Draft Council Plan (Mir wimbul) 2021-2025 out for public comment
The draft Council Plan (Mir wimbul) 2021-2025, which outlines how Council would like Greater Bendigo to grow and develop into the future, has been released for public comment.
This is the third stage of the Imagine Greater Bendigo project, which has been underway since February this year to collect community feedback to help develop the Council Plan, 10-year Financial Plan, and Public Health and Wellbeing Plan.
The Council Plan is designed around seven themes:
- Lead and govern for all
- Healthy, liveable spaces and places
- Strong, inclusive and sustainable economy
- Aboriginal reconciliation
- A climate-resilient built and natural environment
- A vibrant, creative community
- A safe, welcoming and fair community
All goals, actions and objectives associated with each theme seek to deliver on the new community vision - Greater Bendigo celebrates our diverse community. We are welcoming, sustainable and prosperous. Walking hand-in-hand with the Traditional Custodians of this land. Building on our rich heritage for a bright and happy future.
The vision is underpinned by five values – transparency, sustainability, inclusion, innovation and equity.
The plan also has a dual name – Mir wimbul – meaning ‘community protocol’ in the language of Traditional Owners the Dja Dja Wurrung. Naming the plan in this way also reflects the City of Greater Bendigo’s commitment to Aboriginal reconciliation.
Mayor Cr Dr Jennifer Alden said after months of preparation it was time to check in with the community to make sure the plan reflected the feedback received and set Greater Bendigo up for future success.
“Over the past several months we have heard from more than 1,000 people as well as community groups, who have offered their thoughts on what they value most about living in Greater Bendigo now and what would make it an even better place to live 30 years from now,” Cr Alden said.
“Stage 1 of Imagine Greater Bendigo involved long and short form surveys, postcards featuring a short-form survey in English and Dinka, Dari and Karen languages, listening posts and a community art project. This was followed by stage 2, which brought together a group of 61 residents of various ages to develop the new community vision and values, as well as prioritise projects and initiatives suggested as part of stage 1.
“I thank all residents for their time and energy to date in providing input into this plan. It’s a really important document that will guide the work of Council and staff for the next four years.
“It’s now time to ensure Council is on the right track and I look forward to hearing again from residents.”
The draft Council Plan (Mir wimbul) 2021-2025 is available for public comment until Monday September 6. For more information and to make a submission, visit www.bendigo.vic.gov.au/imagine