MEDIA RELEASE Towards 2034: Community Strategic Plan

Published 3rd July 2024

Towards 2034: Community Strategic Plan

Our Island, Our Future

HAVE YOUR SAY

Kangaroo Island Council Engages Community in Development of 2024-2034 Community Strategic Plan

Kangaroo Island Council is actively engaging its community in shaping the future through the development of its 10-year 2024-2034 Community Strategic Plan (CSP). This comprehensive initiative aims to capture the aspirations and priorities of Kangaroo Island residents across five key pillars: Infrastructure, Community, Economy, Environment, and Organisation.

Daryl Buckingham, Chief Executive Officer, emphasised the importance of community involvement, stating, "We are committed to developing a Community Strategic Plan (CSP) that reflects the needs and aspirations of our community and laying the groundwork for our future initiatives."

Key Areas of Focus in the Community Strategic Plan are:

  • Infrastructure: Enhancing the Island's infrastructure to support growth while maintaining sustainability and affordability.
  • Community: Empowering local communities through inclusive initiatives and equitable service delivery.
  • Economy: Fostering a robust economy that supports local businesses, tourism, and diverse employment opportunities.
  • Environment: Preserving and enhancing Kangaroo Island's natural beauty and biodiversity through sustainable practices.
  • Organisation: Providing effective governance and leadership to ensure efficient service delivery and meet community expectations.

Reflecting on the importance of the CSP as a 10-year document, Daryl Buckingham invites community members to attend one of the seven sessions around Kangaroo Island from 23rd July to 29th July. "These sessions provide an opportunity for all residents to shape our collective future," he said. "Your voice matters in defining the strategies that will guide our infrastructure, community empowerment, economic growth, environmental sustainability, and governance over the next decade."

Daryl highlighted the Council's leadership role as the first in South Australia to integrate the Community Strategic Plan with the Integrated Planning and Reporting (IP&R) framework, stating, "This marks a significant step towards transparent governance in the region, ensuring that our Community Strategic Plan moves from a solvency model to a sustainable model, aligning our strategies with the long-term vision of our community" he said.

Next Steps:

The insights gathered from this extensive community engagement will inform the final drafting of the CSP, which will then guide the development of a four-year Delivery Program and annual business plans. The Council will continue to engage with stakeholders throughout this process, ensuring transparency and accountability in the implementation of the plan.

Residents and stakeholders interested in contributing to the development of the Kangaroo Island Community Strategic Plan 2024-2034 are encouraged to visit Kangaroo Island Council's website for more information on how to participate.

For inquiries or further information please contact Daryl Buckingham, CEO, at the Kangaroo Island Council on 8553 4500.