03/05/2026
BVSC Community Connect Series @ Murrah Hall Tuesday May 5th from 5.30 pm
This meeting is primarily aimed at and for the residents of the Murah - Cuttagee localities.
Below is a possible framework for discussion for next Tuesday's meeting. It was compiled by Robert Kingston of the Tarraganda Hall Committee.
1) Needs Assessment.. What Needs do we, (the local Murrah etc community) have.?
How does Council assess the needs (Social, Emotional, Economic, Political, Physical) in the community. What evidence do they use to decide on our needs and to determine Council's policy and project priorities for us. What level of consultation occurs to develop these priorities.
2) Planning Documents…If we wish to have timely, effective input to the priorities and plans of Council, we need to know more about how Council operates. ie. the planning structure . The Local Government Act details the Council requirements in developing the Integrated Planning and Reporting (IPR) Framework.
There is also a formal requirement to develop this Framework in consultation with the community.
1) The Integrated Planning and Reporting Framework, which includes:
The Community Strategic Plan 2042 (This is a 10 year plan, reviewed every 4 years)
Long Term Financial Plan (10 years)
Workforce Management Plan (4 years)
Asset Management Plan (10 years)
Delivery Program (4 years) and Operational Plan (Annual) Budget (Annually) Approx $160 million
Annual Report - provides a record of the above plans and progress. Customer Satisfaction Survey ( Planned every 2 years) Prior to the last one in 2024, Council hadn't conducted a community survey for 8 years. End of Term Report - (At the end of the 4 year term) This is an Evaluation Report of the Council's progress in implementing the goals and objectives outlined in the Community Strategic Plan. 2042
3. A Formal Policy Approach..
Council is required in the Local Government Act, in consultation with the community, to develop certain policies. ie. Community Engagement Strategy.
Other policies are only voluntary. The "best practice" Councils have a long list of formal policies developed in consultation with their community.
In my research, of the 120 NSW Councils, BVSC doesn't rate very highly in the "best practice" category.
Why a Policy Approach is Important:
A formal policy approach demonstrates management's commitment to:
1) Democratic decisionmaking rather than ad hoc, arbitrary, autocratic decision making.
2) It demonstrates that management are accountable and responsible for their actions, rather than unaccountable and defensive and reluctant to accept responsibility for outcomes.
3) It demonstrates management's commitment to transparency and openness , rather than secrecy and arbitrary, ad hoc decision making.
4. Local Community Priorities
How do people feel about access to Support Services ( Local, State, Federal). Council has an advocacy role to ensure we have access to State and Federal Govt services.
Transport (Sealed Roads)
Public transport services
Mobile Phone Reception
Health Services, Hospital, General Practice, Bulk Billing.
Family Counselling/ Welfare/ Community Support Services
Education / Schools , High, Primary, Early Childhood Education, Pre School.
Library Services
Waste Services
Affordable Housing
Child Care
Employment
Tertiary Education
Tafe Education
Recreation Strategy - Community Halls Strategy, Active Transport Pathways, Arts and Culture, Museums
How satisfied are you with Council Services/ Rates/ Consultation ?
5. Who will Chair/ Facilitate and Record the Community Connect Sessions
Is there a need for an independent, skilled facilitator, who can speak truth to power, if necessary.
6. Evaluation of the Community Sessions
Who is taking notes?
Perhaps conduct a brief evaluation survey at the conclusion of the Community Session, to assess the effectiveness, and identify any improvements.
howard
Murrah prez
