Cardinia Shire Council - Annual Report 2017-18

Cardinia Shire Council Annual Report 2014–15 2017–18
2013–14 Year in review
Challenges
Cardinia Shire’s fast-growing and diverse community requires
a range of services, programs, and facilities. Meeting the
needs and expectations of our diverse communities can
be challenging when resources are limited. As our shire
continues to grow and change, Council remains committed
to providing timely and cost-effective infrastructure and
services that meet the needs of our rapidly expanding
population. Whether this is a need for increased roads,
pathways, recreation facilities and community spaces or the
growing demands on health, kindergarten, waste and other
Council services, this necessitates innovation and planning
that takes into account the social and cultural impacts of
population growth.
Cardinia Shire Council continues to encourage a sense
of belonging within our shire. We support an inclusive
community comprising people from diverse backgrounds,
including but not limited to, Aboriginal and Torres Strait
Islander, people from cultural and linguistically diverse
(CALD) backgrounds, those identifying as LGBTI+, people
of faith, and people of all ages and abilities.
Looking forward
Council will continue to take a collaborative approach
to developing and delivering inclusive facilities such as
recreation facilities, community hubs, kindergartens and
infrastructure. We’ll advance projects that provide for greater
service provision, business and employment opportunities,
and promote social linkages within our community. We’ll
continue to advocate the needs of Cardinia Shire to other
levels of government to attract funding for the infrastructure
and services our community needs.
Further, to help shape positive social and cultural change,
Council will continue to facilitate and participate in
collective impact partnerships with organisations and
community groups. Such partnerships empower and unite
communities, enabling community members and Council
to act on the issues that matter to them. Given the financial
constraints of Council and the community’s desire for
greater engagement, these collective impact partnerships
are a powerful tool for enacting positive change.
Plans are also underway to establish a new Reconciliation
Advisory Group as part of Council’s Reconciliation Action
Plan 2015–19. This plan outlines the practical actions
we are taking to bring about equality, foster stronger
relationships and respect between Aboriginal and Torres
Strait Islander people, Council and the Cardinia Shire
community. The advisory group will help to inform a
range of projects.
24
2