We're asking community members to imagine what Wollongong could look like 10 years from now. What would you like to see in your community? What do you love and what needs to change?
Council is updating the Community Strategic Plan — a 10-year plan that identifies the community's vision for the future. It's an important document as it outlines our community's priorities and aspirations.
Recently, we finished phase 1 of the Community Strategic Plan engagement which involved asking people to share what they love about Wollongong by submitting a photo or comment. The 'I Love Wollongong Because…' project received 155 submissions from community members across Wollongong.
Image (above): "I love Wollongong because when I came from my country Iraq four months ago I visited many places and I found Wollongong the most beautiful and Wollongong is a very quiet city... A multicultural city with kind people." - Zaineb
Wollongong City Lord Mayor Councillor Gordon Bradbery AM said that the 'I Love Wollongong because…' campaign showed a deep connection and sense of community pride.
"Thank you to everyone who submitted a photo, drawing or comment and shared what you love about Wollongong. We received so many thoughtful and meaningful submissions from people of all ages, backgrounds and interests," Cr Bradbery said.
"It's wonderful to see the many different aspects of Wollongong that our community loves and appreciates. This was a positive way to kick-off the process to update the Community Strategic Plan by celebrating what we already are doing right."
Now, Council is calling for community members to get involved in the next phase of the Community Strategic Plan development which involves listening to the aspirations and needs of our community.
"The Wollongong Local Government Area stretches from Helensburgh in the north to Yallah in the south. It's a big area that is home to a diverse and growing community," Cr Bradbery said.
"The Community Strategic Plan guides the future of our city by telling us what the community wants to see happen in the next 10 years.
"We can't achieve this vision on our own. Instead we need the support from all levels of government, local and future industries, businesses and community members.
"Now is the time to get involved in this project. On the Our Wollongong website we're asking community members to answer five questions to find out what should stay the same, what can be improved and what challenges need to be overcome.
"Other ways you can get involved is by using our Community Circle Kit and hosting an online community circle with your neighbours and friends. We will also be sending a reply-paid postcard to all residents so that people can share what they would like to see in Wollongong 10 years from now."
Image (above): "I love Wollongong because there is heaven, there have a peaceful Nantien Temple." - Hongli
5 things we want to know from you about Wollongong
- What do you love about the Wollongong Local Government Area?
- Imagine the Wollongong Local Government Area 10 years from now, what would you like to see?
- What needs to change in the Wollongong Local Government Area?
- What are the challenges facing Wollongong Local Government Area in the next 5-10 years?
- What three words would you use to describe your vision for Wollongong Local Government Area in 10 years' time?
Share your thoughts on the Community Strategic Plan by visiting the Our Wollongong website and submitting feedback by Monday 18 October 2021.
