community plan shaping our future whittlesea 2030 · web viewi am delighted to introduce the city...

Shaping Our Future Whittlesea 2030 Strategic Community Plan

We recognise the rich Aboriginal heritage of this country and acknowledge the Wurundjeri Willum Clan as the Traditional Owners of this place.

Message from MayorI am delighted to introduce the City of Whittlesea’s Shaping Our Future Whittlesea 2030 Strategic Community Plan – a plan for the community, created by the community. The Plan captures our community’s vision and aspirations for living and working in the City of Whittlesea. It is an important document that informs Council’s planning process and helps to establish our top priorities.

To develop the Community Plan we received more than 6000 comments from residents, businesses, community organisations and service agencies. Council will continue to look for feedback on the Plan from individuals and organisations to ensure it reflects our community’s aspirations and needs into the future.

There are many ways people can have a voice in shaping their community:

Visit Council’s website for a list of consultation projects underway Apply for one of Council’s community grants to help your community achieve its

aspirations Volunteer with a community group or sporting club and contribute to community life Work with your neighbours to improve your neighbourhood.

I’m looking forward to Council and the community working together to make the Plan’s aspirations a reality.

Cr Ricky KirkhamMAYOR

The Story of this Plan‘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. The 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.

A Plan Informed by CommunityThe Community Plan was updated through an extensive community consultation process undertaken from November 2012 to March 2013; with participation of over 2,000 people in our community through festivals, events, online surveys, focus groups, shopping centre presence and posted surveys located in libraries. In total 6,000 comments were collated from five months of conversations.

To gauge whether community aspirations have changed over time since the 2012/2013 Community Plan consultations, a desktop analysis of eighty five (85) community consultations held between the years of 2005 to 2016 was conducted.

This process was undertaken with a reflective lens. It built on the strong community engagement foundation used to develop the 2013 Community Plan; however, the process was open to new themes emerging from the review of recent community consultation findings.

Where the Community Plan fits

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 wants.

The Community and Council plan then guide the development of our organisation’s annual Corporate Plan.

How to read this PlanAs we move towards 2030, we will need to review how we’re working towards our vision and continue to check that the priorities remain relevant. We will do this by reviewing the actions of the plan annually and providing regular progress reports to the community.

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. The plan comprises:

7 Future Directions – the key strategic focus areas aligned to community aspirations that guide our effort to achieve our vision.

22 Themes – that our community consultation findings have been categorised into.

55 Strategic Objectives – the end result we want for our community. Strategic objectives are listed against each theme under each of the seven Future Direction.

Council’s RoleThis 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.

Council’s three roles are detailed below:Provider:

Council provides essential community services and infrastructure As a provider, Council has a higher level of accountability for decision making and

actionFacilitator:

Council supports and works with community groups, organisations and government agencies to deliver services and infrastructure projects the community needs

As a facilitator, Council has shared responsibility for collaborative decision-making and action

Advocate:• Council advocates to the Victorian and Australian governments on a range of

issues that are important to our community but are largely beyond the control of Council

• As an advocate, in collaboration with other organisations and community groups, Council may influence decision-making and action

Community Wellbeing IndicatorsCommunity Wellbeing Indicators are a set of measures that provide a broad snapshot of the wellbeing status of the community at a point in time, or in relation to change over time. Community Wellbeing Indicators have been mapped to the Future Directions and Themes of this Community Plan. Reports on these Indicators will be published every 2 years, with the first report available in March 2017.

Who can be involved: Individual community members – neighbours talking to each other

• Local businesses, groups and networks• Federal and State Government• Whittlesea Disability Network – advocacy by, with and for people with disabilities• State Government agencies and departments• Non-government agencies such as neighbourhood houses and non-profit service providers• Schools and lifelong learning organisations• Churches, faith and spiritual groups• Local community groups• Local organisations that support volunteering• Developers• Transport providers – public and community• Telecommunications companies• Bicycle Victoria• Sport and Recreation Victoria• Educational institutions and training providers• Heritage Victoria• Whittlesea Community Futures• Cultural Bridges groups• Libraries• Health service providers• Police and emergency service

The City of Whittlesea – who we areThe City of Whittlesea is located in Melbourne’s northern suburbs, about 20 kilometres from the city centre. It is one of Melbourne’s largest municipalities, covering a land area of approximately 490 square kilometres.

