Parkes Shire Social Plan
Last modified: June 20, 2007 - 3:35 PM
The Local Government (General) Amendment (Community and Social Plans) was introduced in 1998 to help local Government to promote a more inclusive community by ensuring that government services are responsive to community needs and diversity.
In 2000 Parkes Shire Council commenced a process to undertake the development of a Social/Community plan to both satisfy legislated requirements, and to ensure that; - Fairness is considered in the distribution of resources
- The community is consulted in decisions that affect their daily lives
- People have fairer access to economic resources and services essential to meeting their daily needs
An interim “Work in Progress” was produced that was further developed in 2002.
Council appointed a consultant firm, David Riches and Associates Pty Ltd, to undertake a process of community consultation and finalise the plan.
The guidelines for the development of the Social Plan were drawn from the legislative requirements mandated by the NSW Department of Local Government (1998) and stipulated seven mandatory groups that would be targeted for consultation and planning. The mandated groups to be included are: - Children (0-11 years)
- Young People (12 –24 years)
- Women
- Older People (over 55 years)
- Aboriginal People
- People with Disabilities
- People from Culturally and Linguistically Diverse Backgrounds
The Social Plan was developed by consulting directly with these groups, with both professional and community members. The consultant firm developed a strong methodology that was approved by Parkes Shire Council to ensure that the general community had opportunity to contribute to the process, and that professional organisations with target groups as clients were consulted. The methodology included key informant interviews, community feedback opportunities and a community meeting.
Target population groups were consulted on the important issues that affect their daily lives. Six main issues have been identified. They are: - Access Around City
- Shire Image
- Communication and Consultation
- Community Services and Facilities
- Economic Development
- Infrastructure Needs
Other relevant information was utilised in the development of the plan, including Parkes Shire Council’s Management Plan and survey work previously conducted by Council and other organisations serving the Shire.
A Needs Assessment was developed based on information provided in a basic demographic review of the Shire, an inventory of current service provision by target population groups, outcomes from consultations held with community and professional groups, a review of a survey completed by interested community members and a review of the findings from previous surveys and research undertaken in the Shire.
From this an action plan has been developed to address the issues and needs identified and documented in the process outlined above. Council will address the actions in conjunction with other relevant plans developed or planned for the future. These include the Retail Commercial Release Strategy, Mid Lachlan Regional Vegetation Plan, the Goobang Study, Council’s Heritage Study , Council’s current Management Plan and a Cultural plan for the Shire.
The Social Plan has been developed as a working document to enable Parkes Shire Council to consolidate work already undertaken for the community, and to build past this point. An emphasis on community collaboration is a central theme in the plan and the development of strong partnerships will be a priority to ensure the plan has a solid strategic base from which to move forward.
The planning timeframe for the Parkes Shire Social and Community Plan (2002 – 2004) is now complete. The intent of the Parkes Shire Social and Community Plan was to ensure the provision of effective delivery of community services to the Shire’s population through a series of identified actions, and ensure that local government services in the Parkes Shire are responsive to community needs and diversity.
The plan was a first for the Parkes Shire, and was developed in close consultation with organisational stakeholders and the Shire’s community. This ensured that the actions identified work towards improved access and equity for the issues that affect the daily lives of the Shire’s population.
The Parkes Shire Social and Community Plan (2002 – 2004) proposed that an evaluation be completed at the end of the Plan’s life. This process was determined to guide the effective development of the next Social and Community Plan for the Shire, and was endorsed by Council.
To ensure that this process is meaningful the Parkes Shire Social and Community Plan (2005 – 2009) will include, as an initial identified action, a determination that a meaningful evaluation of the completed plan be conducted.
The completed Social Plan will be incorporated in the Parkes Shire Council Management Plan in 2005/2006.
This plan will be a major contributor to the improved provision of equity and access to services and improved lifestyles and social capital for the people who live in Parkes Shire.
Contact details
Planning & Environment Department
02 6861 2373 (ph)
02 6862 3946 (fax)
council@parkes.nsw.gov.au
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