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OUR VISION
We are vibrant, we are inclusive, we are proud of our culture and environment. We are a sustainable community with a thriving economy full of opportunity.
Desirable, cohesive community
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C1 - Our Shire is a lifestyle and tourism destination C2 - Our community recognises, respects and is inclusive of all of its members C3 - Our community is safe, healthy and happy
Vibrant regional economy
E1 - Our Shire has a strong, sustainable and diverse economy that leverages our prosperous agricultural sector E2 - Our Shire is connected to the world E3 - Our Shire has a growing population and a skilled workforce
Environmentally sustainable Shire
S1 - Our community respects and takes care of our natural environment S2 - Our community is resilient
Transformational leadership
L1 - Our council is an example of best practice in local government L2 - Our community is informed, engaged and heard L3 - Our community leaders are active, collaborative and work together to address community issues
Images: Girls playing at the Moree Artesian Aquatic Centre; QantasLink plane in Moree; cotton in field; and Phoebe Woods, UNE presenting at a Business Breakfast
Desirable, cohesive community
What community wants:
• Keeping young families in the Shire • Improved safety, law and order • Better access to medical services • Childcare availability • Better access to learning • Broader housing options • More focus on Shire’s villages • Reconciliation and cohesiveness of Shire members • Completion of the Moree Artesian Aquatic Centre • Enhanced tourism facilities, attractions and campaigns • More varied and inclusive fun things to do, especially for youth • Accessible and amenable shared spaces and places, like parks, footpaths and sports facilities • Removal of burnt-out houses • Tidy towns and villages • People to show respect • Fixing Moree’s reputation
What community can do:
• Get to know your neighbours • Join a community group or sports team • Get involved with cultural and community events • Be physically active • Value, recognise and promote our diversity • Exercise vigilance to reduce crime • Support, encourage and motivate our youth • Promote the greatness of Moree Plains in your networks and encourage people to visit • Discourage graffiti • Maintain your yard and Council strip • Be town proud
Images: The Hamze family from Moree Plains; Lucy Cush, a Shire homeowner; Girl at Moree on a Plate; visitors at the Dhiiyaan Aboriginal Centre; Mehi River corridor, Moree
Consultation Draft Moree Plains Community Strategic Plan 2032 Page 17
C1 Our Shire is a lifestyle and tourism destination Council’s role Partners Measures Tool/Source
C1.1 Position and market our Shire as an attractive and desirable place to live, work, play, visit and invest Leader Partner Advocate Provider Chamber of Commerce Community groups Destination NSW Tourism Moree
C1.2 Enable access to and promote and attract a variety of sporting, leisure and recreational activities in towns and villages, fostering participation and a balanced lifestyle for community and visitors of all ages Partner Provider
C1.3 Re-establish Moree Plains as the artesian capital of Australia Advocate Partner Provider
C1.4 Create and sustain vibrant arts and cultural opportunities across the Shire Advocate Partner
C1.5 Improve the appearance of our towns and villages, demonstrate town pride, and enhance the character of our local area Provider Leader Community groups Destination NSW Tourism Moree
Destination NSW Chamber of Commerce Tourism Moree Aboriginal organisations and community Arts NSW Bank Art Museum Moree Chamber of Commerce Community groups Tourism Moree
Community groups Emergency services
C1.6 Provide well maintained and valued shared community spaces, places and events that bring people together and increase social cohesion Provider Partner Bank Art Museum Moree Chamber of Commerce Community groups Tourism Moree Number of day and overnight visitors increases Visitor spend increases Index of advantage and disadvantage (SEIFA) improves Community agreement that Shire is desirable and attractive increases Community satisfaction with sport, leisure and recreational facilities increases Participation rates in sport and recreation activities increases Patronage of Moree Artesian Aquatic Centre increases
Number of activities initiated that attract audiences increases Community satisfaction with creative and cultural facilities increases Employment and economic output in the cultural sector increases Number of incidents of graffiti and vandalism decrease Number of incidents of dwelling arson decrease Community pride score improves Incidence of littering decreases Incidence of illegal dumping decreases Usage and/or hire of Council spaces increases Community satisfaction with community spaces increases Tourism Moree
Tourism Research Australia Australian Bureau of Statistics - SEIFA Community survey
