In October 1990 Council adopted a Community Services Policy, based on its first Social Plan which was to assist in the development and management of Council's Community Services. The following amended policy with main aim, principles and objectives has now being endorsed for incorporation in the new Social/Community Plan as adopted by Council on 24 June 1999.
To enhance the quality of life, independence and well-being of residents of the Municipality; and to facilitate opportunities for members of the community to participate in the planning, development, provision and co-ordination of community services.
1.1 Council recognises that an effective social planning process in the provision of community services should aim at meeting the needs of all residents which is based on the principles of access, equity and social justice.
1.2 Council recognises the role of Local Government in maintaining the quality of life of the Community through the coordination and planning of Community Services; as well as acting as an advocate, catalyst and in providing development support for community based and locally controlled human services.
1.3 Council also recognises that it functions in a Regional context and as such it has a role of supporting, assisting and providing cooperation between all Government departments whose decisions on Community Services provision affect both the local area and the Illawarra Region.
1.4 Council further recognises that the demand for Community Services will increase at a rate exceeding the capacity of local government and community resources to supply those services, thus economic constraints must be recognised.
1.5 Council will take into account these principles and the objectives outlined below in the implementation of programs to maximise the quality of life of its residents with particular reference to the residential environment and the most effective provision of Community Services and facilities.
2.1 To develop, implement and review a Social/Community Plan for the Municipality in accordance with Council's Community Services Policy and the Local Government Act.
2.2 To plan for an equitable distribution of Community Services and facilities throughout the Municipality with priority given to those sections of the community with greatest identified needs.
2.3 To promote coordination and sharing of resources in the Municipality in an effort to avoid unnecessary duplication and maximise efficient use of services and facilities.
2.4 To advocate on behalf of the local community to other levels of Government for funding and service provision.
2.5 To encourage provision of services and facilities, which are community based and locally controlled.
2.6 To ensure that Community Services programs are meeting community needs by implementing evaluation mechanisms for each program.
2.7 To provide development support to community organisations based on priority needs for the Municipality. 2.8 To participate in the provision of services where there is an established need and this has not been able to be met by other organisations.
2.9 To actively seek the participation in joint community services programs with other local governments in the region.
2.10 To maximise the utilisation of State and Commonwealth Governments funding for the provision of different Community Services and facilities, by attracting funding to the Municipality and achieving cost-effective use of funds.
2.11 To review any program that has been discontinued from other levels of government funding and advise the community that it cannot guarantee maintenance of community services projects because State and/or Commonwealth cost shifting polices. 2.12 To encourage citizens participation and consultation on community programs, services and facilities.
2.13 To provide information to residents on Community Services and resources.
2.14 To promote and organise surveys, forums and research initiatives to assist in the identification of community needs and services.
2.15 To encourage multi-purpose use of public buildings and involvement of user groups in the management of these facilities.
2.16 To promote cooperation and achieve integration between social, cultural, economic and environmental planning..
2.17 To participate in local, regional and state planning forums and consultative processes which relates to the provision of services and facilities for the Municipality.
2.18 To encourage multi-cultural awareness and cross-cultural sensitivity in the Municipality.
2.19 To encourage an awareness and recognition of Aboriginal culture and heritage in the Municipality.
2.20 To develop innovative ventures to attract further funding to the Community and assist with the provision of services for the Municipality.
2.21 To tender for and become involved in the provision of community services in the region where Council expertise is assessed to be capable of providing such services and these can be self sustainable.
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