Sophie Conlon
Almost all goals outlined in the City of Mount Gambier’s strategic plan 2020 – 2024 are either on track or completed, with only two activities at risk.
The plan’s final update before expiry was presented to elected members at council’s August meeting.
Mayor Lynette Martin said it was a milestone to reach the end of the four year plan.
With 30 priorities in progress, four completed, 54 ongoing and two at risk, Ms Martin said achievements were clearly outlined.
“It just illustrates that the work of council is continuous,” she said.
“On behalf elected members I thank administration and all council staff for their work, without them we would not be able to achieve these results.”
The plan saw priorities split into five key goals: Our People; Our Location; Our Diverse Economy; Our Climate, Natural Resources, Arts, Culture and Heritage; and Our Commitment.
Two at risk priorities were recorded within the Our Diverse Economy goal, with eight others in progress and 15 more ongoing.
At risk priorities included working to assist and encourage skilled migrants to settle in Mount Gambier and developing solutions to waste management issues across the Limestone Coast.
Work on these projects was underway, with the creation of the Local Affordable Housing Plan and a shifting attitude to waste across the region noted, but work on these two prioritise was expected to continue into the next strategic plan.
Other priorities within the Our Diverse Economy goal included beautifying town and public space entrances, advocating for improved transport infrastructure and planning for housing growth.
Our People included 20 priorities, with one in progress, one completed and 18 ongoing.
These priorities included developing a volunteer management plan, supporting community groups and events, and raising awareness of community accomplishments.
Our Location had 24 priorities and the update recoded 13 as in progress, one as completed and 10 as ongoing.
Priorities included regional collaboration, encouraging industry growth, and activation and placemaking in the central business district (CBD).
With 21 priorities, Our Climate, Natural Resources, Arts, Culture and Heritage saw eight in progress, two completed and 11 ongoing.
These priorities included improving non-motorised connectivity between reserves and the CBD, reducing council’s carbon footprint, and creating public art opportunities.
Rather than outline priorities, Our Commitment noted council would be sustainable, transparent, responsive, involving, values based and effective while delivering the plan.
The process to develop a new strategic plan for the next four years, scheduled for completion by November 2024, is now underway.
