Douglas Shire Council is seeking community input into its Community Support Program Policy and Guidelines and Events General Policy and Strategy.

Reports on the policies were presented at today’s Ordinary Council Meeting, with councillors unanimous in their support to give the community two weeks to provide any feedback.

The Community Support Program Policy will be used by Council to allocate grants to community organisations for the purpose of developing programs, projects or activities that encourage community involvement and participation.

The Events General Policy and Strategy were developed to provide clear objectives and guidelines for Council’s role in supporting, facilitating and delivering events across the region that provide social and economic benefits to the community.

Mayor Julia Leu said she was proud of Council’s effort to produce the two comprehensive initiatives within three months and looked forward to receiving feedback on them from the community.

“Council’s Community Support Program and Events Strategy will play a significant role in making our community a vibrant, welcoming and supportive place to live,” Mayor Leu said.“

The policies have been developed to complement each other and support great initiatives developed by local organisations.

“A key component of both programs is for Council staff to conduct workshops for applicants to work through their application and ensure it has the best chance of success.“

There will also be greater emphasis on the key outcomes of successful applications so the community is able to clearly see what was achieved with the funding.

“These are very important programs which rely on strong partnerships between Council and local community organisations and I’m very keen to see the feedback received.”

A report will be prepared on the Community Support Program Policy and Guidelines and the Events General Policy and Strategy, taking into consideration feedback from the community, for the next Ordinary Council Meeting on April 29.

The Community Support Program Policy and Guidelines and the Events General Policy and Strategy can be downloaded from www.douglas.qld.gov.au/events/ordinary-council-meeting-1-april-2014/ or hard copies are available at Council’s Administration Building in Front St, Mossman.

Submissions can be emailed to ceounit@douglas.qld.gov.au or posted to Douglas Shire Council, PO Box 723, Mossman, 4873.

Submissions will be accepted until 5pm Tuesday, April 15.

Greg McLean 
Communications and Events Officer
Douglas Shire Council
greg.mclean@douglas.qld.gov.au
07 4099 9443 or
0427 187 138