We live in a magical part of the world – even if it’s somewhat short of hobbits. Photo: Wollongong City Council.
It’s precious, all-seeing, very, very powerful – and it needs your feedback.
The draft Our Wollongong Our Future 2035 planning documents – also described as “the one document to rule them all” has been prepared and is currently on public exhibition until 7 May.
The draft planning documents set out the vision and strategic direction for the Wollongong community and what actions and resources the council has committed to achieving the Community Strategic Plan and Delivery Program.
The documents cover everything from outdoor dining fees to emergency planning.
Although the documents are big enough “to make a good doorstop,” according to Councillor Linda Campbell, Tolkein fans will find plenty of Easter eggs sprinkled through to keep them entertained.
If Tolkein isn’t your thing, Cr Campbell encouraged the community to search the plan for the issues that matter most to them, and do a deep dive on those topics.
“We see every comment,” she said.
“It might take four years to get your pet item up, but we do see them, we listen to them and we do take notice.”
Councillor David Brown said more than 10,000 people had input into the community strategic plan, and said there was still time for people to have their say.
Cr Brown did express some confusion over whether the councillors were the dreaded Nazgul or beloved Hobbits when it came to the Lord of the Rings references, but Lord Mayor Tania Brown emphatically insisted the council was firmly on the side of the Fellowship.
The council delivers more than 100 services to the community, and Councillor Ann Martin said anyone who complains about the council’s performance should take a look at the draft plan.
“We are only required to review our operations and finances twice a year,” she said.
“We review and assess how we’re going against our projects and goals four times per year.
“The quarterly reviews give the detail within the detail and are our reporting process on how we’re going.
“This document is for the next 10 years. We have a responsibility to the future of our city and it starts here.”
The Lord Mayor thanked Cr Brown for his appreciation of the Tolkein references in the document.
She also called on ratepayers to be more engaged in how their money was spent.
“Anyone who is of the mistaken impression that the council is just roads, rates and rubbish should take a look,” she said.
“We are parks, cemeteries, stormwater, swimming pools, sports fields – the list goes on.
“We know we need more affordable housing and we hear the community’s concerns about the infrastructure to go with it.
“We look at transport, climate change and our unique environment between the escarpment and the sea.
“This document shows how we are trying to meet those challenges while our budget is also impacted by the same cost of living challenges and global issues households face.
“We are looking at the way forward to our city in 2035 with an increased population of more than 300,000 people and more than 150,000 visitors.
“Please take the time to tell us if we got it right and what’s missing so our city is ready to meet the challenges of the next 10 years and beyond.”
To read the Our Wollongong Our Future draft planning documents and give your feedback, follow this link.
