Strategic Plan Review Community Engagement Strategy Outcomes Supplementary Report August 2011 Prepared by Strategic Planning Unit Tel: 9710 0684 © Sutherland Shire Council 2011 Table of Contents Introduction .................................................................................................................... 1 Section 1: Survey Responses ..................................................................................... 2 Vision ........................................................................................................................... 2 People .......................................................................................................................... 7 Place .......................................................................................................................... 19 Nature ........................................................................................................................ 32 Governance ............................................................................................................... 42 Section 2: Workshop Responses .............................................................................. 50 Vision ......................................................................................................................... 50 People ........................................................................................................................ 53 Place .......................................................................................................................... 57 Nature ........................................................................................................................ 61 Governance ............................................................................................................... 65 Strategic Plan Content ............................................................................................... 67 Introduction Community strategic planning for Sutherland Shire has been undertaken by Council in partnership with the community since the late 1990s. Sutherland Shire‟s first Strategic Plan Our Shire, Our Future – Our Guide for Shaping the Shire to 2030 was adopted by Council in 1999 and subsequently reviewed in 2007. Historically the Plan has been developed with extensive community, stakeholder, agency and Council involvement. Over 15,000 people were involved in the first edition and approximately 3,000 participated in the 2007 review. Council embarked on a review of Our Shire, Our Future in April 2011. Its purpose is to ensure that the existing Strategic Plan is aligned with: the community‟s hopes and aspirations for the future emerging issues and trends and the requirements for integrated planning and reporting of the NSW Local Government Act 1993. As a foundation to the review, Council has engaged members of the community and its own organisation in discussion. The methodology was developed to ensure that all people who were interested had an opportunity to get involved and share their opinions, thoughts and aspirations. Five hundred and forty four people who live, work or operate a business within the Sutherland Shire had their say on their desired future for the Shire. 485 were members of the community and 59 internal to Council. This report contains a compilation of all the responses participants provided during the community engagement process. These responses have not been altered and are presented as provided to Council by participants. It is prepared as a supplement to the following publication: Strategic Plan Review Community Engagement Strategy Outcomes, August 2011. The latter contains an analysis of participant responses contained within this report. Strategic Plan Review Supplementary Report 1 Section 1: Survey Responses Vision Accessible and providing the transport and parking to be able to go and use these natural facilities Accountable A transparent, understanding Council By reducing Council expenditure by 25% in 4 years by reducing garbage collection Ensure that the people and their points of view are actually taken into account. For honesty's sake delete "accountable decision making" I don't think there is enough community consultation about plans and I don't think the Council takes on residents, views only the views of big business who can afford to pay to get there developments views approved I think the Council has lost the plot!!!! Reduce Council expenditure by 25% over 4 years by reducing garbage collection and increasing recycling and green waste home composting the mistrust amongst Sutherland Shire rate payers and Council development & planning decision makers is quite obvious through transparent and accountable decision making Affordable I would add '... to attain safe, healthy, active and affordable lifestyles...' Clean It should include a little on infrastructure and cleanliness. Connected Actively involved community add something about diversity - I hope that the Shire is a more culturally and linguistically diverse place in 2030 than it is now An understanding Council that encourages a compassionate and humble community. Respecting and encouraging other cultures and nationalities. Clarify that respect is for all people, inclusive of residents and visitors Community that values multiculturalism, the contributions of traditional owners past and present.... I would like to add the word 'happy' in there too. I‟d like to see the vision statement include references to being culturally diverse and more emphasis on people and the environment being Sutherland Shire‟s priority i.e. A culturally diverse community working together, to attain safe, healthy and active lifestyles, preserving the natural wildlife and environment for future generations, respecting people and nature. Decisions made in and for the community are 100% accountable, and development and economic opportunities are sustainable, of low impact to the natural environment and in the community‟s best interest. Include a phrase about multiculturalism- encouraging it, supporting it, attracting people of varying ethnic back grounds to live/work/play in the Shire include diversity and respect for all cultures It assumes 'community' already exists. There the creation and sustaining of a sense of community is needed. It does not embrace the assimilation of other cultures. Strategic Plan Review Supplementary Report 2 It is important to emphasise that the community is socially inclusive - it embraces diversity. make a reference to multiculturalism Need to have a statement of inclusiveness. The Shire can be a conservative and unfriendly place for anyone who is a little different. No mention of different cultures within the Sutherland Shire. Possible add some element of multicultural inclusions. something which includes our growing community The inclusion of developing a sense of community; a notion of tolerance towards others The phrases suggest an insular 'local' approach for the Shire where the Shire is part of the biggest city in Australia; it is not an island. With respect for the environment and people including cultural/sexually diverse peoples Would suggest adding something in the vision about being inclusive to all cultures and embracing diversity Culture Emphasis is upon environment which is commendable, but "lifestyles" seems to reflect sport and activities for the young; it does not reflect culture, entertainment and heritage and activities for the seniors, aged, frail and disabled. I'd like to see a connection to our Dharawal people as they hold a very honoured place in the life of people in the Shire as they were the first to met the British at Kurnell - we should be more proud of this. The Shire has a vibrant arts and cultural life and Council is a key catalyst for this. Should be reflected in the statement There is a focus on healthy, active lifestyles but little on cultural & performing arts. Green By reducing garbage collection and increasing recycling and home based green composting I think there should be more reference to the issue of climate change and a low carbon future. The word 'nature' sounds quaint to me. Maybe 'the natural environment' instead? I would like our Council to be at the cutting edge of best practice for sustainability I would like to put more emphasis on animals and the environment Sustainable living Strategic Plan Review Supplementary Report 3 Leadership Need to be able to see how Council convert the vision into hands-on physical activities Social planning for the Shire should also recognise the changing needs of the residents of the Shire - a growing affluence, lifestyle changes, sophisticated entertainment alternatives and better transport management (less crowded roads). The Shire needs to be more visionary The Statement seeks mediocrity with no sense of difference to any other suburban LGA in Sydney or Australia for that matter. The objectives go without saying. Rather, safe, healthy and active lifestyles could be achieved through a progressive and half interesting built form which would come about through a focus on economic development of our centres to create a degree of urbanity that differentiates us from the suburban malaise. Accountable decision making does not mean avoidance of risk taking to achieve something out of the ordinary. The vision statement itself is fine; however the actions of the Council and relevant government bodies do not reflect this. The words are great we just need to see action. Prosperous Add technology - technology is the