The majority of the City of Whittlesea population live in the urban areas. This is split across the major established area precincts of Bundoora, Epping, Lalor, Mill Park and Thomastown, and the current growth area precincts of Mernda, Doreen, South Morang and Epping North. Significant future growth is projected for Wollert and Donnybrook. The rural areas of the municipality are characterised by farming, forested areas and historic township communities including Whittlesea Township.

The Wurundjeri Willum people were the original inhabitants of the area and are the traditional owners of this land. Compared with other municipalities, the City of Whittlesea has the fourth largest population of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders (ATSI) by person count in Metropolitan Melbourne, with 1,138 ATSI residents.

The median age of residents is 34 years of age (compared to 37 years of age for Victoria); however the median age varies widely across the municipality, ranging from 29 years of age in the growth area precincts of Epping North, Mernda and Doreen, and up to 42 years of age in the Rural North. There are more children and young people aged 0-17 years (25%) compared with the Victorian average (22%), and fewer residents aged 60 years and above (16% compared to 20%)1. There are more families with children residing in the City of Whittlesea (43% couples with children and 13% one parent families) compared to the Victorian average (32% couples with children and 11% one parent families).

A fast growing community The estimated resident population in 2017 is 209,1183. In 2014-15, the City of Whittlesea was the: 3rd largest growing Local Government Area (LGA) in Victoria 3rd fastest growing LGA in Victoria Growth in 2016-17 – increase of 131 people per week On average 72 babies are born every week By 2037, the estimated population will have grown to 353,9103 The population is ageing; the number of adults aged 50 years and over is expected to

increase by 84% in the next two decades.

A culturally diverse community The City of Whittlesea is one of the most culturally diverse municipalities in Victoria.

o 34% of residents were born overseas (compared to 26% for Victoria)o 43% speak a language other than English at home (compared to 23% for

Victoria)o 27% of overseas born residents have lived in Australia for less than ten years.

Inclusive and Engaged CommunityOur 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.

Theme Strategic Objective Council RoleCommunity connectedness

Programs, services, buildings and spaces encourage social connections and develop a sense of community

FacilitatorProviderAdvocate

We have access to community meeting spaces FacilitatorProviderAdvocate

We have the opportunity to participate in, contribute to and enjoy arts, cultural and recreational activities


Volunteering in the community is encouraged and supported

FacilitatorProvider

Community voice We have access to information, skill development and knowledge to participate in decision making in an informed way


Our voice is reflected through inclusive Council decision making processes

FacilitatorProvider

Social inclusion We are socially inclusive of all ages, abilities, gender, race, ethnicity, sexuality, religion, culture and heritage


We have programs to promote cultural diversity and address race-based discrimination


New and emerging communities are supported FacilitatorProviderAdvocate

We respect and promote our Aboriginal heritage and community


Local community planning

Council planning is done with local communities FacilitatorProvider

What our community said about Inclusive & Engaged Community‘……the things that foster individual human spirit will lead to the strengthening of community spirit which, when given the right circumstances, will create a great place.’ Reference to philosophy of Michael Drapac, Founder of the Laurimar Residential Development , Artworks which Inform and Inspire – 6 Case Studies, City of Whittlesea 2009

‘I believe in people contact, sharing stories, outings, being in contact helps with self-esteem and physical being.’ Male, 80-84 years, Thomastown Ageing Well in Whittlesea Municipality Community Survey Summary Findings 2016

'Emphasise appropriate places of Aboriginal heritage’, City of Whittlesea 2008, Green Wedge Community Views Paper

‘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 wide Australian community.’ John, 62, Bundoora

Community Wellbeing IndicatorsIndicator Label How is it measured? What is the

data source?Participation in community groups

% individuals who participate in community groups

Annual Household Survey

Sense of community

% households that strongly agree: I/we feel part of the local community


Volunteering % individuals aged 15+ who volunteer


Community acceptance of diverse cultures

% households that strongly agree: People in my neighbourhood are accepting of people from other cultural/religious backgrounds


Participation in decision-making

% households that strongly agree: There are opportunities to have a real say on issues that are important to me/us


Accessibility in, out and around our CityAccess 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.

Theme Strategic Objective Council Role

Transport We have Community Transport options to address transport disadvantage

FacilitatorAdvocate

The road network responds to our needs in accessing jobs, services and recreational activities


We have walkable neighbourhoods FacilitatorProviderAdvocate

We can cycle safely FacilitatorProviderAdvocate

Appropriate and accessible Public Transport services meet our needs

FacilitatorAdvocate

Internet We can access broadband FacilitatorAdvocate

Residents and local businesses are supported to use on-line services

FacilitatorProvider

Built environment The built environment in our community is universally accessible

AdvocateProvider

Our neighbourhoods are designed to be well-connected and create cohesive communities


What our community said about Accessibility in, out and around our City‘Maybe there could be a network of drivers who live in the area that may think to form a service for the elderly for transporting to appointments. This would make the older person feel safer as the service is targeted and the drivers are always the same.’ Female, 60-64 years, Mill Park Ageing Well in Whittlesea Municipality Community Survey Summary Findings 2016

‘It would be good to encourage riders of all ages, skills, gender, background etc. to ride more - for fitness, fun, meeting friends, sense of community, pride in their neighborhood and monitoring/discouraging undesirable activities’ Safety Audit of Public Transport 2013

‘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.’ Robyn, 53, Mernda.

"Bicycle paths and walking paths essential for safety. Roads too narrow and drivers [are] too aggressive for safe cycling".


data source?

Broadband access

% households with broadband internet access


Access to public transport

% dwellings that are within 400m of a bus or tram stop or 800m of a train station

WiGIS report

Commuter travel time

% individuals whose daily commute time to and from work or study is 2 or more hours


Cycling facilities

% households that 'strongly agree' there are good facilities in Whittlesea for cycling


Walking facilities

% households that 'strongly agree' there are good facilities in Whittlesea for walking


Growing our economyA 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.


Employment We have access to local employment opportunities FacilitatorProviderAdvocate

New business and investment are attracted to our City FacilitatorAdvocate

Economic development

Our local, industrial and regional business communities are supported to thrive in our City


Our rural land and natural resources provide sustainable economic development opportunities


Our social enterprise and business initiatives are supported

FacilitatorAdvocate

Skill development Initiatives that develop workforce training and skill development are encouraged and supported


What our community said about Growing our economy‘ ….We should be doing more to promote Whittlesea’s growing food culture….We could also attract more visitors to the region by highlighting the fresh, regional produce and gourmet foods available…’ Natalie, 34, Thomastown

‘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…’ Mie, 42, Mernda.


data source?Income Median weekly

personal income ($)Annual Household Survey

Unemployment % of labour force unemployed

Small Area Labour Markets, Australian Government Department of Employment

Underemployment % individuals who indicate they are underemployed


Highly skilled workforce

% employed individuals who are employed as managers/ professionals; and % employed individuals in trades


Local employment % employed individuals who are employed within the LGA

Census of Population and Housing, Australian Bureau of Statistics

Indicator Label How is it measured? What is the data source?

Local jobs % change in total number of local jobs over last 5 years

TBD

Qualifications % individuals aged 15+ holding a post-secondary qualification


Youth disengagement

% individuals aged 15-24 not engaged in education or employment

Census of Population and Housing, Australian Bureau of Statistics

Places and spaces to connect peoplePlaces, 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 for events and celebrations. There are many pathways to bring people together in all the communities that together make our City.


Open space We have open spaces that are welcoming and safe for public gathering

ProviderAdvocate

Community hubs

We have public spaces and community hubs that bring people together


Planning our Space

Urban design helps build our connection to place, the natural environment and the community


We have neighbourhoods defined by attractive, well connected streets and public spaces


Leisure and recreation

We can access recreation facilities and open spaces that reflect and respond to local need


What our community said about Places and spaces to connect people‘More seating outside main township. Walking paths with even surfaces, more and better swing parks for grandchildren.’ Female, 70-74 years Whittlesea, Ageing Well in Whittlesea Municipality Community Survey Summary Findings 2016

‘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

‘There should be a city beautification project where creative planning and more grass and treed areas are built’ James, 23, Thomastown


data source?Use of open space

% households that visit one or more types of local open spaces at least monthly


Community meeting spaces

% dwellings that are within 800m of a Council community meeting space

WiGIS Report

Recreation facilities

% households that rate a) libraries; b) sports facilities as ‘very important’ to the community


Participation in sports and recreation

% individuals that participate in sports and recreation activities


Distinct community character

% households that strongly agree: the community has a distinct character, it's a special place


Health and WellbeingA healthy community that supports people through all of life’s stages and cares about lifelong 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, the elderly 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 Strategic Objective Council RoleSafety We have a police presence that deters crime and violence Advocate

We have access to family violence prevention programs FacilitatorProviderAdvocate

We see a reduction of crime in our community FacilitatorAdvocate

We have disaster, community safety and resilience programs


Our neighbourhoods are designed to create safe public spaces


Education and lifelong learning

The number, placement, and quality of schools are adequate for our population

FacilitatorAdvocate

We can access expanded library services FacilitatorAdvocate

We have opportunities for lifelong learning for all ages and life stages


Healthy community

There is a focus on preventative approaches to health issues and health policy


Health and human services are accessible and responsive to the needs and aspirations of all people


People of all ages and abilities are supported to live well with appropriate program, service and infrastructure delivery


Theme Strategic Objective Council RoleWe can access diverse and affordable housing Facilitator

What our community said about Health and wellbeing‘Health, housing, friends, easy access to services and shopping.’ Female 65-69 years South Morang, Ageing Well in Whittlesea Municipality Community Survey Summary Findings 2016

‘A local library (I am an avid reader) learning other leisure activities eg. painting, cooking, languages.’ Female, 50-54 years Mernda Village, Ageing Well in Whittlesea Municipality Community Survey Summary Findings 2016

‘Perceptions of safety on public transport are not so narrowly defined by feeling safe or unsafe on public transport and or by explaining factors affecting public transport only but are more correlated with feeling safe in one’s community or neighbourhood more broadly.’ from Safety Audit of Public Transport 2013

‘In the City of Whittlesea I can learn throughout my life, I have access to local opportunities to learn for life and for work, I can share my knowledge with others and I can participate in collective learning and community governance.’ Life Long Learning Strategy 2013


data source?

General health % adults and children who rate their health as very good or excellent


Psychological distress

% adults with a high or very high level of

psychological distress

Victorian Population Health Survey, Victorian Government Department of Health

Risk factors % individuals:

overweight or obese;

undertaking 2.5 hours or more of moderate-vigorous exercise;

meeting fruit and vegetable guidelines;

increased risk of alcohol-related injury on a single occasion;

daily or occasional smokers

Annual Household Survey and the Victorian Population Health Survey, Victorian Government Department of Health

Food insecurity % households that ran out of food and couldn't afford to buy more at least once in the past 12 months



Developmental vulnerability

% children in the first year of school developmentally vulnerable on two or more domains

Australian Early Development Census

Connectedness to school

% students who report feeling connected with their school (Years 5-6 and Years 7-9)

Attitudes to School Survey via Victorian Child and Adolescent Monitoring System

Access to educational services

% households that believe it is 'very easy' to access educational services (early childhood education services, school and tertiary)


