Mount Gambier City Council has identified key themes following community consultation to develop a vision to guide Council’s strategic planning process for the next 10 years – Mount Gambier – 2035.
Council chief executive Sarah Philpott said in the initial phase of the project, council engaged with the community in late 2023 to hear about what residents collectively value, what we want to be known for, and the opportunities to embrace or challenges to overcome as we approach 2035.
“We have now reviewed the feedback we received and identified some key themes for further exploration with key stakeholders and community members as part of a targeted consultation and engagement process,” she said.
The key themes raised were – A city with considered population targets, achieving sustainable, high-quality services, opportunity and activity; A city committed to preserving and enhancing our environment through sustainability and custodianship; A proud, inclusive and welcoming city with known values and community connection; A safe and supportive city with a focus on the health and wellbeing of its people; A vibrant and creative city, with a living narrative, that owns and celebrates its rich cultural identity; A thriving and resilient city which elevates its profile, based on its unique environmental and economic landscape; A well-planned and interconnected city with robust infrastructure supporting sustainable growth.
“We thank everyone who took the time to speak with a member of our team at one of the community drop-in sessions we held, and all those who submitted feedback via a post card or hard-copy survey,” Ms Philpott said.
She also commended the local young people who provided submissions for the ‘Young Thinkers’ competition.
Entries illustrated what local children love about Mount Gambier and what they would like to see in the city in the future.
“It was clear that our youth want fun and active things to do with their friends and family, both indoors and outdoors,” Ms Philpott said.
“They also mentioned things like electronic signage around the Blue Lake/Warwar with translations in different languages, the need for homeless shelters to assist those sleeping rough, tree houses, playgrounds, the library, shopping and ice skating.
“These ideas will help us to create a better place for our young people in the future.”
For further information about the community feedback provided for Mount Gambier – 2035, refer to Phase 1 – Engagement Summary Report.
Feedback on the themes and additional ideas is welcome at www.haveyoursaymountgambier.com.au/mountgambier2035.
“We encourage members of the community to review the engagement summary report and let us know if they think there is anything we have missed on the Have Your Say Mount Gambier – 2035 page.”
Ms Philpott said council was currently facilitating targeted conversations and interviews with key stakeholders and community members to further explore the themes from phase one.
This information will be collated and provided to a community panel to support council in shaping Mount Gambier – 2035.
The panel will consider feedback themes and provide recommendations to inform the community vision for Mount Gambier – 2035, the strategic priorities for the community and define the cultural identity of the city.
“The opportunity is still available for people to express an interest in being part of the community panel,” Ms Philpott said.
“Forty to 50 community members will be independently selected from a pool of those who express an interest to investigate the key themes relating to the future of Mount Gambier.
“Anyone aged over 16 and who lives, works, studies, owns a business in Mount Gambier or is Mount Gambier ratepayer is invited to register.
“You do not need to have any special knowledge about council to join, just an interest in sharing your views and being a voice for your community.
“As a regional capital, our community extends beyond those who reside and/or pay rates within the City of Mount Gambier. Our community includes those from surrounding towns and areas who come to Mount Gambier to access essential infrastructure, services, business, employment and education and we therefore also want to capture these individuals as part of the process.
“We want the panel to be a forum that reflects the diversity of Mount Gambier. In line with this, people from all walks of life and backgrounds are encouraged to register.”
If you feel you may require assistance in order to support your capacity to participate, please contact us via email at city@mountgambier.sa.gov.au or phone (08) 8721 2555 to discuss your specific requirements.
Community members can register their interest at www.haveyoursaymountgambier.com.au/mountgambier2035 as well as find out more information.
