The Shire of East Pilbara is developing a comprehensive Strategic Plan to identify service priorities and direction for the next five years. Consultants are assisting Council with the planning process which is expected to be completed later this year.
To ensure the Plan reflects community aspirations, extensive consultations with residents, community groups, schools, government, mining companies and the commercial sector have been undertaken. Information has been obtained via questionnaires, interviews and community forums.
Surveys of householders and community groups, and interviews with local businesses have pinpointed common areas of concern. For householders issues raised included public toilets, street lighting, ranger services, information on Shire services and prickles in parks.
Businesses identified parking, rubbish, sign posting, roads and drains and accommodation. Community groups pointed to their need for increased financial support, increased services to organisations and improved communications.
Shire staff have been involved in the development of the Plan through workshops, and a staff questionnaire is to be circulated prior to completion. In recognising the increased focus on accountability and customer service in the new Local Government Act, Council has responded with this Strategic Plan.
Other legislative requirements, such as Principal Activity Planning and Annual Reporting, will also become part of the final document. This will ensure that Council’s financial and administrative systems are coordinated with service provision over the next five years.
East Pilbara has been fortunate to obtain funding from the Western Australian Department of the Arts to develop a Cultural Plan in parallel with its Strategic Plan. This has allowed significant community input to services that directly affect the quality of life of residents. The outcomes from the Cultural Plan will be incorporated into the goals, strategies and action plans of the Strategic Plan.
The Plan has led to improved understanding between various groups in the Shire. Within Council, improved internal coordination and communication has resulted in more effective service provision. The Strategic Plan will provide a blueprint for Shire priorities over the next half decade. Staff look forward to implementing the action plans for the benefit of all residents.
Soon to be placed on public exhibition, Council hopes that the community will provide significant and useful feedback on the Plan.
For further information contact Peter Kiely, telephone (08) 9175 1924.
