Community-led planning

Community Planning is a collaborative process to improve social, economic and environmental well-being of a local area. Led by residents and other interest groups, agreement is reached on objectives, actions, delivery responsibility and time frames.

Community-led planning can range from providing a park bench, to establishing a community garden on a vacant property, to producing a community-led plan outlining the vision and actions to enhance the local shopping centre.

Communities know what they need most and are capable of identifying, planning and delivering their own projects. Such projects can become a source of local identity and pride. The Little River and Diamond Harbour communities are working to transform their neighbourhoods through community-led plans, supported by Council staff.

Community-led plans are similar to Council-led plans in that they have a vision, actions and implementation plan. Although not formally adopted by the Council, community-led and owned plans can still guide decision-making by the Council and other agencies.