The priorities of Hume’s population has changed in the past four years according to a council-run community engagement program that concluded in January. Its findings were presented to city councillors this month.
In 2021, based on a survey of residents, council was asked to prioritise infrastructure, employment, and health services. However, with covid behind us, there is a clear shift in focus.
Based on suggestions from a 47-member community panel, city hall will work on community connectivity, improving the environment, council transparency, equality, equity, inclusion, and community access to amenities.
The community consultation takes place every four years to help council as it works to meet the needs of a city that’s predicted to grow from 243,000 residents to 411,000 in 2045.
Council is now working on a plan which will outline its strategic priorities for the next four years. A draft version will be open for community consultation in April, with the final plan to be adopted in June 2025.
The community panel was picked from 160 applicants, with council shortlisting 46 from Hume and one from outside the city.
In 2021 the city’s residents wanted council to focus on:
Health
Education
Employment
Infrastructure, and
Residents wanted a strong sense of belonging
According to the Monday 10 February council agenda, these have been replaced with:
