Strategic Community Plan
The Strategic Community Plan 2023-2033 (SCP) is the outcome of the major review of Shire’s Strategic Community Plan adopted in 2017 and reviewed in 2020. The review has primarily focused on identifying the needs and priorities of the community.
We now invite the community to provide comment on how we implement the new plan through the Shire's Corporate Plan.
We now invite the community to provide comment on how we implement the new plan through the Shire's Corporate Plan.
Community Vision
Community input supported the development of a revised vision statement for the community through the community stakeholder workshop.
A vision statement is a crucial foundation for long term planning. It sets out the philosophy, values, and priorities of the plan and to provide it with context and intent. This vision statement evolved from the community engagement workshop, and was supported by a majority of those present.
2033 Vision:
A vision statement is a crucial foundation for long term planning. It sets out the philosophy, values, and priorities of the plan and to provide it with context and intent. This vision statement evolved from the community engagement workshop, and was supported by a majority of those present.
2033 Vision:
Connecting our cultures, striving for prosperity, celebrating the spirit of country and community
Focus Areas
To reach the vision, the plan focuses the organisation on three strategic focus areas. These focus areas group the ten goals into an integrated approach.
Liveability
Liveable Communities
Improving liveability through social, recreational and economic opportunities, and addressing quality of life factors.
Goals 1. Safe Communities 2. Healthy Communities 3. Access to housing 4. Access to education 5. Access to employment |
Connectivity
Connected Communities
Improving physical and social connectivity within the Shire. Improving connectivity with family friends and services in Perth and further afield through strong communication and travel links.
Goals 6. Connecting local places 7. Connecting to the world 8. Connecting cultures |
Sustainability
Sustainable Communities
The spectacular natural environment and relaxed lifestyle are some of the main attractions of living here. It is important that a balance is maintained so the region is able to grow and thrive without compromising these lifestyle benefits.
Goals 9. Protecting country 10. Community-driven Leadership |
10 Reasons to be here 📍
We've collected & compiled your priorities into 10 achievable goals to improve liveability, connectivity and sustainability.
Expand on those goals below for more information
Expand on those goals below for more information
Ten Goals for the next ten years
1 Safe Communities
Goal: A community where we feel safe
Our community’s aspirations (outcomes):
Shire's Role (Strategies):
Our community’s aspirations (outcomes):
- Community are aware and understand how to stay safe and prevent crime
- People feel safe on the streets and in public areas and can engage in healthy vibrant active lives
- Families are supported and children and young people make better choices
- Less alcohol and drug related harm in the community
Shire's Role (Strategies):
- Work to improve the distribution and awareness of information and resources on safety and crime prevention.
- Design places, spaces and buildings following designing out crime principles and strategies to counter and reduce crime and antisocial behaviour.
- Advocate for greater support for families, children and young people.
- Advocate for services to support the reduction of alcohol and drug related harm.
2 Healthy Communities
Goal: Encouraging active, healthy lifestyles
Our community lives healthy lifestyles and has access to quality healthcare, sporting, recreation and leisure activities
Our community lives healthy lifestyles and has access to quality healthcare, sporting, recreation and leisure activities
Our community’s aspirations (outcomes):
Shire's Role (Strategies):
- Improve access to quality health and community services
- Sport and recreation facilities and services are accessible and well maintained
- Access to strong supportive community groups and clubs
Shire's Role (Strategies):
- Work with key partners to advocate for improved health and wellbeing services.
- Collaborate with a wide range of stakeholders to advocate and provide accessible facilities that support a range of sporting and recreational activities.
- Support and build the capacity of community groups and clubs through community grants programs, advice and management of Shire reserves and facilities.
3 Access to Housing
Goal: There are housing opportunities for everyone
Our community’s aspirations:
Shire's Role (Strategies):
- There is enough housing to meet social and economic demand
- There is a different housing options to meet different peoples needs
- Staff don’t have to sleep in a car
- I can afford to live here
Shire's Role (Strategies):
- Work with key partners to advocate for the construction of housing the meets current and future demand.
- Advocate for housing that is designed for our climate and considers the needs of those living in them.
- Support and promote understanding of the housing market by the community, such how to access the rental market and the steps to buying a house.
4 Access to Education
Goal: Residents have access appropriate education and training opportunities so they can live and work in the Shire.
Our community’s aspirations:
Background:
Education opens opportunities for development and helps people to better cope with social and economic changes. Prospects on the labour market and the possibilities for professional fulfilment and advancement are to a large extent determined by education.
- My child has the same educational opportunities as if we moved to Perth
- Young people able to stay in the East Kimberley and undertake additional education and training
- Skill and training that is linked to future career opportunities
Background:
Education opens opportunities for development and helps people to better cope with social and economic changes. Prospects on the labour market and the possibilities for professional fulfilment and advancement are to a large extent determined by education.
5 Access to Employment
Goal: Residents can engage in meaningful productive employment and strive for prosperity
Our community’s aspirations:
Background:
Income and jobs allow people to cover their basic needs and provide opportunities to fulfil personal wishes. They allow people to accumulate wealth, helping them to be more resistant in times of economic crisis.
- Business is attracted to the Shire, creating more local jobs.
- Ability to work - childcare, skills, training, employment opportunities
- Direct and targeted actions to change the fundamental situation
Background:
Income and jobs allow people to cover their basic needs and provide opportunities to fulfil personal wishes. They allow people to accumulate wealth, helping them to be more resistant in times of economic crisis.
