Strategic Planning
A lot of time and energy is spent at Council on strategic planning. Many strategic planning documents are available on the Council website on a wide range of topics.
What is strategic planning all about? It's about developing a plan with a view and direction for the future. The main aim of a strategic plan is to help any organization do a better job, making sure the organization stays focused and making optimal use of resources available.
Furthermore, a strategic plan provides a clear roadmap helping the organization to align its operations with its mission and vision.
In this day and age, change is a given and constantly happening, so one needs to be 'tuned in' to changes and be adaptable. Ensuring that your strategic plan stays current, one should hold regular workshops, bringing in external experts to guide strategic thinking. Organisations should evaluate and re-visit their strategic plans at least once a year, reflecting on the effectiveness of having developed a strategic plan.
Starting out as a newly elected Councillor, I discovered the Community Plans developed for the townships around the Shire. I found these documents invaluable in developing a strategy for myself and what I could do; what to focus on to best serve the community.
There was also a workshop held on the 31st May 2023 at the Maryborough Golf Club, investigating partnerships between Council and the community as part of a review of our eight Community Plans.
I found the findings of this workshop very interesting when they were presented to Council at an Ordinary Council Meeting of the 27 June 2023. It is well worth reading the Community Planning Review document.