Community survey
Australian Bureau of Statistics Census
Council internal measure
Council internal measure Community survey
REMPLAN
Bureau of Crime Statistics and Research (BOCSAR) Council internal measure NSW EPA/RID
Council internal measure Community survey
Moree Plains Community Strategic Plan 2032 Page 18
C1.7 Drive innovative solutions to ensure improved access to and supply of diverse housing to cater for current and future demand Leader Advocate Provider Developers NSW DPE NSW Family and Community Services Realtors The ratio of housing costs to gross household income improves Rental affordability index improves Increased diversity of dwelling type Number of development application approvals for new dwellings increases Council internal measure
C2.1 Acknowledge, preserve, celebrate and encourage our Aboriginal and multicultural heritage, and encourage Aboriginal leadership within our communities
C2.2 Recognise, support and engage with our Aboriginal community and members of other cultures to ensure appropriate outcomes and involvement in relation to services, programs and planning
C2.3 Hold open, frank and non-judgemental discussions with each other about the current social issues facing our community, helping to remove stigmas and taboos while creating an environment of understanding and appetite for action and change
Council’s role Partners
Leader Advocate Partner
Partner Provider
Leader Advocate Partner Bank Art Museum Moree Community service organisations and groups Heritage NSW LALCs Multicultural NSW Reconciliation Action Plan Committee Community service organisations and groups Heritage NSW LALCs Multicultural NSW Reconciliation Action Plan Committee Community service organisations and groups Heritage NSW LALCs Multicultural NSW Reconciliation Action Plan Committee State and federal MPs
Measures
Participation in reconciliation and NAIDOC events increases Participation in Aboriginal working groups and committees increases
Number of Aboriginal people and people from other cultural backgrounds participating in Council consultation opportunities increases Aboriginal unemployment rate decreases Self-reported incidents of racism and discrimination decreases
Tool/Source
Council internal measure
Council internal measure Australian Bureau of Statistics - AIFW
Community survey
Moree Plains Community Strategic Plan 2032 Page 19
C2.4 Design community infrastructure, events, programs and services that are inclusive, non-discriminatory and satisfy the diverse mental and physical needs of the community Number of accessibility upgrades at Council facilities increases Number of inclusive and accessible events increases Council website meets WCAG 2.1 guidelines Number of online customer transactions increase
C3 Our community is safe, healthy and happy
C3.1 Work together on community safety solutions and challenges to reduce duplication and program silos, and hold ourselves accountable to make meaningful change
C3.2 Address crime and promote safety through driving, facilitating and delivering innovative initiatives, partnerships and programs with agencies and community organisations
C3.3 Prioritise youth engagement initiatives to support, motivate and provide opportunity for our future generation
Council’s role Partners
Leader Advocate Partner Community service organisations NSW Police NSW Fire and Rescue NSW Health
Partner Advocate Provider
Advocate Partner Community service organisations NSW Police NSW Fire and Rescue NSW Health RMS Community service organisations NSW Police NSW Department of Education
Measures
Number of alcohol/drug related offences decreases Number of domestic violence related offences decreases Number of drug and alcohol related hospitalisations decreases Number of criminal offences decreases Community perceptions of crime and safety improve Number of road fatalities and injuries decreases Incidence of youth offending decreases Percentage of students completing high school increases Number of training opportunities and apprenticeships for young people increases Youth unemployment rate decreases Number of young people participating in Council consultation opportunities increases
Tool/Source
Bureau of Crime Statistics and Research (BOCSAR)
Bureau of Crime Statistics and Research (BOCSAR) Community survey NSW Centre for Road Safety Australian Bureau of Statistics Census Bureau of Crime Statistics and Research (BOCSAR)
Council internal measure
Moree Plains Community Strategic Plan 2032 Page 20
Provider (Gwydir Daycare) Advocate Partner
C3.5 Be pioneering in how we improve access to the health and care services needed by the community at all stages of life Advocate Partner Bank Art Museum Moree Catholic Schools NSW Department of Education TAFE, CUC, UNE
Australian Department of Health Hunter New England and Central Coast Primary Health Network NSW Health NSW Rural Doctors Network Available childcare places meet demand Available after-school care and vacation care places meet demand Percentage of children on track over time increases School enrolment numbers are maintained or increase Community perception of their access to health services increases Childhood immunisation rates meet or exceed NSW average Healthy lifestyle indicators such as smoking, obesity, heart disease, diabetes improve Number of GPs per capita improves Number of allied health workers per capita improves Number of aged care places meet demand Australian Bureau of Statistics Census Community survey Australian Early Development Index NSW Department of Education
Community survey Australian Institute of Health and Welfare
Australia Department of Health - Health Workforce Data
Images: Josh Walker at a Wallabies game in Moree; NAIDOC Week Moree 2019 Moree Plains Community Strategic Plan 2032 Page 21
What community wants:
• More employment opportunities • Investment and attraction for small to large businesses • More diversity in retail and industry sectors • Improved education and training • Address skills/ labour shortages • A growing population • Motivate young people to work • Better rural roads • Faster development processing • Upgraded telecommunications/ digital connectivity
What community can do:
• Shop and produce local • Promote Moree Plains as a place to do business • Join a business network • Learn new professional skills • Take on an apprentice, trainee or student for work placement • Support the local air service • Look at expansion and value add opportunities through SAP and Inland Rail • Attract, encourage and employ skilled workers to move to the Shire
Images: Man in grain shed, credit Georgina Poole; Daniel and Karen Assef, owners of a Moree retail store; Craig Estens a Moree horticulture farmer Moree Plains Community Strategic Plan 2032 Page 22
What we will do: E1 Our Shire has a strong, sustainable and diverse economy that leverages our prosperous agricultural sector
E1.1 Embrace change and maximise economic, social, cultural and environmental opportunities from the Moree SAP and Inland Rail
E1.2 Keep our local businesses vibrant and economically sustainable and provide opportunities for expansion and growth across our towns and villages
E1.3 Establish the Moree Plains as the centre of agricultural excellence and innovation, with supporting value-add industry
E1.4 Entice new business development, investment and diversification within the Shire from small to large scale enterprise
Council’s role Partners
Partner Provider Leader Advocate
Partner Provider Leader Advocate Leader Advocate
Leader Partner ARTC Business community Community service organisations and groups NSW DPE
Chamber of Commerce UNE SRI
CSIRO NSW DPE UNE
NSW DPE Chamber of Commerce
E1.5 Facilitate and expedite development processes for new and existing businesses and community members
E1.6 Encourage greater expenditure and production of goods in the Shire by locals and visitors Provider
Advocate Provider NSW DPE
Chamber of Commerce Tourism Moree
Measures
Forecast benefits realised or bettered
Tool/Source
Business survey SAP data
Local spend increases Business survey REMPLAN
Number of new agricultural and support business increases
Number of businesses that employ one or more persons increases Employment and economic output in nontraditional industries such as the creative sector and knowledge sector increases Percentage of development applications processed within legislative timeframes Gross domestic product increases Business survey Australian Bureau of Statistics Business Register Australian Bureau of Statistics Business Register
Council internal measure
REMPLAN
Moree Plains Community Strategic Plan 2032 Page 23
E2.1 Improve affordability and access to high-speed internet and digital technology across the Shire for community and business Advocate Dept of Infrastructure NSW DPE Telco providers
E2.2 Maintain and expand a regular, reliable and safe intrastate and interstate air and rail service, with adequate infrastructure to support it, to move through the Shire and beyond Advocate Provider
E2.3 Provide a well maintained Shire road network that meets the community’s transport and freight needs, being a future connector from surrounding Shires to Moree SAP and rail terminals Provider Partner Advocate Transport for NSW NSW DPE Number of complaints about road network decreases Community satisfaction with local road network increases Community survey Council internal measure
Qantas Destination NSW Transport for NSW ARTC
E3 Our Shire has a growing population and a skilled workforce Council’s role Partners Measures Tool/Source
E3.1 Work together and establish community, government, education and industry partnerships to provide the skills necessary to maximise employment opportunities throughout the Shire and mobilise our workforce Partner Advocate Leader Community organisations Chamber of Commerce NSW Dept of Education TAFE/ CUC UNE
