Growing our Economy Good governance Our economy can be improved by more employment opportunities and affordable housing. Rent seems to be at an all time high being the fact that Whittlesea is at the top end of the border. More child care services and child education facilities are possibly needed as there is a big expansion of families with children. Jonah, 32, Epping We need to attract big companies to set up local offices in our growth areas to provide opportunities for residents to work locally. University Hill is great but we need more such corporate office space in South Morang and need to attract high profile corporates from the city because so much of our population in the north comprises young professionals who must commute to the city for work. We should also be doing more to promote Whittlesea’s growing food culture, with such a diverse cultural community we have amazing restaurants on offer but residents may not even realise they exist. We could also attract more visitors to the region by highlighting the fresh, regional produce and gourmet food available at places like Farm Vigano, Carome Homestead and Donnybrook Cheese. Natalie, 34, Thomastown We need better local employment opportunities. Veei, 46, Doreen We need infrastructure to support businesses such as optic fibre for the NBN. We should be concentrating on using local labour and using our networks to promote new businesses. Mirko, 55, Epping North There will be a good future for me if things are local and easily accessible. Rachael, 22, Mill Park We need to build capacity for people to work locally through education and encouraging small local business. We need to build Town Centres that are not just retail, we should include law/accounting/other offices. Mike, 43, Mernda Attracting business requires infrastructure. We need more in semirural outskirts. Janice, 37, Humevale Our local economy needs to be more diversified. All we seem to have is shops and more shops. Judy, 62, Mernda 16 Shaping Our Future Whittlesea 2030 - Strategic Community Plan 17 Places and spaces to connect people Places, spaces and events bring people together to socialise and access services and also help build our community and an understanding and appreciation of our diversity. Our community hubs provide a central place to meet, shop, have a haircut, go to the doctor, post a letter, do banking, have coffee, visit the library and be entertained. They bring people together. Urban design develops a sense of place built on heritage. Parks and recreation facilities improve community wellbeing and can be used Health and for events and celebrations. There are many pathways to bring people wellbeing together in all the communities that together make our City. Theme What our community said about Places and spaces to connect people Places and spaces to connect people Community Plan Strategic Objective Council Role We have open spaces that are welcoming and safe for public gathering Provider We have areas that bring people together around services and entertainment experiences Facilitator Provider Planning our space Our urban design helps build connection to place and the community Advocate Provider Leisure & recreation Our recreation facilities and open spaces are accessible Provider around our city and sustainably Advocate respond to local need Open space Community hubs Accessibility in, out and Living Examples of who else can be involved State Government Departments, specifically those with responsibilities around planning and transport l 18 l Individual community members l Heritage Victoria Shaping Our Future Inclusive and engaged community What I love about where I live is the local parks, good public transport and the shops. Other amenities such as the gym TRAC, swimming pool are really great. Phylis, 61, Lalor It would be wonderful if more parks had a path going all the way around them. Something children can ride around and around in a circle on. Rachael, 42, Mill Park Growing our We need a library in Epping. Currently, if we need to go to any other library, it takes over an hour using public transport. Shuba, 37, Epping economy Good governance There should be a city beautification project where creative planning and more grass and treed areas are built. James, 23, Thomastown There are nice parks. There’s a lot of entertainment. Christine, Bundoora l Whittlesea Community Futures l Cultural Bridges Group l Local community groups I like going to the parks. Daniel, 3, South Morang Whittlesea 2030 - Strategic Community Plan 19 Health and Wellbeing What our community said about Health and Wellbeing A healthy community that supports people through all of life’s stages and cares about life-long learning has a sense of wellbeing and belonging. Health services are available locally and easily accessed in community hubs. Support is available for young people, families, seniors, and those who are isolated and disadvantaged. Communities are safe places where harm from violence, alcohol and drugs is removed. Access to education, training and information enables lifelong learning for everyone. Theme Health and wellbeing Community Plan Strategic Objective Places and spaces to connect people Council Role We have a police presence that deters crime and violence Advocate We have family violence prevention programs Provider Facilitator Advocate There are crime reduction programs Facilitator Advocate Safety We have disaster community safety and resilience programs Provider Facilitator Accessibility in, out and Advocate around our city Our built form incorporates safety design Facilitator Advocate Provider Advocate Schools The number and placement of schools are adequate for our population The quality of schools is high Advocate We take a prevention approach to health issues and health Healthy community policy community It means a health living in a healthy environment. There should be more education for young people about the negative effects of alcohol consumption and drugs. John 63, Bundoora Inclusive and engaged Health Services are a major concern in Whittlesea as there is a high rate of need in this area. The new Health Centre next to the Railway Station in Epping is an excellent start. A possible Rehabilitiation Centre would be credible in controlling the wellbeing and health for those in need and keep our community from re-offending. John, 23, Epping Living Good Growing our to control the hooligans. Need more police presence Belinda, 32, Mill Park sustainably economy governance I would like to feel safer but I feel like it could get worse. Close by Police Station would be good. Lynette 39, Mernda There are enough takeaway food outlets. I don’t want any more. Agnes, 54, Whittlesea We need more health services, especially mental health services. Robert, 34, Epping Facilitator Advocate Provider Examples of who else can be involved State Government Departments, specifically those with responsibilities around health services, education, planning and justice l l Police and emergency services l Non-government organisations Education providers including kindergartens, schools, TAFEs, universities, University of the Third Age (U3A) and neighbourhood houses l 20 Shaping Our Future l Local community groups l Schools l Local businesses l Churches Health service providers (private, public and community) l Whittlesea 2030 - Strategic Community Plan 21 Health and Living Sustainably wellbeing Places and spaces to connect people Living sustainably in our community means managing the impacts of our environmental, economic, and social activities so that we remain healthy over the long term. Our natural environment is a resource for all to enjoy and we need to protect it for future generations. This means our carbon footprint, water, waste, energy use, flora (particularly the majestic River Red Gums) and our fauna need to be cared for. Strong population growth, strong housing demand, economic growth, climate change, alternative Accessibility in, out and Living energies and transport all provide challenges for our environment, future cityfor sustainably planning and how we live. Our daily routines have around changed; our we plan tomorrow and use innovation to become more sustainable. Everyone does their bit to help. Theme Community Plan Strategic Objective Council Role Environmental sustainability We have environmental education and conservation programs Provider We are an environmentally sustainable City Facilitator Rural land is managed appropriately Rural sustainability Facilitator Advocate State Government Departments, specifically those with responsibilities around sustainability and the environment, planning, and primary industry management community What our community said about Living Sustainably Growing our economy Good governance We see kangaroos and ducks everyday but are only 5 mins away from a major shopping centre Katherine, 31, South Morang Have a day where people don’t use cars. Reduce trees that are being cut down. Phan, 27, Thomastown We need reminders of how much water we are using. Jacinta, 19, Thomastown We need to look after the beautiful river red gums. Don, Mill Park, 68 Examples of who else can be involved l Inclusive and engaged l Land care groups There’s too much litter. Yasmin, 36, Mill Park Lakes Merri and Darebin Creek Management Committees I like the environment - the trees are beautiful. Kimberly, 9, South Morang Sustainability Programs Advisory Committee (SPAC) We have our own large vegie garden/water tanks. Patricia, 63, Doreen l l 22 l Building commission l Country Fire Authority (CFA) l l Regional Waste Authority l l Waste and energy providers l Growth Areas Authority l Victorian Farmers Federation Shaping Our Future Community based environmental groups Port Phillip & Western Port Catchment management authority l Non-government agencies Whittlesea 2030 - Strategic Community Plan 23 Health and Places and spaces to wellbeing connect people Good Governance Inclusive and engaged community What our community said about Good Governance Providing good governance means that the decision-making processes for managing public resources are accessible, transparent and appropriate. Council must take into consideration principles of social justice and human rights in the delivery of democratic government. Accessibility in, out and around our city Living sustainably Growing our economy Good governance Theme Community Plan Strategic Objective Council Role Customer centric operations Council provides an efficient and effective service to residents Provider Services and infrastructure keep pace with population growth Growth and change Advocate Provider Council is financially sustainable for the long term Resource management Council does not provide services that should be delivered by other tiers of government and agencies Advocate Provider Advocate Continuous improvements Provider Council adopts best practice models of operation Need to get Mernda Town Centre established ASAP with community facilities. Develop Mernda-Whittlesea as tourist corridor. Anonymous The Council can improve its services to the community by firstly informing them of the available services. Also the Council is in a good position to inform the community of services offered by the State and Federal Government. It would be prudent of the Council to develop a website or brochure as a ‘one stop shop’ of services provided by all levels of government. Martin, Lalor, 22 Local paper is used very well to advertise the things that are coming up in the area. Helen, South Morang Whittlesea seems to be managing the service lag better than other interface councils. Mike, 50, Mernda It would be great to know personally who is my representative. Jason, 26, South Morang Examples of who else can be involved l State and Federal Government Agencies l Non-government Agencies l Partners l Community members I trust Council to make the right decisions. Steve, Epping, 18 Low house prices but high rates, cost of living is getting very high. Bruno, 54, Mill Park 24 Shaping Our Future Whittlesea 2030 - Strategic Community Plan 25 Next steps for the Community Plan Having a plan which states the long term objectives of the community is important. Acting on those objectives is more important. The information in this plan will be fed into the Council planning process and help inform our key priorities, and a Community Plan Panel will be convened to capture the actions of community members and partners to ensure that the priorities of the community are being actioned. Council’s role in managing the Community Plan Council is committed to ensuring that the Community Plan is a useful vision document for community, partners and the Council. With the strategic objectives set from the Community Plan consultation, Council reviewed many other strategic documents to form the 2013-2017 Council Plan—a collection of goals and actions over the next four years that will contribute to the achievement of the community’s vision. Council will also: l Report against the outcomes of the Community Plan every twelve months l Review the Community Plan annually, with a major review every four years l Undertake the actions outlined in the four-year Council Plan to support the community’s vision. Indicators for success How will we know if we’re on the right track to our 2030 vision? It is important to measure our progress and ensure that the activities we are completing will take us in the right direction. There are a number of ways to track our success, and a series of indicators will need to be developed to help us measure our progress. This project will be undertaken with community involvement in the 2013-14 financial year. How our community can get involved l Be a part of the Community Plan Panel - enquire by emailing communityplan@whittlesea.vic.gov.au Get involved with the various consultations that Council conducts. A good place to start is through our online engagement portal: http://communityvoice.whittlesea.vic.gov.au/ l 26 l Be involved in opportunities to improve our community l Volunteer with a community group or sporting club and contribute to community life l Apply for a Community Grant l Work with your neighbours to improve your neighbourhood l Be a good citizen. Shaping Our Future Council Contacts Civic Centre: 25 Ferres Boulevard, South Morang Office Hours: Monday to Friday, 8.30am to 5pm Mail: Locked Bag 1, Bundoora MDC 3083 Telephone: 9217 2170 (24 hours) TTY: 9217 2420 Fax: 9217 2111 Email: communityplan@whittlesea.vic.gov.au Web: www.whittlesea.vic.gov.au Published August 2013 Plan Commun www.whittlesea.vic.gov.au