Community surveys and workshops are just some of the ways that the new Port Macquarie-Hastings Council is talking to the community to help set the agenda for their four year term.
The Hastings Horizons community engagement project will assist Council with developing the 2013-2017 Delivery Program, the first of the Integrated Planning and reporting documents to be produced under an elected Council.
Mayor Peter Besseling says it is vitally important the Council work with the community in establishing what’s on the horizon for this exciting period of local government.
“We need to understand how satisfied the community are with the services Council provides, evaluate the previously identified priorities and consider in more detail how assets such as our parks and recreation facilities are managed,” said Councillor Besseling.
As part of this project Council conducted a telephone survey of more than 700 residents from across the LGA. The survey focussed on the levels of satisfaction with the services Council provides and how important these services are to the community.
“Roads have obviously been a major issue and continue to be a priority for this Council, particularly with the rate variation in pace for the next four years.
“With this research and engagement we want to be able to consider how we prioritise the other community expectations within the framework of what has been committed to roads,” continued Councillor Besseling.
By visiting www.pmhclistening.nsw.gov.au/hastingshorizons residents can register for community workshops throughout the Hastings in the week of November 19-23, complete the community satisfaction survey or contribute to the ideas page.
“This is a great opportunity for our community to have a say and to help shape how Council is going to deliver infrastructure and services over the next four years,” he concluded.
