By Gabriella Payne
It was all smiles at the Cardinia Cultural Centre on the afternoon of Friday 3 December, as community members of all ages gathered together to launch the Cardinia Shire Council Plan 2021-25.
Cardinia Shire Mayor Jeff Springfield and fellow councillors joined their chief executive Carol Jeffs and members of council’s senior leadership team, along with a range of community representatives including members of the Imagine Cardinia People’s Panel and Imagine Cardinia Children’s Panel to officially launch the plan.
The afternoon event was a hive of activity, with attendees able to immerse themselves in five different interactive displays – each representing a key element of the council’s vision for the area moving forward.
These five elements included ‘strong communities’, ‘liveable places’, ‘thriving environments’, ‘prosperous economies’ and ‘responsible leaders’ – all vital aspects of a thriving community.
The Council Plan 2021-25 was adopted by the council at its meeting on Monday 21 June 2021, and was one of four important strategy documents introduced to help guide the future of the Cardinia Shire.
The strategies (which also include the budget, financial plan, and revenue and rating plan) were adopted following three rounds of an extensive, seven-month community consultation process known as Imagine Cardinia.
This was the council’s biggest-ever community consultation with more than 1,600 contributions received during the consultation period.
Cardinia Shire Mayor Jeff Springfield said that it was the community feedback received that had helped shape the development of the four key documents.
“We thank everyone once again for their contributions. This input has helped ensure these strategies reflect the community’s priorities and hopes for the future of the Cardinia Shire,” Cr Springfield said.
“We’re proud that these four key plans will guide our strategic direction over the coming years and set us up to respond to long-term challenges and opportunities.”
Cr Springfield said the budget, financial plan, and revenue and rating plan would enable the council to continue to meet community needs and deliver on the Council Plan priorities.
“I’m proud of the commitment we’ve made in our budget to deliver a number of major projects across the shire, with funding in 2021-22 including $3.2m for the Officer District Park civil works and building master plan, $4.2m for our new youth centre, $4.3m for the Kurmboon Early Learning Centre, $4.1m for the Konewark Early Learning Centre, and $1.2m for the IYU Recreation Reserve Athletics Facility,” he said.
Cr Springfield said that the council looked forward to delivering on these four key plans and continuing to support the needs of the community.
“We’re truly thankful to the People’s Panel, participating schools and everyone who provided input throughout the engagement process.
“These plans will ensure we continue to deliver the right services, facilities and infrastructure to our diverse community with its blend of ages, abilities and cultural backgrounds.
“Through these plans, we aim to build a shire that remains a great place to live, work and play well into the future,” he said.
To view the Council Plan 2021-25, visit cardinia.vic.gov.au/councilplan
