Mayor calls for community’s vision of the future

Mayor Mathew Hatcher is asking Eurobodalla residents to help shape the shire’s future.

“People will shortly start to see and hear our ‘Towards 2042’ advertising around the place, asking the Eurobodalla community to provide input to our Community Strategic Plan. We want everyone to have their say before March 15,” he said.

Community strategic plans are reviewed and updated before each new term of Council, and Mayor Hatcher said it’s important to check in and make sure the plan is on track with the community’s priorities and aspirations.

“Council has a custodial role to initiate and prepare a Community Strategic Plan – making sure it’s an accurate representation of our future, so the whole community is working towards a shared vision,” Mayor Hatcher said

“It’s a long-term plan and we’re asking everyone to envision the next 10 years – what makes Eurobodalla a great place to live and what challenges are there?

“Answers to these questions will highlight what our community wants to see Council achieve in the next 10 years and beyond.”

“That plan then feeds the Council’s four-year delivery program and annual operational plans.”

Over the next six weeks, Council staff will collect feedback from residents, businesses and community groups through an online survey and pop-up sessions.

“It takes about six minutes to complete the online survey, but if you’re not up for that, Council staff will be at pop-up sessions across the shire to write down your thoughts for our future,” Mayor Hatcher said.

“They’ll also send a discussion guide to community groups and give out drawing sheets to kids for their big ideas too.”

Feedback from engagement efforts will be used to draft a revised plan in time for the next elected Council to set their agenda. 

Mayor Hatcher said the review of the Community Strategic Plan was “a little different” this time. 

“We are using the same engagement tools and questions as other councils in the region,” Mayor Hatcher said.

“This means we will be able to update our own Community Strategic Plan while also contributing to a regional plan with our neighbouring shires on common matters.”

To get involved and complete the survey, visit www.oureurobodalla.esc.nsw.gov.au/towards2042

Eurobodalla ‘Towards 2042’ Community Strategic Plan pop-ups

• Moruya Country Market – Riverside Park Moruya, 10 February, 8am-12pm
• Batemans Bay Village Centre – Perry Street Batemans Bay, 16 February, 9am-4pm
• South Broulee Beach, 18 February, 9.30am-12.30pm
• Narooma Rotary Markets – NATA Oval Narooma, 25 February, 8.30am-1pm
• Bodalla Dairy Shed – Princes Highway Bodalla, 1 March, 10am-1pm