FAQs
Completing an online survey on this webpage.
Attending a pop-up information stall and/or
Submitting a photo that represents the lifestyle, facilities, and activities you value most about the Shoalhaven.
What is the Community Strategic Plan (CSP)?
A Community Strategic Plan is a 10-year plan that outlines the community’s vision for the future. It identifies and the main priorities and aspirations of the community and how these can be achieved. Council takes a lead role in the implementation of this Plan, however, responsibility for achieving our long-term goals rests with all levels of government, businesses, industry groups, community organisations and individuals.
How does the CSP inform Council’s activities?
The CSP guides Council's strategic and operational planning, resourcing and service delivery. It also ensures ongoing monitoring, evaluation and community engagement. Council’s Delivery Program and Operational Plan and Budget use the CSP to make sure our activities and programs meet community needs and expectations.
The CSP also informs our Delivery Program and Operational Plan (DPOP) 2025-26 as well as the Resourcing Strategy and Budget. Each of these documents will be exhibited in May 2025.
Why is the CSP being reviewed?
Council is required to review and update a CSP every four years under the NSW Government’s legislated, ‘Integrated planning and reporting (IP&R) framework.’
The review ensures the CSP remains relevant and captures the current and evolving aspirations of the whole community. There have been lots of changes over the past four years and a review allows us to see if the Plan is on track or needs to be updated.
How can I get involved?
We will be seeking your feedback to update the CSP during March 2025. You are invited to get involved by;
The details of each of these engagement opportunities can be found on our Get Involved webpage.
Why is it important for me to provide my feedback?
Providing your input to help update the CSP ensures the final plan is an accurate reflection of your wants and needs for the city in which you live, work and play. It is imperative that we hear from residents, so the goals outlined within the plan are a true reflection of our community’s wishes for the Shoalhaven.
How will my feedback be used?
All feedback will be used to inform the review and update of the new Community Strategic Plan 2035. An engagement report will be drafted to accompany the draft CSP when it is considered for exhibition by the elected Council.
Who else will Council be engaging to help update the CSP?
An industry workshop will be held to seek feedback from business representatives, and we will also be meeting with some Advisory Committees to ensure diverse views from the community are captured during the engagement period.
How will Council fund the priorities in the CSP?
While Council takes a lead role in developing and implementing the CSP, it is everyone's responsibility, including government stakeholders, business and individuals, to help make our collective vision for the city a reality. The aim of seeking feedback from the community is to ensure the goals set are realistic and achievable. The CSP will also take into consideration Council’s current and projected financial position, including identifying project costs and funding opportunities. Actions which support the priorities in the CSP are funded through the Delivery Program and Operational Plan each year alongside budget allocation.
How is the CSP different from the Community Infrastructure Strategic Plan (CISP)?
The CISP provides a framework to guide the planning and strategic management of infrastructure across the city, including open space and community facilities owned and / or managed by Council.
Will all the goals identified in the CSP be achieved?
The CSP sets a vision for the community for the next decade however the document is reviewed and updated every four years. Any goals that have not been achieved may be reincorporated into a new plan if they continue to be identified as a priority by the community.