Corporate Plan pushes button on Bold Future action

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Media enquiries: Kerry Heldon
Ph: (07) 5581 5225	Fax: (07) 5581 5261
Mob: 0414 181 556	Email: kheldon@goldcoast.qld.gov.au

Issue date: Wednesday, 15 July 2009

The launch today of the Gold Coast City Council’s 2009 – 2014 Corporate Plan also pushes the button on the first five years of action to achieve the community’s Bold Future vision.

Mayor Ron Clarke said more than 11,000 residents had involved themselves in the Bold Future project, sharing their ideas and priorities for the Gold Coast over the next three decades.

“The responses were carefully considered by the Bold Future Advisory Committee headed by Jim McKnoulty, the chairman of a group of consultancies that advises industry and government on how to meet the challenges of growth management and climate change,” said Cr Clarke.

“The Committee did a great job translating the community’s ideas into a vision for the future liveability of our city and recommendations for an agreed way forward.

“Broadly, the Vision is for a city that is defined by its spectacular beaches, hinterland ranges, forests and waterways … for an outstanding city that celebrates nature and connects distinct communities with the common goal of sustainability, choice, and wellbeing for all,” said Cr Clarke.

“The Corporate Plan makes sure the vision becomes reality.”

Council CEO Dale Dickson said the Bold Future Vision set out six key focus areas, each of which had been given a headline target, which would indicate if the city was achieving the vision.

“All of the Bold Future recommendations and targets are embedded in our new Corporate Plan, as well as in all associated strategies for our city,” said Mr Dickson.

“The Corporate Plan effectively implements the Bold Future vision, principles and themes. It sets out the steps the Council will take over the next five years to support those six key focus areas and achieve each of the headline targets.

“Basically, the new Corporate Plan sets out the first five years of a 30-year strategy that will secure the economic, environmental and social liveability of our city to 2040.”
Both Mayor Clarke and Mr Dickson expressed their appreciation to the Gold Coast community for the overwhelming and unprecedented response to Bold Future’s public consultation process.

The six focus areas in the Bold Future Vision

A city leading by example, which is about empowering our community through information and knowledge sharing.The headline target is for the Gold Coast to be recognised as a city of inspired leaders and engaged communities.

A city loved for its green, gold and blue, which is about protecting and enhancing the natural environment, our open spaces, beaches and waterways. The headline target is for native bushland to cover a higher proportion of the Gold Coast than any other major city in Australia by 2040.

A city connecting people and places, which focuses on expanding transport, communication and social networks that link people, homes, workplaces, schools, communities and significant places, both locally and globally. The headline target is by 2040, our efficient transport system and advanced communication system means we have the shortest average travel to work time of any major city in Australia.

A city with a thriving economy, which concentrates on making sure there is a wide variety of employment and business opportunities with a focus on education and research and development. The headline target here is for the Gold Coast to be the employment destination of choice by 2040, with the most diverse and rewarding local employment opportunities.

A safe city where everyone belongs, which is about increasing our community spirit, enriching our quality of life and enjoying a wide variety of cultural and recreational activities. The headline target is by 2040 our city has the highest proportion of residents who feel a sense of belonging to their community.

A city shaped by clever design, which is about intentionally directing the city’s development and providing the infrastructure that enhances our environment and our lifestyles and promotes sustainable living choices. The headline target is for us to be the most liveable and resource-efficient major city in Australia by 2040.