Have Your Say - Community Satisfaction + Community Strategic Plan
Published on 08 March 2022
GSC INVITES LOCAL COMMUNITY TO BE PART OF COMMUNITY STRATEGIC PLANNING | + SURVEY RESULTS
‘Have your say’ on future of Gilgandra Region...
Be part of the plan
Gilgandra Shire Council is inviting the local community to join the conversation on the facilities and services provided on your behalf, to assist in planning our future over the next 10 years of the 2032 Community Strategic Plan.
Our Community Strategic Plan is Council’s highest level plans and identifies the community's main priorities and vision for the future, it is the blueprint for the region’s future and outlines the identified vision, priorities and actions to achieve the vision
Gilgandra Shire Mayor Doug Batten says,
“As your representatives we are keen to hear from you in relation to current community aspirations and issues, suggestions for improvements to service delivery and associated community assets and any general matters you may wish to raise to ensure that our plans accurately reflect our community’s priorities.”
A round of community meetings to discuss Council’s Strategic Plans will be held over coming weeks and we encourage your attendance and input as members of our community.
Come along to your nearest consultation session:
- Tooraweenah Hall – Wednesday, 16 March 2022 at 5.30pm
- Armatree CWA Rooms – Thursday, 17 March 2022 at 5.30pm
- Cobboco Hall – Monday, 21 March 2022 at 5.30pm
- Gilgandra Shire Hall – Wednesday, 23 March 2022 at 5.30pm
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"Over the past five years, we have been working towards achieving the community's priorities and building the foundation for our future. Since 2016, we have delivered over $41M in capital works, including significant road renewals and upgrades, replacement of four timber bridges, construction of a new works depot, new SES headquarters and construction of the Orana Living Cottages, our new purpose-built disability accommodation project. GSC has also progressed the Gilgandra Activation Blueprint including local business support with Grow Gilgandra, Shop Local and BIG Ideas.”
You can view Council’s End of Term Report, here https://www.gilgandra.nsw.gov.au/Your-Council/About-Council/Annual-Reports/20162021-End-of-Term-Report-incorporates-Annual-Report
“With significant growth and major infrastructure investments on the way within the Gilgandra Region, we are at a crucial point in effectively planning for growing our community and confirming the Gilgandra Region as a great place to live, enjoy and grow.”
With major planned projects for the coming term including the GIL Library Hub, completion of the Gilgandra Cultural Precinct, implementation of the Housing Strategy and Aero Park, Sewerage Treatment Plant upgrade, Industrial Park development and Hunter Park Precinct Multi-Sports Facility.
Mayor Batten says,
"Since the Gilgandra Shire Community Strategic Plan had its last full review in 2016, a lot has changed in our region and the impacts of drought, floods and COVID-19 have left deep imprints on how we live our lives.”
Adding,
“The consultation aims to understand what the community values about living in the Gilgandra Region, the strengths they recognise in the services and facilities provided by Council within our community, and how they think we can build on these to address the key challenges and opportunities facing our region now and into the future.”
Those insights will directly inform the review of the Community Strategic Plan to make sure the community's plan for our future stays relevant and targets those areas that matter most.
Share your views on the key issues, challenges, opportunities and priorities going forward at gilgandra.nsw.gov.au/Have-Your-Say.
The community can:
- Complete a Have Your Say form online at Council’s website
- Find details via Council’s Facebook page
- Attend a community consultation in person
- Provide feedback in-person:
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- Gilgandra Lifestyles @ Cooee Lodge and Jack Towney Hostels
- Gilgandra Shire Library
- Gilgandra Youth Services
- Gilgandra Visitor Information Centre
- Service NSW
- Community Care
- Warren Road Offices
- Write to the General Manager, 15 Warren Road
- Email council@gilgandra.nsw.gov.au
View the current Community Strategic Plan to be updated and other relevant strategies, including the Gilgandra Activation Blueprint, Gilgandra Cultural Precinct Strategic Plan, Local Strategic Planning Statement, and more on Council’s website www.gilgandra.nsw.gov.au.
Timeframe:
- Feedback and community sessions through March 2022
- Draft Community Strategic Plan developed
- Draft Community Strategic Plan and Long Term Financial Plan on public display through May 2022
- Community Strategic Plan and Long Term Financial Plan adopted by Council June 2022
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Your Survey Results
Council conducted a Community Satisfaction Survey in October 2021 at the completion of the Council term, and this is being reviewed through this planning stages also.
Survey
- 314 respondents
- 63% have lived in Gilgandra for more than 20 years, 14% have been here for less then 5 years.
- 72% of respondents were female, 27% were male.
- The majority of respondents were aged between 56 – 65 years (26%), followed by 18-35 age group (23%)
- 82% would be likely or very likely to recommend Gilgandra Shire as a place to live
- 81% would be likely or very likely to recommend Gilgandra Shire as a place to visit
- 54% would be likely or very likely to recommend Gilgandra Shire as a place to start/grow a business. Meaning 46% would not recommend.
- Most used faciltiies and services: Town water supply, Rural Roads and Bridges, Sewage Services, Town Streets and Footpaths, Waste Collection and Services, the Fitness Centre and the Library.
- Most important facilities and services: Local Medical Centre/Dentists, Rural Roads and Bridges, Town Water Supply, Sewerage Service, Public Toilets, Aged Care Facilities, Disability Services and Waste Collection and Service.
- How well does Council deliver:
Top 10 ‘Very Well + Well’ with 50-65%
- The majority of respondents prefer to hear about Council news through the Gilgandra Weekly (31%).
There were a range of methods that scored comparatively well including Council’s website, local radio, social media, mail outs, email and in-person consultation.
For more information on the community sessions, and planning documents, please visit Council’s website www.gilgandra.nsw.gov.au or contact 6817 8800.
Media Contact: Kathryn Larkin
Marketing & Communications Manager
klarkin@gilgandra.nsw.gov.au