Community Planning is about communities getting together to consider the things that are important to them now and into the future. It aims to identify projects they want to work towards, issues to lobby for, or changes to make. It’s a community-driven process and ideally involves the whole of the community.
A Community Plan is an important tool that provides an insight into a community – its people, the area in which they live, and the things they find most important. It usually states the priorities that the community have agreed on working towards, such as a community noticeboard, a new open space for picnics and recreation, or signage about the local history. The Community Plan can also be a useful resource when seeking funding for these priorities from various organisations and agencies.
As a ‘living document’, a Community Plan can be updated regularly to make sure it continues to meet the needs of those it represents.
Community Planning brings communities together to identify the issues that matter to them, and then work together on agreed projects. By understanding a community’s needs, organisations can better focus their resources.
Community Planning can help communities gain volunteers and secure funding for projects from government and other sources. It aims to unite communities so that as a group they can better achieve the things they strive for.
As communities vary greatly, the method used to develop the Community Plan must suit the community. The Plan must aim to represent the whole of the community, and not the needs or interest of a particular group.
There are many examples of Community Plans on the internet. Our Community Planning Team can provide advice and support to help a community identify the process they wish to use to develop a plan that is relevant to them and consistent with other plans. Consistency can help when applying for funding or lobbying for issues.
While Council does not implement Community Plans, it may be a partner in supporting communities to develop their Plan and to seek funding from organisations and agencies to make priorities identified in their Plan come to fruition.
From 2009-2011 we have received funding to help create Community Plans in six communities.
Our Community Planning Team can also take on a support and guidance role in community planning, and after the completion of the funded project, will continue to advise communities on developing and revising Plans, as well as joining with communities in celebrating some of the identified priorities progressing from a vision to reality.
Need to know more?
Please contact our Community Planning Facilitators for more information on 1300 BCOAST (226 278).
Come join us at the premiere launch of nine mini-documentaries on Bass Coast locals, filmed by the Australian Centre for the Moving Image.
The Bass community has developed its own Community Plan. Find out about the Plan and how you can become involved.
Cape Paterson's Community Plan is in its first year. Find out about the projects the community is working on and how you can make a difference in your local community.
Inverloch was the first to develop its Community Plan. Projects to improve shared pathways and an eco-friendly town are well underway. Find out more, including how to become involved.
The Kilcunda community has now completed its Community Plan. Learn about the projects the community wishes to work on to improve the local area and how you can become involved.
The Phillip Island South Coast Communities - Community Plan is in its first year. Find out about the local issues and needs, projects being worked on and how to get involved.