Social & Community Plan

The term social and community planning refers to the process of investigating and responding to the social needs and aspirations of all the people who live or work in a local government area. The Bathurst Social & Community Plan 2011 – 2016 has been developed in partnership with key stakeholders in our community. It will be used as a guide and measures for all in our community to build strength and vitality, provide services and facilities, reflect on history, appreciate our rural core and constantly grow our community spirit.

In 2010 Bathurst Regional Council undertook a process to develop the Social and Community Plan 2011 - 2016 for the Bathurst Regional Council local government area. Using an asset based model, a wide ranging and creative community consultation process commenced in February 2010 asking two main questions:

1. What makes the Bathurst Region such a great place to live, work and play?

2. How can we work together to make it even better?

To ensure community ownership of the plan a group of Key Stakeholders was formed as part of this process. Membership included representatives and service providers from each of the seven mandatory groups as well as Council's nominated groups of Men and Villages. This group was instrumental in developing the consultation plan; the actions that reflected the community's priorities; and the review process in which they will play a key role.

This process highlighted the many assets valued by our community including its people, environment, services, facilities, history and economy. During consultation our community described their preferred future for the region together with the opportunities and challenges that need to be addressed to achieve these goals.

Throughout the consultation process common themes across the mandatory and non mandatory groups began to emerge. Broadly the opportunities available to secure positive outcomes for the future of our community include the provision of:

A range of good quality and accessible transport options;
Adequate health care for the community including preventative health education;
Social inclusion opportunities for the more vulnerable members of the community;
Adequate housing for all ages and needs;
Good educational and training opportunities;
Opportunities to promote and educate the community regarding sustainability;
Support and encouragement to continue to develop our economy; and
Opportunities to value, celebrate and support our future generations.

The overwhelming similarities in opportunities and/or challenges presented by each group has necessitated Bathurst Regional Council to be innovative in reflecting these opportunities. Rather than be repetitive in each mandatory group, like themes have been clustered to produce our community's preferred future. These are:

A Connected Community;
A Healthy Community;
An Inclusive Community;
A Sheltering Community;
A Learning Community;
A Working Community;
A Sustainable and Vibrant Community; and
A Community that Nurtures and Values its Future Generations.

Each challenge has a prepared action which is linked to the mandatory groups. This can be found at Chapter 4 of the Bathurst Regional Council's Social and Community Plan 2011—2016.

For further information download the Social and Community Plan 2011- 2016.

Social & Community Plan – whole document (print friendly)

Chapter One – Context of the Plan (print friendly)

Chapter Two – Demographic Information (print friendly)

Chapter Three – Challenges and Opportunities (print friendly)

Chapter Four – Preferred Future and Action Plan (print friendly)