SUWP Summit

Hi BE Net,
How’s things in your neck of the woods?

Here is info from the SUWP Summit for your interest, click here to download. And wanted to let you know that the date for the Community Forum has changed – from 13 October to Saturday 3 November (afternoon; still at Wendouree Performing Arts Centre).
The Summit process had two main components. First task was to create a series of statements that visualised the ideal state for Ballarat (“We’ll know we’re there when…”); the specific task was to write statements that related to at least two of the SUWP themes (Biodiversity, Health, Water, Growth) so that the vision statements would integrate the themes.

Second task was to take that statement (the ideal state) and reverse it (our current state), then come up with Actions/Activities that would lead to outcomes which move us closer to achieving the visions. We had four groups undertake the process and I think by the time the first action was completed (mid-afternoon) everyone was worn out so we didn’t get too far through the list.

My current plan is to draft a short visionary document identifying things which are achievable; have that endorsed by local groups and organisations prior to the forum; then hopefully have that published in the Courier the week prior to the forum. I wonder if the Courier would set up a voting system online (Like a tick the box for each statement and see which ones are most popular)?

The forum is the major avenue to get community support for project outcomes before its presented to the new Councillors – hopefully for uptake during the next Council term (and beyond).

Hope your traveling well.

Cheers,
Cherie (from Ballarat Environment Network BEN)