Brisbane’s 2010 draft plan Living in Brisbane 2010 aims to create a city that is efficient and affordable, well designed, easily accessible, able to grow while protecting character and serving residents successfully. Council’s Divisional Manager of Community and Economic Development, Pauline Peel, said that Brisbane is committed to creating a strong sense of community and is actively seeking ways to strengthen social cohesion.
“To create a sense of community, Brisbane City Council recognises the importance of targeting disadvantaged areas,” she said. “For example, our community development team working in the Carole Park, Darra and Inala areas identified gaps in the existing infrastructure which led to the building of a new community facility. This new facility serves as a meeting place creating a sense of unity and revitalised community spirit in the area.”
Council places a large emphasis on ensuring the Brisbane community is involved in the decision making process of their city. Programs, such as Visible Ink and Your City Your Say, are helping to achieve just that.
Visible Ink is a youth initiative. Targeting youth aged 12-25 years, it encourages young people to become involved with decision making and leadership in Local Government through forums, committees and partnerships with community organisations with a youth focus. The Visible Ink Youth Advisory Group meets on a monthly basis to discuss and respond to issues that are relevant to young people. Initiatives such as Visible Ink empower, develop and strengthen the voice of youth in Brisbane.
Your City Your Say is a consultative arm of Council that gives Brisbane residents the opportunity to have their say about their city’s future. With a membership base of 6500, participants receive information on Council projects and are regularly called on to provide feedback on current programs or proposed initiatives through focus groups, surveys and submissions plus an online forum for open debate.
For further information contact Pauline Peel on (07) 3403 4110.
