The Robe District Council has coincided the commencement of its new chief executive and a new year with a decision to embark on a fresh strategic direction early in 2024.


The council will utilise existing budget originally earmarked for a Robe 2050 Plan to develop a shorter strategic plan, with realistic and measurable outcomes that will be developed in collaboration with the community.


Mayor Lisa Ruffell said council was keen to build on the ‘Robe Community Voices’ findings from the 2050 community survey undertaken in mid-2022.


“We are very appreciative of the time taken by nearly 400 survey participants and will use their responses as the first stage of engagement for our new strategic plan,” she said.


“The Robe 2050 Plan is something to aspire to, but right now our immediate focus is on current issues, planning for the future and achieving outcomes in the current term of council.”


Chief executive Nat Traeger, who commenced with council on January 2, said she was excited to be managing the project.


“It will give me an opportunity to work with the council and community to set our strategic path together right from the start,” she said.


“It is important to put our future in the hands of the community and we will ensure there is a rigorous community engagement strategy in place, with many ways to get involved and provide input.”


Mayor Ruffell said in resolving to develop a new strategic plan, the council also endorsed the findings from the 2050 community survey, which had given the council a “head start and heads up”.


“Some of the key areas that residents would like to see addressed are more vegetation, walking/biking tracks, more community gathering spaces and events, better traffic flow, reduced traffic congestion and affordable housing for families, workers and retirees wishing to downsize,” she said.


“There is strong evidence to support Robe retaining its unique characteristics, which include the rugged natural coastline, the vast natural ocean and beach views, our boutique retail ambiance, high quality cafes and restaurants, old stone buildings, the quaintness and village feel.”


Mayor Ruffell said both she and Ms Traeger were committed to respecting this feedback, as well as any other sentiments derived through developing the new strategic plan.


Work on the new strategic plan will commence immediately and the community will be kept informed throughout the process.