Councillors shaping places

Recently I have been inspired by Councils in their desire to strategically shape their communities into the future.

Case in point at Swan Hill Rural City Council where Councillors were engaged in a facilitation process to understand their Vision for the future of Swan Hill in 2050.

My experience working with Councillors over many years is their tendency to want to be in the operations of Council which is, under legislation, the responsibility of the Council CEO.

Councillors deeply understand their communities and their local areas and therefore can contribute in a significant way to the way these communities develop overtime.

Engaging Councillors in a strategic discussion to draw on their local knowledge and experience can be very beneficial for the Council and the community.

How therefore, as practitioners in Local Government, can you engage the Councillors at this level?

It requires skilled facilitation workshops and a focus on keeping Councillors thinking at a high level.

Often there is confusion about what can be delivered through the Planning system as opposed to what can be delivered through Advocacy, the four year Council Plan and Infrastructure Plans.

It is the role of the Council administration to assist in guiding and steering this understanding by Councillors. With education and practice, working in this strategic space, there can be visionary plans developed for our towns and cities by the people who understand them.