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Community to Contribute to Master Planning ProcessLast modified: May 20, 2009 - 8:48 AM
Wakool Shire Council will soon commence a Master Planning process for town and community recreation facilities aimed at prioritizing community infrastructure projects right across the Shire. The Master Planning process announced at the February Council meeting will facilitate community consultation regarding new facilities or upgrades and will enable Council to focus on projects identified as priorities in each community. Mayor, Mr Rod Chalmers, said the recent funding programs released by the Federal Government has prompted Councils decision to take a more strategic approach to planning so as to best take advantage of funds when they arise. It has become more apparent that funding of Local Government Community infrastructure projects is going to be a priority for the Federal Government. Yet whilst recurrent funding is not increasing by a great margin, the use of ad hoc funding programs with shorter deadlines is increasing. To enable Council to take full advantage of these programs and target funding in a strategic manner it would be appropriate that Council commence a Master Plan process which would ensure projects are read-to-go as funding becomes available with budget estimates, timelines and draft plans, Cr Chalmers said. The allocation of funds from the town improvement grants will enable the process to commence this financial year. Council’s initial approach to the new process is to prepare a project brief and engage an appropriate consultant that can work with the community and deliver a practical document that can be used over the next five to ten years. The overall Master Planning process will provide Council with guidance on where it directs funding if State or Federal grants are received or where it is necessary to apply funding. The process is about the community identifying their priorities in regards to recreation facilities and upgrades. By working with the community it will help us manage and understand expectations and ensures we have a priority list of what projects to approach first when finding opportunities do arise. Mr Chalmers also stated that the process could provide guidance on difficult issues, such as consolidation, where existing facilities may be beyond repair or where Council does not have the capacity to support all existing infrastructure.
We are looking at a realistic approach to future community infrastructure works. Master Planning ensures the community identify priorities, not just Council, and means everything is looked at across the whole board. With this type of approach, Council and the community have a ready-to go system when funding opportunities arise. Contact details |
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© 2008 Wakool Shire Council |
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