E3.2 Prioritise, plan, attract and retain skilled workers and families to support sustained regional growth and address areas of skill shortages Partner Advocate Leader Chamber of Commerce NSW DPE Tourism Moree Percentage of households connected to the internet increases Number of blackspots decreases Number of weekly flights is maintained or increases Number of passengers increases
Population of LGA increases Enrolments in education and training increases Employment growth matches workforce growth Number of residents completing further education increases The proportion of people that live and work within the LGA increases Australian Bureau of Statistics Census NBN
Qantas
Australian Bureau of Statistics Census
Australian Bureau of Statistics Census
Moree Plains Community Strategic Plan 2032 Page 24
What community wants:
• Better preparedness for floods and drought • Increased weed control • Protect our productive agricultural land • Cleaner, tidy and rubbish-free towns, villages and landscapes • More protection and celebration of Shire’s biodiversity • More use of renewable energy • Sustainable use of our water assets
What community can do:
• Reduce, reuse and recycle • Control and report noxious weeds • Use water wisely • Report any environmental issues (e.g. contamination, illegal dumping) • Report potable water and sewer issues to Council • Reduce energy use and install renewables • Be prepared for storms, flood and drought • Help your neighbour during emergency
What we will do: “We pride ourselves on being the most agricultural rich Shire, however we should also strongly focus on becoming a destination to live based on environmental sustainability and biodiversity”
S1 Our community respects and takes care of our natural environment Council’s role Partners Measures Tool/Source
S1.1 Celebrate, promote, protect, restore and enhance our biodiversity and natural resources for the enjoyment of the community and beyond Advocate Provider Partner Community groups Local Land Services NSW DPE NSW EPA Tourism Moree No decline in river health No decline in artesian basin health No decline in soil health Participation in community education programs increases Areas of land impacted by noxious weeds decreases Office of Environment and Heritage
Council internal measure
S1.2 Collaborate with and empower the Aboriginal and broader community for sustainable environmental stewardship Partner Aboriginal and community groups Local Land Services NSW EPA Number of community programs increases Local Aboriginal Land Council Council internal measure
Images: Lagoon, credit Michelle Mitchell a finalist in the 2021 MyMoree photography competition; Boy and emu, credit Melissa Carrigan; Moree flooding in 2021, credit Sascha Estens Moree Plains Community Strategic Plan 2032 Page 25
S1.3 Promote and secure use of suitable renewable energy throughout the Shire and contribute to State and National emissions reduction strategies
S1.4 Increase resource recovery and circular economy opportunities to minimise waste
S1.5 Secure, use and sustainably manage our valued water resources for supply across the Shire
S1.6 Plan upgraded water and sewer infrastructure in our villages and future industrial and residential developments
S1.7 Protect and enhance our productive farmland for current and future generations
S2 Our community is resilient
S2.1 Prioritise and act on floodplain and stormwater management to build our resilience and protect our assets
S2.2 Plan for, respond and recover quickly and effectively in the face of emergency, natural disaster or adverse climatic conditions Provider Advocate
Provider Advocate
Provider Partner NSW DPE NSW EPA
NSW DPIE Water NSW
NSW DPE Council’s greenhouse gas emissions decrease Household energy consumption decreases Solar energy production across the LGA increases # enquiries/applications for renewable energy production
Waste diverted from landfill increases Contamination of recyclable materials decreases
100% compliance with Australian Drinking Water Guidelines 100% effluent is reused Household water consumption decreases Council internal measure Essential Energy
NSW EPA Council internal measure
NSW Office of Water Council internal measure
Water and sewer network increases Council internal measure
Advocate NSW DPE Local Land Services NSW Farmers Association Shire-wide moratorium against introduction of coal seam gas extraction and other extractive industries is maintained
Council’s role Partners Measures
Provider Partner
Provider Leader Partner Advocate SES Water NSW
NSW Police NSW Ambulance NSW Fire and Rescue SES Rural Fire Service Resilience NSW No increase in the number of properties affected by over-floor flooding Community perception of response and recovery improves Council internal measure
Tool/Source
Council internal measure
Community survey
Moree Plains Community Strategic Plan 2032 Page 26
What community wants:
• Greater consultation and inclusion in decision making • Improved accountability and work standards from Council • Transparency on decision making • Attraction and retention of quality staff for Council • Improved Council leadership and culture • Better communications • Greater responsiveness to community • Stronger collaboration • More action, less talking • Increased volunteerism
What community can do:
• Join a Council or community committee • Attend Council and community meetings • Provide feedback in community consultations • Follow Council and community leaders and organisations on social media • Work together on challenges and solutions • Volunteer and lend a hand • Build leadership and collaboration skills • Advocate for change on what matters to you • Support, recognise, acknowledge and reward each other on our achievements
What we will do: L1 Our Council is an example of best practice in local government Council’s role Partners Measures Tool/Source
L1.1 Effectively deliver desired services throughout the Shire and manage our assets and finances responsibly and sustainably to meet the needs of the community now and in the future Provider NSW OLG Office of the Valuer General IPART Financial and asset management benchmarks met >90% capital projects delivered within budget Achievement of Long Term Financial Plan Council internal measure
Images: Cr Pearse, Cr Cochrane, Cr James and Cr Sauer at a CSP pop-up stall in February 2022; Cr Montgomery with Adam Marshall MP and government representative announcing funding; two hands representing collaboration, credit Lauren Kinchela Moree Plains Community Strategic Plan 2032 Page 27
L1.3 Manage risk and compliance, and be proactive and pursue organisational improvement in all things we do
L1.4 Operate with integrity, be transparent and hold ourselves and each other accountable to deliver
L1.5 Foster community trust and faith in Council
L2 Our community is informed, engaged and heard Council’s role Partners Measures Tool/Source
L2.1 Keep community up to date on Council and community business through timely, meaningful and varied communication
L2.2 Be responsive, respectful and customer-focused
L2.3 Provide opportunities for all members of the community to participate in planning and decision making Provider NSW OLG Staff retention rate increases 100% staff vacancies filled within 4 weeks Employee satisfaction increases
Provider
Provider
Provider Service levels are reviewed in consultation with the community Workers compensation claims reduce Number of Council meeting listeners increases No breaches of statutory requirements under Local Government Act 1993 100% of GIPA requests are resolved within required timeframes Community perception of Council trustworthiness increases
Provider Partner Leader
Provider
Provider Service NSW State and Federal MPs Community leaders Number of unique users, page views and time spent on Council's website increases Number of people following Council on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn increases Community perceptions of being kept informed increases 100% customer enquiries and complaints resolved within agreed service levels Customer service satisfaction increases Participation in engagement opportunities increases Staff survey
Council internal measure
Council internal measure
Council internal measure Community survey
Council website analytics
Council social media analytics
Community survey
Council internal measure
Community survey
Council internal measure
Moree Plains Community Strategic Plan 2032 Page 28
L2.5 Celebrate and acknowledge our success
L3 Our community leaders are active, collaborative and work together to address community issues Council’s role Partners Measures Tool/Source
L3.1 Advocate with a united voice on priorities for the Shire
L3.2 Foster strong partnerships and encourage volunteerism, build capacity and create on-ground community ownership of problems and solutions to sustain long-lasting change
L3.3 Champion, recognise and reward each other to maintain motivation and continual improvement
L3.4 Be a leading Shire, looking beyond the Shire borders to be the heart of the region Service NSW Community organisations
Provider State and Federal MPs Community awareness of Council services and facilities increases Number of people accessing services and facilities increases Positive media coverage increases Council internal measure
Media monitoring
Advocate Partner Leader
Community leaders State and Federal MPs Advocate Community groups Chamber of Commerce State and Federal agencies
Provider Advocate State and Federal MPs
Partner Leader Advocate BROC NEJO NSW DPC Number of submissions made on priority issues Advocacy Agenda
Volunteer participation increases Australian Bureau of Statistics Census
Recognition of LGA on local, regional, state and national level increases
Participation in local, regional, state and national networking and promotional opportunities increases Media monitoring
Council internal measure
Moree Plains Community Strategic Plan 2032 Page 29
