What is a Community Strategic Plan?

    The Community Strategic Plan is a 10 year plan that identifies our community’s vision for the future. It outlines the community’s priorities and aspirations, and how these can be achieved. 

    It is a ‘whole of community’ plan, in which all levels of government, business, educational institutions, community groups and individuals have an important role to play.

    The Community Strategic Plan will guide and inform our decisions in developing the three-year Delivery Program and Annual Operation Plans that together detail the specific actions that we will take to achieve strategies and objectives in the Community Strategic Plan.

    Why do we need a Community Strategic Plan?

    The Community Strategic Plan is a good opportunity to establish a shared reference for the whole of the local government area that takes into account the diversity of views of the community.

    It opens the way for Council and the community to have important discussions about funding priorities, service levels and preserving local identity, and to plan in partnership for a more sustainable future.

    To find out more about Community Strategic Planning, see the Integrated Planning and Reporting pages on the NSW Office of Local Government website (External Link).  http://www.olg.nsw.gov.au/councils/intergrated-planning-and-reporting.

    Who is 'the community'?

    The 'community' is diverse.  It includes all people who live, work, study, own property, conduct private or government business, visit or use the services, facilities and public spaces and places.

    What is the process for developing the Community Strategic Plan?

    Council will facilitate the development of a new 2028 plan during 2017-18 through a community engagement strategy.  We will work together to deliver a holistic plan that represents our collective vision for the future of Wollongong and articulates how we will achieve these goals.

    The engagement strategy will seek to reach all sectors of our community.  We will leverage existing networks, established and trusted channels and guidance panels as well as provide new opportunities to get involved.  We will link with Government agencies to link their priorities for our community.

    Why are we refreshing our Community Strategic Plan?

    In 2011 Wollongong City Council carried out extensive engagement which involved more than 1500 community members, government and partners. This process led to the development of the Wollongong 2022 Community Strategic Plan. Our community and Council agreed to the following vision and goals:

    “From the mountains to the sea, we value and protect our natural environment and we will be leaders in building an educated, creative and connected community.”

    Wollongong 2022 Community Goals:

    1.   We value and protect our natural environment.

    2.   We have an innovative and sustainable economy.

    3.   Wollongong is a creative, vibrant city.

    4.   We are a connected and engaged community.

    5.   We are a healthy community in a liveable city.

    6.   We have sustainable, affordable and accessible transport.

      Six years on, it is time to refresh our Community Strategic Plan, do a check in and ensure that our vision, goals and strategies within the plan are still taking our community in the right direction. 

      The Community Strategic Plan outlines the community’s main priorities and aspirations for the future, and plans strategies to achieve them. The process to refresh the plan involves scanning the current and future environment, determining what’s changing and reflecting this through the updated Community Strategic Plan -  Our Wollongong 2028.


    How do I get involved in the Refresh?

    Comments have closed on the Discussion Paper. 

    The next opportunity to get involved is when the draft plan goes on exhibition which will be in April/May 2018. 

    What will happen to my feedback or submission?

    All of the feedback from the community is being collated to form priorities and themes. This will then be used to create the revised Community Strategic Plan.

    Further to this, a new delivery program to align with the term of the Council 2018/19 to 2020/21 and the 2018/2019 Operational plan will then be developed to outline how the community aspirations in the Community Strategic Plan will be delivered.

    Formal exhibition of all of these documents will occur in April/May 2018 so that the community can let us know if we got it right. After this the documents will be adopted by Council at the 25th June Council meeting.


    How can I find out more about the development of Our Wollongong 2028?

    You can find out more by attending one of the engagement activities.

    See 'Key Dates' for a list of these.





    When will the Community Strategic Plan be adopted?

    The plan will be adopted at the Council meeting of Monday 25 June 2018.  Prior to adoption the Council is required to formally exhibit the plan for 28 days this will occur in April 2018.

    How can I have my say?

    We invite you to have your say via the following:

    Email: ourwollongong2028@wollongong.nsw.gov.au  (insert link)

    Fax: 4227 7580

    Attend: One of the engagement activities listed in key dates

    Write to: 

    General Manager

    Wollongong City Council

    Locked Bag 8821

    WOLLONGONG DC   NSW   2500

    Website: Complete the survey on this page.