“The new Council had some strong building blocks to work from,” said General Manager, Max Eastcott. “The former Shires had nurtured staff who were dedicated and committed, while the community is certainly one that dreams things and then makes things happen. The Gwydir Learning Region, winner of the 2006 NSW Training Initiative Award, is just one example of a proactive, hands on community.”
Council’s first Management Plan is built on the former Bingara Shire’s Sustainability Plan. Based on sustainable economic, environmental and social management, Council gave notice through its Management Plan that it would continue to place sustainability as a key plank for all decisions, both for its own operations and in planning for the future of the Shire.
Sustaining economic, social and environmental life
Sustainability is the critical driver in policy, governance and project initiatives. As such, environmental, economic and social factors have been integrated into a strategic framework to reflect their complex interdepencies and important relationships.
Council aims to assist its communities to maintain and improve their social, economic and environmental attributes, so that residents continue to lead healthy, productive and enjoyable lives. This is based on an understanding that a healthy environment and a healthy local economy are vital for a healthy society. So Council is currently in the process of developing a Sustainability Strategy for the Gwydir Local Government Area, in conjunction with all interested stakeholders. This will plan for expected population changes and optimise development opportunities.
A grant in 2004-05 of $80,000 through the State Government’s Planning Reform Funding Program, that Council matched dollar for dollar, and an additional grant of $40,000 in 2005-06, saw the appointment of a consultant to work with Council, a community reference group and wider community to develop the strategy. Conducting surveys and widespread public education has been undertaken in conjunction with this work.
