Strategies to deliver thriving communities and great places to live

Whittlesea Council has endorsed three key strategies that will help set the blueprint for the future of the City of Whittlesea.

The Connected Community Strategy 2023-2033, Liveable Neighbourhoods Strategy 2023-2033 and the Long-Term Community Infrastructure Plan were endorsed at the 19 December Council Meeting.

The strategies identify priorities to enable liveable neighbourhoods and connected communities, through providing community infrastructure, programs and services, and the planning and design of great places for people.

The final strategies incorporated community feedback gathered over several stages of consultation including capturing community priorities earlier this year and then offering the opportunity for people to have their say on the draft documents.

Consultation also included establishing a Community Focus Group for more in-depth discussion and inviting key community stakeholder groups to have their say.

Chair Administrator Lydia Wilson thanked those who had taken their time to have their say, especially the focus group participants who gathered during three sessions to explore the strategies in detail.

“It is vitally important that these strategic documents which will guide Council’s efforts over the next 10 years are shaped by our community and reflect what’s most important to them,” she said.

“We were delighted with the level of interest from people sharing their priorities and providing feedback.”

Lydia said the three strategies would join the Sustainable Environment, Strong Local Economy and High Performing Organisation strategies to complete a suite of documents created for each of the Whittlesea 2040 goals which were designed to guide the City towards achieving the Whittlesea 2040 Vision of A Place for All.

“These strategies are the guides to take us into the next 10 years where we anticipate significant growth and change in our municipality,” she said.

“They will ensure we stay on the path towards what our community has told us is most important to them in the place where they live, work or play.

The Connected Community Strategy 2023-2033 outlines Council’s commitment to fostering an inclusive, healthy, safe and welcoming place where all residents are celebrated and supported.

Informed by the analysis of trends and engagement with the community, the strategy identifies 24 priorities to build on the progress already made in these areas.

Advancing gender equality, improving physical and mental wellbeing, providing services for people at all life stages, and creating culturally safe and accessible spaces are just some of the areas Council will focus on over the next decade.

The Liveable Neighbourhoods Strategy 2023-2033 sets out Council’s approach to creating and maintaining well-planned and attractive neighbourhoods with convenient and vibrant spaces and town centres for people to enjoy.

The priorities of the strategy include a focus on developing town centres, integrating transport, housing improving walking and cycling networks, and increasing social and affordable housing options.

The Long-Term Community Infrastructure Plan contains Council’s blueprint for investing in buildings and spaces that promote access to services supporting health, wellbeing and life-long learning such as the Aboriginal Gathering Place and regional sports facilities.

You can read the final strategy documents at www.whittlesea.vic.gov.au/plans or engage.whittlesea.vic.gov.au