Community Plan Review R e v i e w o f t h e 2 0 1 6 - 2 0 2 0 C o m m u n i t y P l a n Table of Contents. 03. 04. 15. Introduction Community Health A Vibrant Economy and Wellbeing 21. 28. A Sustainable Region A Positive Experience 2 Renmark Paringa Council Review of the 2016-2020 Community Plan Introduction. Following the Council election in November 2018, Renmark Paringa Council underwent a review of its Community Plan. In 2016 the Renmark Paringa Council Community Plan 2016-2020 was adopted. The Plan contains the Council’s vision for the community, strategies, core activities, and emerging priorities. Our Community Plan 2016 to 2020 was based on four key strategic pillars which cover all of Council's major services and responsibilities. Health and Wellbeing A Vibrant Economy A Sustainable Region A Positive Experience. The purpose of this document is to provide an analysis of the outcomes achieved to date against the core and emerging priorities identified in the Community Plan. The current version of the Community Plan expired at the end of 2020, Council has commenced the process of reviewing and updating the Community Plan and will use the analysis within this document as part of that review. Committed to a sustainable future. 3 Renmark Paringa Council Review of the 2016-2020 Community Plan Community Health and Wellbeing. A connected community encouraged to lead active, healthy and meaningful lives. 4 Renmark Paringa Council Review of the 2016-2020 Community Plan Community Health and Wellbeing. Emerging Priorities 1.1 Provide vibrant and activated spaces for recreation and leisure which embrace Renmark’s natural environment and history. 1.1.1 Utilise Renmark’s natural environment in a way that creates fun and new experiences for all generations. The Nature Foundation was supported in establishing temporary environmental watering infrastructure at the Plush’s Bend Wetland, including a site tour held for community members. An Environmental Watering Community Monitoring project supported the community in engaging in the Plush’s Bend Wetland in 2019 and 2020 as it received environmental water. This project provided educational opportunities on site, as well as information sharing through digital media platforms. Between 2016-2019 Renmark Paringa Council has supported the Bookmark Creek Action Group, Renmark Paringa Lyrup Bush Friends, Whirlpool Corner Wetland Group, Templeton Wetland Group, and Friends of Riverland Park in organising, advertising, and managing different events. This included working bees, meetings, workshops, educational opportunities, and Clean Up Australia Day events. In 2018 the Riverland’s first BioQuest was organised and managed by Renmark Paringa Council. This has led to a school holiday BioQuest competition in 2020 where the Renmark North Primary School team went on to win the Global Schools BioQuest competition. Council also managed a BioQuest competition in the Riverland region that supported community members to identify plants and animals through a phone app. This competition resulted in 4,722 sightings, 17,550 identifications and 2,935 species mapped. Collaboration to release 43,000 Murray Cod fingerlings into the Murray between Lock 5 and Chowilla with over 200 people attending the event and 60 volunteers releasing fingerlings in 2017, and another 90,000 in 2018 involving 78 volunteers. A community revegetation day was held on the Ral Ral Floodplain in 2020 which was enabled through the Connecting and Rehabilitating the Lower Ral Ral Floodplain Project. 830 trees were planted on this day by children from local schools and community members. 1.1.2 Enhance utilisation of Council owned recreation facilities for a more diverse range of activities aligned to community needs and culture. The development of Councils Disability Access and Inclusion Plan (DAIP) in 2020 ensures that the consideration of access and inclusion for all within our community is embedded in planning, development and budgeting processes for council programs, services and built environments. The following projects were completed: Tucker Hall Refurbishment (Table Tennis) Tintra Tennis Club Competition level lighting installed Renmark Soccer Ovals Competition level lighting installed. 5 Renmark Paringa Council Review of the 2016-2020 Community Plan 1.1.3 Ensure community outcomes are achieved through the review of swimming and recreation centre management models. In 2016, the Alan Counter Recreation Centre and the Renmark Swimming Pool transitioned from Council management to the contracted management by Belgravia Leisure. In September 2017, there were 223 Alan Counter Recreation Centre Health Club Memberships and in September 2020, there were 403. In September 2017, there were 215 Alan Counter Recreation Centre Swimming Students and in September 2020, there were 281. 1.1.4 Implement outcomes as detailed in Council’s Tracks and Trails Strategy to develop a network of sustainable trails, rides and walks in the area. The Bookmark Creek, Lock 5 Loop, Matulick Riverfront and Paringa paddock trails from the Renmark Paringa Tracks and Trails Strategy were constructed, with maps and guides created to support their use. A Tracks and Trails Strategy review was conducted, which included an analysis of current trail use and value. This resulted in a recommendation that Council ceases construction of additional trails outlined in the Tracks and Trails Strategy and that these resources be invested in investigating regional trails. 1.1.5 Implement initiatives as outlined in the Open Space Strategy to ensure parks, gardens and reserves match community expectations. The following items from the open space strategy have been implemented: Upgrade of Sims Parade Linear Park Upgrade of signage and a new toilet at Plushes Bend Creation of dog off leash area in Renmark Adoption of Darnley Taylor Park Masterplan for potential future implementation. The Open Space Strategy is a document that either needs to be reviewed in the context of the next Community Plan. It needs a more robust prioritisation of actions that can then be reflected in the IAMP. It is an aspirational document and Council does not have the resources to fully implement it. 6 Renmark Paringa Council Review of the 2016-2020 Community Plan 1.2 Proactive information sharing and equitable access to technology, communication and information. 1.2.1 Transition and integrate the Library and Chaffey Community Centre into Community Hubs as a central point for knowledge sharing and accessibility in the community. In 2017, improvements to the library website were developed to increase community usage and access to online services. The process of a ‘suggest we buy’ process was implemented to increase community involvement and developing library content. Development of a multipurpose area for events, training, WiFi- access and device charging. Ongoing improvements to the library service that continue to develop are modernising the building, services offered and accessibility. In 2018 the implementation of Radio-Frequency Identification (RFID) technology was installed, providing innovative customer focused services and efficiencies. Library users are now able to borrow items using a self service kiosk with audible, visual and touch features to guide users easily through the transaction with various font sizes and language options for all ages, literacy levels and language backgrounds. The additional installation of RFID security entrance gates assists staff by identifying items and providing accurate visitor numbers and patterns of peak customer periods. Digital access improved considerably with the development of the Libraries SA app in 2018. The new app makes it easier than ever to access library services. The app can be used to renew items, manage library accounts, search the collection, place holds, link family member’s cards, access digital resources and store membership cards. The installation of digital signage within the library allows electronic promotions of new resources, programs, special events, library services and community information. Digital signage offers a far more effective way to communicate and engage with users, provides staff time efficiencies in developing promotional material and allows network sharing of resources across council sites. During Covid-19 a number of different service delivery methods were developed and implemented. This included online digital services, a ‘call and collect’ contactless library service, pickup preschool activity packs, digital training videos and digital storytime. The provision of collections that support literacy development, lifelong learning and reading for pleasure. Over 2,000 new physical items are purchased each year to add to the collection and ensure a relevant range of popular resources are available to the community. The Chaffey Community Centre provided a base for service providers and community groups as well as information from various agencies and groups in the Renmark Paringa and Riverland district. The Chaffey Community Centre offered a diverse range of activities and classes that included literacy, gardening, cooking, sewing, craft, and school holiday activities. With Council no longer coordinating the Chaffey Community Centre, it may need to be a priority to promote and develop the library as a community hub of engagement, connection, lifelong learning and equitable access to technology and information. 7 Renmark Paringa Council Review of the 2016-2020 Community Plan 1.2.2 Promote the use of Community Hubs as a safe and exciting space