6 Connecting Local Places
Goal: Places are connected, accessible and well maintained
Our community’s aspirations:
Background:
Mobility is necessary for work and leisure activities. For many people a good transportation network is important to satisfy needs such as shopping, education and recreation.
- Places are connected by safe, accessible, well maintained roads, footpaths, cycle ways and trails.
- Well maintained sealed roads (fix the potholes)
- Streets are places we enjoy not just about travelling from point A to B
- Access to playgrounds, parks & reserves
- Children can safely cycle to and from school. Ability to push a pram home safely from the shops
Background:
Mobility is necessary for work and leisure activities. For many people a good transportation network is important to satisfy needs such as shopping, education and recreation.
7 Connecting to the World
Goal: Creating access and turning our remoteness into a positive experience
Our community can connect to friends and family outside the Shire. People and business can access markets and services. Our remoteness is a positive experience
Our community can connect to friends and family outside the Shire. People and business can access markets and services. Our remoteness is a positive experience
Our community’s aspirations:
Background:
Living in a remote and sparsely populated area causes a host of socio-economic challenges. market isolation, inadequate access to goods and services, lower wages, unemployment or out-migration, high costs of travel and higher costs of living.
A lack of resufficient demand often deters private-sector providers from offering connections. Where commercial transport struggles to provide these, governments often step in. Support takes the form of either public service provision or subsidies.
Connectivity has become a defining feature of the modern economy. This is reflected in the increasing demand for resources to be invested in linking communities, economies and countries. Improving connectivity increases productivity, competition, and market opportunities.
- Living in our remote Shire doesn't mean you are cut off
- Connections to family and families
- Connections to market
- Connections to services
- People and goods are able to move in and out of the East Kimberley
Background:
Living in a remote and sparsely populated area causes a host of socio-economic challenges. market isolation, inadequate access to goods and services, lower wages, unemployment or out-migration, high costs of travel and higher costs of living.
A lack of resufficient demand often deters private-sector providers from offering connections. Where commercial transport struggles to provide these, governments often step in. Support takes the form of either public service provision or subsidies.
Connectivity has become a defining feature of the modern economy. This is reflected in the increasing demand for resources to be invested in linking communities, economies and countries. Improving connectivity increases productivity, competition, and market opportunities.
8 Connecting our Cultures
Goal: A resilient connected community where our rich culture and heritage is celebrated
Our community’s aspirations:
Background:
Cultural offers enable the maintenance of social contacts, the development of networks and offers possibilities for recreational activities. Culture and leisure also includes clubs and sport facilities.
The Shire is culturally diverse with people from many backgrounds and cultures including Korean and Pilipino. Around a third of the Shire’s population identifies as Aboriginal.
- Residents are connected socially
- Active and resilient community groups and volunteers
- Greater participation in community activities
- a unified community that incorporates the needs of all cultures and generations
- Culture is visible and celebrated
Background:
Cultural offers enable the maintenance of social contacts, the development of networks and offers possibilities for recreational activities. Culture and leisure also includes clubs and sport facilities.
The Shire is culturally diverse with people from many backgrounds and cultures including Korean and Pilipino. Around a third of the Shire’s population identifies as Aboriginal.
9 Conserving Country
Goal: Conserve the Shire’s unique natural environment for the enjoyment of current and future generations
Our community’s aspirations:
Background:
The spectacular natural environment and relaxed lifestyle are some of the main attractions of living here. It is important that a balance is maintained so that the region is able to grow and thrive without compromising these lifestyle benefits.
Many people appreciate pleasant and natural surroundings in their place of residence and for their leisure time. Both are influenced by the quality of the local environment. An environment that is contaminated with pollutants and noise affects the mental and physical health of the population.
Sustainable resource management can be defined as the application of sustainable practices by managing resources in a way that will benefit current and future generations. Simply put, it means managing resources in a way that doesn't impact future generations.
- The natural wilderness continues to contribute to our lifestyle and is a major attraction for visitors
- Ability to explore our natural environment close to home
- Improved environmental management and biodiversity outcomes
- We all respect and care for the environment
- Reduce carbon footprint
- Climate-resilient infrastructure
- Mining and resource activities have a long-term positive impact on community and the environment.
Background:
The spectacular natural environment and relaxed lifestyle are some of the main attractions of living here. It is important that a balance is maintained so that the region is able to grow and thrive without compromising these lifestyle benefits.
Many people appreciate pleasant and natural surroundings in their place of residence and for their leisure time. Both are influenced by the quality of the local environment. An environment that is contaminated with pollutants and noise affects the mental and physical health of the population.
Sustainable resource management can be defined as the application of sustainable practices by managing resources in a way that will benefit current and future generations. Simply put, it means managing resources in a way that doesn't impact future generations.
10 Sustainable Leadership
Goal: Our leaders are innovative, collaborative and put the long term needs of the community at the heart of decision making
Our community’s aspirations:
The Shire is seen as the voice of the people of the East Kimberley and they expect it to work in their best interests. Community expect the Shire to develop and manage local laws and policies for the benefit of the community. A lack of engagement and communication has lead to situations where residents have felt decisions have not been in their best interest.
- Embracing new technology
- More opportunities for community to get involved and have a say about what is happening in town.
- More communication about what the Shire is doing and what Councillors are doing in return for their sitting fees.
- Attract more funding and investment
The Shire is seen as the voice of the people of the East Kimberley and they expect it to work in their best interests. Community expect the Shire to develop and manage local laws and policies for the benefit of the community. A lack of engagement and communication has lead to situations where residents have felt decisions have not been in their best interest.