24/10/2008 - Community Plan Discussions Starting

Residents of Warwick, Allora, Killarney and surrounding districts can outline their ideas and suggest action for the future of the community at upcoming local forums aimed at developing a “Futures Plan”.

Mayor Ron Bellingham said that the Plan will identify issues and actions to guide the long term development of community services and facilities, employment and business development, education and training, health care, as well as arts, culture and heritage.

“Having a long term plan that comes from the community itself will be vital not just to Council, but to other levels of government and the community as well,” Mayor Bellingham said.

“Maintaining and enhancing our economy, services and community depends on the community developing clear directions and actions.

This will build on the considerable work already happening,” he said.

Forums are being conducted with thirteen different sectors such as seniors, youth, business and primary producers and a number of community people are being invited to be contacts for the project within their sector. People can also fill out a feedback form available at all Council offices.

Community Development Manager, Sheila Stebbings said that the Futures Plan is about action.

“The forums are ‘kitchen-table’ discussions about issues that affect local people,” Ms Stebbings said.

“The discussions will be directed towards residents identifying actions that federal government, state government agencies, community organisations, business and Council have responsibility for.”

The Futures Plan has been initiated and funded by the Southern Downs Regional Council but the plan belongs to the community in partnership with Council.

Steering Committee member, Cr Denise Ingram is looking to allow local people to have a say with a minimum of public meetings.

“We are expecting that people will raise a broad range of issues and opportunities such as business development, enhancing tourism, community services, public transport, opportunities for youth and progressing education and learning,” Cr Ingram said.

The plan will be finalised by April 2009 and it will create a set of actions to guide activities by not just Council, but also business, community organisations, and state and federal government.

For more information on upcoming forums, please contact Sheila Stebbings, Community Development Manager on 4681 5520.

Upcoming forums are as follows:

Sector Time Location
Killarney  Tuesday 28 October
7:30 - 9:30pm		 Rec Club Killarney
Indigenous Community Wednesday 29 October
6:00 - 8:00pm		 RSL Board Room
Primary Industry Thursday 30 October
12.00 noon		 Criterion Hotel
Environment Saturday 1 November
2:00 - 5:00pm		 Town Hall
Allora Wednesday 5 November
6:30 - 8:30pm		 Allora Hall
People with Disabilities Wednesday 12 November
2:00 - 4:00pm		 Warwick Community Training Centre. Cnr Tooth & Wood Streets
Business & Tourism Wednesday 19 November
7:00 - 9:00pm		 Town Hall
Arts, Culture, Heritage Wednseday 19 November
Time TBC		 Art Gallery
Young People TBC TBC
Health & Wellbeing/Children & Families TBC TBC
Education & Learning TBC TBC
Community Safety TBC TBC
Seniors TBC TBC
Warwick TBC TBC
Sport & Recreating Tuesday 16 December
6:00 - 8:00pm		 Warwick Cowboys Club House, Queens Park
Housing TBC TBC

ENDS

Media Contact:
Tracy Vellacott
Corporate Communications Officer
(07) 4661 0305