Community Strategic Plan Review - Stage 1

Following each Local Government election, it's Council's responsibility to lead a review of the North Sydney Community Strategic Plan in consultation with the community. This plan outlines the community's vision for the future of the North Sydney local government area, including our shared priorities for the next 10 years. It is part of our statutory Integrated Planning & Reporting (IP&R) suite which will guide the incoming term of Council. The plan must be prepared and delivered as a partnership between Council and its community stakeholders, including state agencies, community groups and individuals.

Council needs to prepare and adopt its revised IP&R documents, including the Community Strategic Plan, by 30 June 2022. Your feedback will also be used to prepare the following Council documents:

• 4-year Delivery Program including financial estimates (and the annual Operational Plan & Budget)
• 10-year Resourcing Strategy consisting of three inter-related components - Long Term Financial Plan, Asset Management Strategy and Workforce Management Strategy

We are updating the current 2018 Community Strategic Plan which is underpinned by the following key themes known as 'directions':

Direction 1. Our Living Environment
Direction 2. Our Built Infrastructure
Direction 3. Our Future Planning
Direction 4. Our Social Vitality
Direction 5. Our Civic Leadership

There are various ways to participate in the first stage of consultation depending on your preferred level of involvement:

• survey - prioritise the plan's current directions, outcomes and strategies, and identify new issues and priorities. The survey takes 10-15 mins to complete.
• mapping tool - drop a pin on the online map to identify issues/concerns (and assign a category - value most, fondest memory or please improve).
• story sharing - community members of all ages can share their stories and experiences about the North Sydney area using the Stories tool (see below) or via Instagram or Facebook.
• photo album - share a photo of what you love most about the North Sydney LGA (e.g. favourite location, feature or experience) on Instagram or Facebook with the hashtag #mynorthsydney. Photos will be displayed during 2022. Selected photos will feature in the final plan.
• children's artwork - children up to 12 years can visually depict their vision for the future of North Sydney on the provided template or any A4 format. Artworks will be displayed during 2022. Selected artworks will feature in the final plan.
• round tables - peak bodies across a range of themes/services areas will gather online to identify emerging issues and priorities, and to discuss suggested solutions. Feedback will also be used to inform the development of Council's Community Development Strategy.
• submissions - use the online submission form (see below) or alternatively, send submissions to:
  • Email - yoursay@northsydney.nsw.gov.au
  • Mail - North Sydney Council, PO Box 12, NORTH SYDNEY NSW 2059

As an incentive, participants will receive a 'Colour Me North Sydney' colouring book, designed by local artist Raisa Kross, showcasing many of North Sydney's iconic locations and hidden gems. The colouring book is suitable for kids and adults alike. Plus all submissions (regardless of type) can enter the draw to win one of six x $50 gift vouchers for a local business - refer to the Incentive Draw Terms and Conditions.

Feedback collected from the above methods, together with the findings from the 2020 Customer Satisfaction Survey, the 2021 Liveability Census, and numerous recent consultations regarding a wide range of themes and services, including the North Sydney Local Strategic Planning Statement will inform the draft plan.

As outlined in the Community Engagement Strategy, a subsequent consultation stage will occur. The draft plan will be publicly exhibited in early 2022.

To be kept updated about this project join the eNews here.

Note: the abovementioned consultation methods have been chosen in accordance with the current Public Health Order restrictions concerning indoor/public gatherings (as at September 2021) - should restrictions be relaxed, Council may offer additional feedback methods (time permitting under Stage 1).