Future generations will benefit from a strategy that aims to capture the community’s vision for the future of the region, according to Cairns Regional Council. 

The strategy incorporates methods for broad reaching public consultation and will ultimately produce a long term Community Plan that reflects the desires and needs of the people. 

Mayor Val Schier said the scope of the community engagement strategy will give all residents a chance to provide input.  

“State Government legislation requires that every Council create a Community Plan to direct and guide all aspects of policy making, practice and governance,” Cr Schier said. 

“All the information we collect will guide how we manage our environment, create a dynamic culture, preserve our well being and lead in sustainable economic development.’” 

The production of a draft plan will see the strategy rolled out in five stages. Separate stages of the plan will encompass demographic analysis, community assets and identifiy key economic drivers.

The stage of the strategy focused on community engagement will incorporate methods of engagement which will include community workshops, personal telephone interviews and an online survey.    

CEO Lyn Russell said despite the fact that other Councils in Queensland had created a Community Plan, Cairns would produce a benchmark document. 

“The Community Plan is not an issues based document.  It is designed to guide us in the invention of a long term visionary plan for the future of this wonderful region,” Ms Russell said. 

“This is something from which our children and grandchildren will reap benefit. It is part of the plan to leave an improved and cared for world for generations to come.”