Our Plan for the Future

Our Plan for the Future is Bellingen Shire Council’s integrated strategic planning document that brings together the Community Strategic Plan, Delivery Program and Operational Plan into a single, cohesive framework. This integrated approach ensures a clear, coordinated direction for our community's future and meets the planning and reporting principles set out in the Local Government Act 1993 (Section 8C).

Our Community Vision

Our Plan for the Future 2025–2035(PDF, 7MB) reflects the collective aspirations, values and ideas of the Bellingen Shire community. It is grounded in the voices of our residents. As a community-led plan, it recognises that responsibility for achieving the long-term vision rests with all of us, Council, other levels of government, businesses, local organisations and residents alike. At the heart of this plan is the Bellingen Shire Community Vision 2035:

Community Vision.png

A Community-Informed Approach

In 2024, Council adopted the FUTYR® strategic planning approach, designed to enhance transparency, accountability and community engagement. The planning process included a review of existing strategies, desktop research, alignment with relevant legislation and policies, and a national benchmarking exercise through the MARKYT® Community Scorecard. 

We thank the 1,650 community members who shared more than 100,000 words of ideas and insights. This diverse engagement included young people, families, seniors, people with disability, culturally diverse residents, local businesses and community organisations. Their input directly shaped the direction, priorities and actions of this plan. 

What the Plan Does

Our Plan for the Future integrates all elements of Council’s strategic planning to:

  • Identify and prioritise key local community needs and aspirations.
  • Identify strategic objectives to meet those needs and aspirations.
  • Develop activities and prioritise actions to work towards the strategic objectives.
  • Collaborate with others to maximise achievement of strategic objectives.

We are committed to annual reviews of this plan to ensure continued relevance, community responsiveness and compliance with statutory requirements.

Our Role and Responsibilities

Bellingen Shire Council plays an important role in delivering on this vision by integrating environmental stewardship, social advancement and economic prosperity. 

Deliver

Council delivers a wide range of programs and services including waste collection, libraries, maintenance of local roads and public spaces, recreational facilities and programs, community care, special events and regulatory services.

 

 

Partner

Council builds strategic partnerships with Federal and State Government agencies, non-governmental organisations, the private sector and others whose work contributes to delivering the community vision and objectives.

 

 

Advocate

Council gives voice to the needs and aspirations of the community by advocating for changes in policy and action at relevant levels of government and industry to bring about the best outcomes for our community.

 

 

 

Read Our Plan for the Future 2025-2035(PDF, 7MB)

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