Adopting the city's goals
Caring for the environment, planning for liveable places, fostering cultural vibrancy, and building an inclusive community are among the clear priorities for Wollongong’s future following the endorsement of the Community Strategic Plan at this week’s Council meeting.
The Our Wollongong Our Future 2035 Community Strategic Plan sets out the long-term vision, aspirations and goals for the city, developed in partnership with the community.
As part of the exhibition for the draft document, we sought community feedback on the plan including revision of the goals and vision. It was the updated version of this strategic plan that was endorsed by Council on Monday night.
“Of all of Council’s strategic documents, this is the most significant,’’ said Lord Mayor of Wollongong Councillor Tania Brown.
“The Community Strategic Plan sits at the top of our planning framework. All other Council plans and policies must align with the agreed vision and goals it outlines.
“While it’s developed and facilitated by Council, this is a plan created with and for the community. It reflects the priorities and aspirations of those who live, work, study and visit Wollongong.’’
Council received submissions from individuals, community groups and organisations during the exhibition period and the following exhibition Council made amendments to the plans based on community feedback.
“We are really grateful to those who took the time to read through Our Wollongong Our Future 2035 and provide feedback on this Plan,’’ Cr Brown said.
“Generally, the feedback was supportive of the Plan’s direction and structure. We heard from people that the final draft reflected the community aspirations that were raised during earlier engagement and reflected the common priorities our community wants us to focus on.’’
The updated vision for in Our Wollongong Our Future 2035 Community Strategic Plan is:
On Dharawal Country, from the mountains to the sea, we value our natural environment, we respect each other, our past and future. We will be a sustainable, connected, vibrant, and innovative city, with a diverse economy.
Following community input, the Plan’s previous six goals were refined into four:
Goal 1 - We are a sustainable and climate resilient city
Goal 2 – We have well planned, connected, and liveable places
Goal 3 - We foster a diverse economy, and we value innovation, culture, and creativity
Goal 4 – We have a healthy, respectful, and inclusive community
“The feedback from community members on this made it really clear to us that valuing our environment and climate action as well as access to affordable and diverse housing were real priorities that people wanted to see action on,’’ Wollongong City Council General Manager Greg Doyle said.
“By having the four clear goals as well as the vision, we’ve created a clear focus for Council’s work over the next decade – guiding what we deliver directly and what we advocate for on behalf of our community.’’
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