Community Outcomes
What are community outcomes?
Community outcomes are a desired state or ideal that the community identifies and believes are important for its present and future well-being. They essentially embody a collective community vision for the future.
The Council's Role
Under the Local Government Act 2002, councils are required to facilitate a process to identify the desired community outcomes and priorities for their communities once every six years.
The Council’s role in the community outcomes process is to:
- facilitate the process
- promote or achieve the outcomes (being one of the parties that is capable of doing so and to the extent that the elected Council deems appropriate in the Plan) and
- monitor and report on progress towards the achievement of community outcomes.
Community outcomes are a judgement of the community and therefore belong to the community. The Council does not adopt/approve the outcomes in the sense that it adopts the LTCCP.
These outcomes identified are intended to guide the planning processes of local authorities, but are not binding on them. Through the Long-term Council Community Plan, the Council is required to identify what role, if any, it will have in achieving the identified community outcomes.
The community outcomes cannot be achieved by the Council alone. The outcomes will only be achieved if a wide range of groups and organisations including community groups, central government, iwi and business, as well as the Council, all play a role in implementation. The Council will continue to work with others to further the community outcomes.
Community Outcomes for the Whakatane District
Clean protected environment
Where:
- The environment is clean and natural resources are protected and conserved.
- The community is educated and involved in environmental care.
- Natural and cultural heritage places are recognised and protected.
- Waste is well managed.
Environmentally responsible development
Where:
- Development is planned, managed and controlled sustainably.
- Economic growth is balanced with cultural, social and environmental responsibility.
- Environmental laws are actively enforced.
- Sustainable energy use is encouraged.
- There is a sense of pride and enjoyment about how attractive the district is.
Prosperous economy
Where:
- The economy is prosperous in both urban and rural areas.
- Business builds on the district’s assets to support the economy.
- Māori economic development is supported.
- New businesses are attracted to the area and all businesses are encouraged.
- Employment opportunities are available for all.
High-quality affordable infrastructure
Where:
- High-quality affordable infrastructure supports growth (e.g. transport, water, energy, waste).
- Transport links to the district are maintained and enhanced.
- Roading is safe, convenient, and appropriate to all users.
- People, infrastructure and the environment are protected from natural disasters.
- Improvements in communications technology are available throughout the district (e.g. mobile coverage and fast internet access).
Strong, transparent and open leadership
Where:
- Leaders are visible, strong, have a clear vision and listen to all sectors of the community.
- Decision making processes are transparent, open and inclusive.
- Council, the community and Māori work in partnership.
- Council costs are appropriate for the services provided.
Education and training opportunities for all
Where:
- Affordable quality education and training accessible to all.
- Education and training supports economic growth.
- Participation in education is encouraged and supported, especially for youth.
- Education values and promotes cultural heritage.
Safe caring community
Where:
- Communities help themselves and care about each other.
- Drug, alcohol and gambling abuse is diminished.
- Homes and neighbourhoods are free from fear of violence or crime.
- Youth development is supported and youth gain from and contribute to our community.
Healthy people and quality housing
Where:
- Affordable, quality housing is available for all.
- Initiatives are in place to encourage self sufficiency in housing.
- Quality primary and secondary health care and facilities accessible to all.
- Information and support for preventative health issues is made available to all.
- Appropriate support is available for disadvantaged, disabled and those in need.
Diverse, creative and active community
Where:
- Facilities and venues are in place to accommodate a wide range activities for all.
- Activities and events support and celebrate culture, creativity and recreation.
- Parks, reserves and recreational facilities are enhanced and increased.
- Māori culture is valued, celebrated, promoted and protected.
- Diversity is valued and different cultures, genders and ages are respected.
- All forms of art are catered for.