Council engages community to shape vision for the future

10 October 2024

Mount Barker District Council has concluded an extensive community engagement process as part of the development of the Community Plan 2044, a long-term strategic vision for the region. The engagement process, which ran from 20 May to 2 July 2024, was designed to gather feedback and insights from residents across the district, ensuring the plan aligns with the community's priorities and aspirations.

The Community Plan 2044 vision is for Mount Barker to be the most liveable region in South Australia, and is structured around five key pillars: Environment, People, Place, Economy, and Leadership. Each pillar outlines specific objectives and measures of success, with detailed actions to be carried out through Lead Strategies and accompanying Action Plans.

The council’s Corporate Strategy Framework, endorsed earlier this year, ensures alignment between the plan’s vision and its delivery. The framework will guide implementation, monitoring, and reporting, keeping the community informed of progress.

During the six-week engagement period, Council staff facilitated a range of activities to reach a broad audience. They engaged in person with approximately 80 residents across three evening drop-in sessions in Mount Barker, Nairne, and Macclesfield. Flyers promoting the project were distributed to 17 outlets across the district. On social media, the council reached over 10,500 people through its platforms. The project webpage provided information to 379 visitors and hosted 38 posts on the discussion board. Additionally, 46 online survey submissions were received via the webpage. More detailed feedback came in the form of 19 email submissions from individuals and community groups.

Council staff also held nine follow-up meetings with community groups to further discuss their submissions. All feedback—whether received in person, online, or through written submissions—has been carefully recorded and reviewed, resulting in key amendments to the plan.

Community Plan 2044 People

Key areas of community feedback and amendments:

Environment Pillar: Many respondents emphasised the need for specific environmental targets and data accuracy. The council has made amendments to the plan, ensuring clearer benchmarks for environmental objectives and addressing concerns such as climate adaptation, waste management, and urban greening. The feedback will also inform the upcoming Environment and Sustainability Strategy.

People Pillar: Feedback highlighted the importance of enhancing liveability, supporting positive ageing, and improving volunteer support. Specific objectives related to community facilities and events will be refined, with clearer measures of success included in the plan.

Place Pillar: Concerns were raised about inequities in funding distribution, infrastructure development, and public transport services. Council has responded with amendments to ensure the plan better addresses these issues and supports growth across smaller townships while preserving heritage.

Economy Pillar: Respondents called for more support for local businesses and mature-aged workers. Council has updated the objectives to reflect these needs, with a focus on local employment initiatives and infrastructure investment.

Leadership Pillar: The feedback emphasised the need for greater transparency and community engagement. Council has revised the plan to ensure more open and inclusive decision-making processes and to strengthen its leadership role in governance.

Mount Barker District Council thanks all community members who took the time to participate in the engagement process. The feedback provided has been instrumental in shaping a plan that reflects the community’s vision for the future.

Read the Community Plan 2024-2044 | Your Say Mount Barker

community Plan 2044 Environment