Maribyrnong council endorsed a plan for the next four years at its meeting on August 19.
Intended to act as a guide for council’s decision making for the duration of its four year term, the plan is the product of a community consultation process which began in July last year and involved almost 3000 Maribyrnong residents through online surveys, workshops, in person events and various other engagement platforms.
Ethical governance, wellbeing and safety, environmental sustainability, thriving community and connected community are the five strategic objectives guiding the plan which passed with unanimous support.
Strengthening community engagement, ensuring compliance with regulations and financial sustainability and transparency are among the strategies for achieving the ethical governance objective, with a review of community engagement and the implementation of a domestic animal management plan among the signature actions required.
A review of council’s gambling harm reduction and disability action plans and its LGBTQIA+ strategy are among the actions required to achieve the wellbeing and safety objective, while implementing strategies on heritage, urban forests and air quality are mentioned under environment and sustainability.
Ensuring emergency readiness, building strong local economies and upholding human rights are needed to achieve a thriving community, while a connected community involves prioritising public transport and pedestrian friendly environments, promoting arts and culture and providing accessible opportunities for all members of the community.
“The council plan is the key to everything we do over the next four years,” said mayor Pradeep Tiwari speaking in support of the plan.
“It’s how we make sure your voice is heard in our decisions.”
Deputy mayor Bernadette Thomas said the council plan was much more than just words on a page.
“They’ll come to life through the action plan,” Cr Thomas said.
The next item on the agenda was the financial plan, which unlike the council plan, covers the next decade to 2035.
Cr Tiwari said the 10 year time frame was to give both council and the community certainty.
“It ensures we can balance today’s needs with long term investments,” he said.
The financial plan was then followed by council’s health and asset plans, all of which passed unanimously.
