Consultation and Needs Assessment

As part of the consultation process and needs assessment for the preparation of this Social/Community Plan, Council used several sources and methods to achieve realistic outcomes with regard to objectives and actions included in the plan.

Municipal Health Plan

During 1997 and 1998 Council was involved in the development of the Municipal Health Plan which focused not only on health issues but also on the community and environmental wellbeing.

This holistic approach to planning not only recognises the interaction of environment, community and economy, but the need for an integrated approach to planning as a means of creating healthy local areas.

The following steps led to the preparation of the Municipal Health Plan:

• The establishment of a steering committee, consisting of organisational and community representatives to oversee the development of the plan
• Identification of the basic philosophy of the Municipal Health Plan. A socio-ecological health framework was adopted, focusing upon three broad theme areas of environment, economy and community
• The establishment of 19 vision workshops, designed to provide a comprehensive and exhaustive community consultation process. The vision process identified health issues within the areas of environment, community and economy
• Questionnaires and surveys were constructed, advertised in the local media and mailed out to households as a means of identifying priority health issues
• The construction of a demographic and epidemiological profile to canvass health issues of importance in Kiama Municipality
• Compilation and examination of priority health issues identified by a needs assessment of local health service providers
• Collation of the visions and information obtained from the community and organisations to identify health issues. The development of action strategies, including assigning of responsibility to the relevant task force committee as a means of addressing strategies formulated for priority health issues
• Completion of the draft Municipal Health Plan. Review and writing of the final plan
• Implementation of action strategies in the local community

1998 Community Profile

Council on 18th August 1998 endorsed the Draft 1998 Community Profile developed with relevant data based on the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) 1996 Census and other information provided by government agencies. This was updated in April 1999.

The profile provides demographic statistical data for the Kiama Local Government Area including information on the seven mandatory target groups. This is a companion document to the Social/Community Plan.

The Arts Industry and Cultural Tourism Feasibility Study

This study was developed to improve communication and cooperation between artists, craft people and cultural workers aiming to develop links with the business community and raise the profile of the community cultural assets.

This project consisted of surveys of artists, cultural organisations, tourist visitations and activities, as well as community and industry consultations.

Community Satisfaction and Services Priority Survey

This survey was carried out across the Municipality between September and December 1998. It was designed as a social and strategic planning tool to gain information from local residents about Council's services satisfaction, importance of different programs, priorities for key services and facilities as well as best method of consultation.

Review of plans, programs and policies

A review of the Council's first Social Plan, other government agencies' regional plans, existing community services programs and policies was carried out to ascertain gaps in service provision and newly uncovered needs or issues.

Other Surveys

Specific surveys designed from existing children, youth, aged and disability programs were carried out seeking the views of service recipients and/or target groups.

Requests for Submissions

Between September and December 1998 comments/submissions were sought from approximately 100 community organisations, advertisements in the local media and through the Council's website.

The final draft of the Community Social Plan is to be placed on public exhibition together with the Draft Management Plan.