Mornington Peninsula Shire Council’s Peninsula Way – Sustainable Peninsula project has changed its organisational structure from a top down management system to a networked, sustainability based approach. A new organisational model was developed for the Shire that reflects Council’s move towards sustainability. A cultural shift was needed within the organisation to move from self interest to mutual interest and from conflict to cooperation.
“We were looking for a new model to provide increased flexibility, with devolved authority, while still ensuring accountability,” said Council’s Community Planning Coordinator, Sophia Schyschow. “Council resources are now used more effectively to deliver better, more creative outcomes through better processes.”
Located just one hour from Melbourne’s CBD, the picturesque Mornington Peninsula is very diverse.
- Council has 40 townships, some coastal, some rural, and some almost metropolitan in nature.
- Many residents are older or younger than the metropolitan average.
- There are 60,000 part time residents who have holiday homes in the Shire.
- The Shires has a wide range of housing stock, with 200 properties valued at over $2 million and 30,000 valued at less than $120,000.
- Over 70 per cent of the Shire is rural, including significant beaches and coastal areas, State and National parks.
Council’s Peninsula Way – Sustainable Peninsula model is based on a network of individuals who work in cooperative and coordinated ways. The newly networked organisation has at its core a shared vision, values and goals. It is made up of empowered groups and individuals who collaborate through horizontal communication, rather than top down management.
The model uses internal and external partnerships built on trust rather than hierarchical command structures. Each team member’s contribution is valued, regardless of rank, and people are brought together to solve complex problems. The role of leaders was redefined to focus on supporting, resourcing and developing team members and guiding strategic directions and policies.
Social, environmental and economic considerations are now part of all Council’s decision making processes. These are consistent with the community’s vision and values, which were developed at a forum and at 17 workshops held across the Shire.
“The Shire now operates under a community driven strategic planning process, which has linked the development of sustainability to the delivery of outcomes that consider social, environmental and economic needs,” Sophia Schyschow said. “This move towards sustainability will have significant long term effects for our community in sustaining our environment, lifestyles, jobs and well being.”
For further information contact Sophia Schyschow, on (03) 5986 0141 or email schys@morpen.vic.gov.au
