West Coast Council’s ambitious project to actively engage with the community is in full swing, with eleven percent of the West Coast population already completing surveys – before the direct mail out to households is completed.

The extensive community engagement process, incorporating seventeen events including information stands, key industry summits and community workshops, forms part of the West Coast Community Plan 2025 project. Surveys can also be completed by both residents and visitors online at the dedicated project website, www.westcoast2025.com.au.

With Council’s existing Strategic Plan expiring, Council embraced the opportunity to reach out to its community for direction in creating a new Community Plan – one which will not only drive Council business over the next decade but also provide solid framework for other stakeholders such as State Government and business.

“With ten events already held and nearly 800 people involved in the project through forums, surveys etc, it has become clear that we are on the right track in conducting this engagement process,” Mayor Phil Vickers said.

The community workshops and summits are interactive, with the Mayor, Councillors and Council staff working with residents and stakeholders to identify strengths and opportunities for the region, along with weaknesses and threats. Participants are also provided the opportunity to ask questions directly to West Coast Mayor Phil Vickers, Councillors and the General Manager.

“Once people understand that Council is wanting to hear what they think the ideas pour out – all to be considered as the final document is prepared” Mayor Vickers said.

All events to date have been well attended, with Deputy Premier and Education Minister Jeremy Rockliff opening the Education and Training Summit and Local Government Association of Tasmania President Barry Jarvis opening the Health Summit last week.  Representatives from the mining sector, Tourism Tasmania and the Department of State Growth have also participated in summits and community workshops.  Cradle Coast Authority Regional Tourism Manager Ian Waller is key note speaker at the Tourism Summit to be held in Strahan next week and Jarod DeRoss from Copper Mines of Tasmania will speak at the Queenstown Community Workshop on 2^nd June.

Mayor Vickers said Council is overwhelmed with how the project has been embraced by the Community, “So many people making the effort to complete the survey online prior to the direct mail out, we’re excited to see if we can reach a return of over 20% once residents receive surveys in their mailboxes over the next week, but of course a higher return rate of even that would be great for the project.”

The next community workshop will be held at 6pm tomorrow night (Thursday 21^st May) at the Rosebery-Toorak Football Clubrooms in Primrose Street, followed by an Information Stand and Tourism Summit in Strahan on Monday 25^th May with key local and government stakeholders in attendance.

Council encourages people to visit the dedicated website, www.westcoast2025.com.au, to stay up to date with the project, to complete a survey and register to attend a community workshop.

General Manager Dirk Dowling giving a Council update, Business Summit in Queenstown– 19^th May 2015:

LGAT President Barry Jarvis opening the Health Summit in Zeehan – 14^th May 2015:

Deputy Premier and Education Minister opening Education & Training Summit, Queenstown – 8^th May 2015: