Community Strategic Plan (CSP) - Community Reference Group
Help shape the future of the Central Coast
Central Coast Council sought Expressions of Interest from people who live or work on the Central Coast to become part of a Community Reference Group which will provide advice and guidance on the Revised Community Strategic Plan (CSP) and Delivery Program 2022-2025 (including the Operational Plan 2022-23).
The CSP represents the highest level of strategic planning undertaken by a local council and it identifies the main priorities and aspirations of the community. Council has a custodial role in engaging, refining and preparing the plan on behalf of its community and chooses to include the community in this process.
The inaugural CSP, One – Central Coast, was endorsed by Council on 25 June 2018. Since its adoption Council’s financial situation has significantly changed and the CSP needs to reflect the community’s sentiment and acknowledgement of Council’s financial responsibility on behalf of the community.
A Revised CSP and new Delivery Program (including Operational Plan) have been developed and now require input as to whether these capture the community’s thoughts on the financial situation accurately.
Council will invite the Community Reference Group to provide input that will influence further changes to these plans, helping ensure that the voice of the community is heard and considered.
We wanted to hear from individuals who:
- live or work on the Central Coast.
- have a good understanding the region and an interest to make it better.
- have an interest in social, economic and/or environmental issues.
- have links to active community networks.
The community were invited to:
- view the Terms of Reference document
- view the Request for Expression of Interest document
- complete the online Expression of Interest form (now closed)
EOI applications were accepted between 4 February and 18 February 2022.
Doc View
Who's listening
Key Dates
- EOIs accepted between 4 February and 18 February 2022
- Successful applicants will be notified by Friday 25 February 2022
- First meeting is scheduled on Wednesday 9 March 2022
What is the Community Strategic Plan (CSP)?
The CSP represents the highest level of strategic planning undertaken by a local council and identifies the main priorities and aspirations of the community, providing a clear set of objectives to achieve this vision. It is a ten-year plan for the future.
Council has a custodial role in engaging, refining and preparing the plan on behalf of its community. Council must always keep the CSP at the forefront when planning, designing and implementing projects, to make sure it is delivering on the Community’s desires and needs.
Why is the CSP being updated?
The inaugural CSP, One - Central Coast, was endorsed by Council on 25 June 2018. Since its adoption Council’s financial situation has significantly changed. The CSP as it stands does not reflect the current community sentiment or acknowledgement of Council’s commitment to financial responsibility on behalf of the community.
Under usual circumstances a full review of the CSP would have occurred in 2021-22 following the local government elections. However, as the local government elections are postponed to 2022 and there is a need to update the CSP based on Council’s financial situation, a two phased approach is being undertaken:
- Phase 1: Desktop Review. As part of this Phase, community engagement data based on the financial situation was analysed to understand what the community is feeling and what the community wants from their council. Amendments to the CSP to reflect and acknowledge this are contained in this revised version. No other changes will be made to the CSP as part of this Phase. Exhibition of the Phase 1 revisions is planned for April 2022, with adoption in June 2022.
- Phase 2: Comprehensive Review. This Phase is in accordance with the Local Government Act 1993 and is triggered by a local government election. A date of the election is yet to be announced but is expected to occur sometime in 2022. This Phase will occur at that point and will include community engagement on the whole CSP to determine if it is still what the community aspire to.
What is the Delivery Program (DP)?
The Delivery Program (including the Operational Plan) outlines the projects, programs and activities that council has committed to in response to the CSP.
The new Delivery Program covers the 2022-23, 2023-24 and 2024-25 financial years and must clearly link to the objectives of the CSP, ensuring there is line of sight between the community’s aspirations and how council is going to achieve them.
A new Delivery Program will be put forward to the CRG for community input and will be put on public exhibition for further public comment in late April 2022.
What is the Community Reference Group (CRG)?
The Community Reference Group will be made of up of people who live or work on the Central Coast who can provide input that will influence further changes to these plans, helping ensure that the voice of the community is heard and considered.
The contribution of the CRG members will ensure that the development of these key plans is appropriate, effective and focuses on the needs of the residents of the Central Coast.
What is the Role and Responsibilities of the CRG?
The role of the CRG is to provide a discussion and advisory forum for community representatives to assist in the Phase 1 revision of the CSP and development of the DP.
The purpose of the CRG is to bring together intelligent and inquisitive minds to ensure the Revised CSP and DP meet the community’s main priorities and aspirations.
The CRG is responsible for:
- Being local community advocates and representing the wider community’s views and perspective on the revision of the CSP
- The review and provision of timely feedback on the development of the DP as and when required.
The contribution of the CRG members will ensure that the Revised CSP and DP is appropriate, effective and focuses on the needs of the residents of the Central Coast.
The CRG has no authority to make decisions on behalf of the Council nor does it have authority to direct Council staff or speak on Council’s behalf.
What are the eligibility criteria for the CRG?
To be eligible to be a member of the CRG applicants will:
- Live or work on the Central Coast
- Be available to attend meetings face to face as per schedule and location included in this document or via online, pending COVID-19 NSW Public Health Orders
- Submit a completed EOI form by the closing deadline
- Accept and abide by the Terms of Reference for the CRG attached to this EOI request
- All CRG Members are required to comply with Central Coast Council Policies including Code of Conduct and Workplace Health and Safety, including compliance with confidentiality and appropriate behaviour.
- Should a member decide that they would like to run for Council, they must advise Council staff as soon as possible and resign from the CRG with immediate effect.
- Not be a member of Federal or State government, or a former Councillor of Central Coast Council (as the group is Community, not political)
Will members of the CRG be paid?
Membership of the CRG is unpaid and voluntary.
What is the meeting schedule for the CRG and where will meetings be located?
- 9 March 2022 6pm - 8pm Wyong Office, 2 Hely St Wyong
- 30 March 2022 6pm - 8pm Erina Library, Erina Fair Shopping Centre
- 13 April 2022 6pm - 8pm Wyong Office, 2 Hely St Wyong
- 18 May 2022 6pm - 8pm Erina Library, Erina Fair Shopping Centre
- 8 June 2022 6pm - 8pm Wyong Office, 2 Hely St Wyong
What happens next?
Following receiving input from the Community Reference Group the Revised CSP and Delivery Program (including Operational Plan), the documents will be on public exhibition for further public comment in late April 2022.
The entire Central Coast community will then have opportunity to have their say in April 2022 when both the Revised CSP and DP are publicly exhibited.