Family violence Number of reported family incidents per 100,000 population

Crime Statistics Agency

Safety in public areas

% individuals who feel ‘somewhat’ or ‘very’ safe during the day/ at night


Gambling loss Average annual expenditure (loss) per adult on Electronic Gaming Machines

Victorian Commission for Gambling and Liquor


Regulation

Affordable housing

% households reporting ‘Moderate’ or ‘Heavy’ household payment stress in the last 12 months


Access to health services

% households that believe it is 'very easy' to access hospitals, doctors, dentists and mental health services


Access to human services

% households that believe it is 'very easy' to access aged care, respite, and financial and legal support services


Living SustainablyLiving sustainably in our community means managing the impacts of 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 Gums) and our fauna - need to be cared for. Immigration, strong housing demand, economic growth, climate change, alternative energies and transport all provide challenges for our environment, future planning and how we live. Our daily routines have changed; we plan for tomorrow and use innovation to become more sustainable. Everyone does their bit to help.

What our community said about Living sustainably‘Ecotourism - good for business, good for the environment and good education opportunities’ Green Wedge Community Views Paper, City of Whittlesea 2008

‘Increase knowledge sharing of the landscape values and sensitivity to new residents by the establishment of neighbourhood teams’ Green Wedge Community Views Paper, City of Whittlesea 2008

‘I like the environment – the trees are beautiful.’ Kimberley 9, South Morang

‘We see kangaroos and ducks everyday but are only 5 mins away from a major shopping centre.’ Katherine, 31, South Morang


Environmental sustainability

We have access to environmental education and conservation programs

FacilitatorProvider

Our City is environmentally sustainable FacilitatorProviderAdvocate

Rural land is managed appropriately FacilitatorProviderAdvocate

Community led initiatives in environmental sustainability are supported

FacilitatorAdvocate

Community wellbeing indicatorsIndicator Label How is it measured? What is the

data source?Household energy usage

Average resident daily electricity consumption (kWh per day)

Northern Alliance for Greenhouse Action Profile

Household recycling contamination

% of contamination in recycling stream (by weight in kg)

Council annual audit

Household waste generation

Average annual domestic waste production (kg per household)

Council monthly data

Household water usage

Average annual residential potable water usage (kilolitres per property)

Council quarterly data

Stewardship of the environment

Number of active sustainable land management groups

Council annual data

Good GovernanceProviding 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.


Community centred operations

Efficient and effective Council services are responsive to community need

Provider

Our Council services are transparent, equitable and accessible

Provider

We build shared visions of how local communities work with Council

FacilitatorProvider

Growth and change

The changing demographics and needs of our municipality are monitored to provide, facilitate and/or advocate for appropriate services and infrastructure


Resource management

Our Council strives to achieve long-term financial sustainability

Provider

Our Council explores and develops collaborative approaches and partnerships to deliver services, buildings and community spaces


Continuous improvement

Our Council explores and adopts best practice models ProviderOur Council monitors and evaluates all of its operations Provider

What our community said about Good governance‘Whittlesea seems to be managing the service lag better than other interface Councils.’ Mike, 50, Mernda

‘I trust Council to make the right decisions.’ Steve, Epping, 18

‘Teach us how to solve our own problems when they come up’ Annual Youth Summit 2006

‘Health, housing, friends, easy access to services and shopping.’ Female 65-69 years South Morang Ageing Well in Whittlesea Municipality Community Survey Summary Findings 2016

Community wellbeing indicatorsIndicator Label How is it measured? What is the data source?Community consultation and engagement

% individuals rating Council’s performance on consultation and engagement as ‘good’ or ‘very good’

Local Government Community Satisfaction Survey

Decisions in community’s interest

% individuals rating Council’s performance on decisions made on behalf of the community as ‘good’ or ‘very good’


Lobbying for community

% individuals rating Council’s performance on lobbying on behalf of the community as ‘good’ or ‘very good’


Satisfaction with Council’s overall performance

% individuals rating Council’s overall performance as ‘good’ or ‘very good’


community plan shaping our future whittlesea 2030 · web viewi am delighted to introduce the city...

Documents