I am new to this role of Mayor and interested in moving council into a new era of openness to enhance our connections with the community we serve.

Sometimes this means looking back in honesty, but more importantly, looking forward in hope.

We need your help to contribute as well.

We have recently put on exhibition our Draft Community Strategic Plan, Draft Delivery Program, Operational Plan and Budget as well as our Draft Long Term Financial Plan. The exhibition of these documents can be thought of as a picture of our community in the future.

We are seeking your inspiration to serve as the framework for what, why, when and how we achieve your council’s plans. Please look at these documents which are on display now for your comment: www.kiama.nsw.gov.au/your-say/csp

If you haven’t had your say, now is your chance.

Since January, this council has revealed more about its workings than any other previous council, in my experience.

I am interested in achieving meaningful change within your council and through successful collaboration and communication.

It would be a good idea to briefly look at these important documents.

A Community Strategic Plan (CSP) is a whole of community document, with many people needed to contribute to its success. The document describes what people love and value about our municipality and how they want it to evolve over the next decade.

The CSP is both the community’s vision and roadmap for the work of Council over the next 10 years to deliver on that vision.

The Delivery Program, Operational Plan and Budget outlines the steps to making the vision a reality by setting specific strategies, plans, actions and measurements.

Our Long Term Financial Plan is a 10-year plan for Council’s finances that underpins the work into the longer term. It contains specific information on how we’ll organise our spending and earnings in the first year, a detailed plan for the next five years, and strategic guidelines up to the 10-year mark.

The role of communication in shaping council’s future is imperative, is two-way and open. We really need your views to gain insight into how we can build a more inclusive community through these important, guiding documents.

We must have an agreed purpose, vision and objectives to drive an impacting and lasting change at a future, desired level. Please help us by having your say.