A citizens panel is being created by council to inform its strategies, generated from a cross-section of the shire’s population.
In early February, letters will be sent to 8000 houses inviting residents to join the panel.
The group will then be narrowed down by an independent company to 35 to 40 people with diverse backgrounds, including a mix of genders, backgrounds, ages, education levels and location in the shire.
“It will be representative of our community,” Mayor Daniel Mackrell said.
“A spread across ages, spread of gender, spread across the municipality from Gunbower to Toolleen and everywhere in between.”
The panel members will meet over the weekend of March 21 to 23 in Echuca to give their perspectives on the 20-year vision.
They will have the opportunity to ask and answer questions together, gaining information from facilitators.
This vision will help councillors to develop their four-year plan, one of the first steps every new council group takes.
“We will have a facilitator run through lots of activities and questions and they help develop that vision of where they want to see Campaspe being in 2040,” manager integrated planning Kirsty Beattie said.
Council is looking forward to utilising the panel to inform its key strategies, particularly being a tool for engagement it has not used before.
The panel-style has been used by other councils, including the Greater Bendigo City Council, to gain varied perspectives.
“What we really want to see as councillors and the organisation is ‘what is the vision for the whole of the community?’” Cr Mackrell said.
“This is where they will be able to come up with a vision.
“It’s not simple, but there will be a whole lot of information from the facilitators and the round tables.
“Then they’ll come to council with a vision ... which can assist us with the council plan.”
Before the panel meets, a survey will be open for all residents to contribute their vision for council.
The information generated from the survey responses will shape the strategies, along with some of the discussion points for the panel.
“This is what helps informs us,” Cr Mackrell said.
“We’ve been elected, but this gives us the information and the organisation the information.
“It’s a pulse check. It makes sure we’re on the right track with the community.
“This next council plan will be right for what we need.”
The council plan will be adopted by October, with a draft version set to be open for further community consultation before it is delivered.
Councillors and staff are confident the panel will be a positive experience, and could inform further policies down the line.
“Those that are definitely interested, council would love to continue engaging with that group,” Ms Beattie said.
“We are hopeful that it’s going to be a fun, energetic weekend where they really enjoy the process.”
To stay updated with the consultation process, head to campaspe.vic.gov.au/Our-council/About-council/Future-Campaspe-Community-Vision-2040-Council-Plan-2025-2029
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