Strategic Plan
Foreword
We welcome you to our new Strategic Plan; a plan that sets out the Shire of Derby/West Kimberley’s direction for the five year period until 2009. This plan was formulated to assist us in meeting the challenges ahead and to strategically position our Shire to take advantage of the opportunities that will arise in the future.
The role of the Strategic Plan is to guide the activities of councillors and staff, ensuring that we focus on the matters of importance to the community. Following the success of our previous plan, which resulted in a significantly more stable and administratively more efficient organisation, the strong focus of this Strategic Plan is the continuation and improvement of our communication and consultation with the community.
It is important to note that this plan was formulated in recognition of the financial position of the Shire, and as such the strategies identified were framed within the context of using and accessing available resources. We are confident that the strategies and action plans within the Strategic Plan can and will be achieved.
This plan is a ‘living’ document, subject to ongoing review, with outcomes and achievements that will be reported to the community.
We thank all participants and contributors in the various workshops that were conducted and encourage your continued participation and review of this document. Further comments and input are welcome from all residents.
Thanks also go to Dr Liz Pattison, the consultant appointed to facilitate the preparation of the plan. Her skills ensured that we achieved our goal of developing a plan with the community, for the community.
The Spirit of the True Kimberley
Derby/West Kimberley covers a vast area of 102,700 square kilometres, is located more than 2,000 kilometres north of Perth and has numerous Aboriginal communities and two main towns – Derby and Fitzroy Crossing.
The area represents the true Kimberley and the community fully reflects the Kimberley spirit.
The term the true Kimberley captures the special attributes of the place:
- The dramatic and beautiful landscape of gorges, islands, mountain ranges, mud flats, boab trees and the mighty Fitzroy River.
- The colours, wildlife, abundant fishing grounds and pastoral country.
- The extreme environment with huge tides (the highest in the Australia), and the two distinct seasons, the Wet and the Dry, with tropical storms and floods in the Wet season.
- The opportunities and untapped potential.
While the Kimberley Spirit refers to the distinctiveness of the people that results from:
- The remoteness that creates a pioneering spirit and common bond.
- The strong presence of Aboriginal culture and language.
- The mix of people from many backgrounds and cultures who live in harmony.
- The history of struggle, conflict, endeavour and resilience.
- The connectedness of the people to the land, the landscape and the seasons.
- The friendly, welcoming style of the people and the relaxed lifestyle.
- The feeling of 'Coming Home'.
Our Mission Statement
In partnership with our community we will strive to promote and cultivate our Kimberley spirit, lifestyles and opportunities.
Our Innovations and Achievements 2001-2004
Since the development of the Shire’s first Strategic Plan in 2001 councillors and staff have worked together to achieve:
- Clear direction supported by detailed planning.
- A more proactive approach in pursuing opportunities and evaluating alternatives.
- Financial stability for the Shire.
- Enhanced community relationships and partnerships, including the ability to interact effectively with the Aboriginal Community.
- A stronger focus on recreation, culture and youth.
- Completion of major infrastructure projects including airport improvements, oval lighting, and Derby recreation centre enhancements.
- Progress with Native Title.
- A well-managed organisation with comprehensive policies and procedures and compliance with legislation.
- Investment in our workplace and staff.
- Professional and cohesive relationships between councillors and staff.
The learning from these achievements positions us well to deliver this next Strategic Plan, 2005 – 2009.
Our Vision
Our vision centres on the people of Derby/West Kimberley.
We believe Derby/West Kimberley must continue to reflect the true Kimberley spirit, retaining our very special culture and identity while meeting the needs of the future.
We will seek to achieve a very special blend of friendly, safe communities and attractive towns. Our future will be built on people working together and respecting each other’s values and lifestyles, while maintaining the strong streak of independence that is typical of Kimberley people.
Growth in business, industry and tourism is a key part of our vision in order to maintain lifestyle, provide jobs, and achieve the economic base for the comprehensive range of services and facilities required by our community.
Excellence in education and training and the delivery of a wide range of community services are critical to achieving the future we want. Our vision is based on working with other agencies to achieve high quality education and health services that fit local needs.
We will value and protect our natural environment. Enjoying our landscape, heritage and culture will continue to be a life experience that we will promote and share with visitors.
We aim to be a place where community and Shire work together, gaining recognition for leadership and innovation in meeting the opportunities and challenges of today and the future.
Achieving the Vision
To achieve the Vision we will need to find new ways forward that are consistent with the Kimberley spirit, the needs and aspirations of our people, and the economic potential of this vast area, rich in resources, water and space.
From an economic development perspective we will need to: - be innovative in creating the jobs of the future;
- encourage major resource industry projects (eg onshore gas processing) and ensure the total community benefits; and
- find new ways of providing skills-based learning, employment and hope for our young people.
From a sustainability perspective we will need to: - constantly be aware of the legacy we want to leave for future generations;
- ensure the rate of growth can be sustained; and
- truly value the land we live on and take care of the earth’s fragile resources.
From a community development perspective we will need to: - take the whole community with us on the journey to achieve the Vision;
- find new ways to develop the potential of the whole community,
- consistent with the Kimberley spirit and specific needs of the region; and
- work with others who want to find new ways forward and, where necessary, change the way of thinking of government agencies.
Our Beliefs and Values
We believe in: - The future potential of the area.
- The people of Derby/West Kimberley and their passion for the area.
- Community harmony.
- Our distinctive natural environment, landscape, heritage and culture.
- Our will to succeed.
- Making our world a better place to live for our children and future generations.
Our values are: - Commitment, care and compassion for those we serve and represent.
- Genuine respect for other people’s values.
- Appreciation of everyone’s contribution to the achievement of the Vision for Derby/West Kimberley.
- Courage to find solutions that will work for our people and region.
- Having fun while we take the journey to the future.
Major Challenges
The major challenges in delivering the Vision will be: - Our shrinking revenue base as a Shire (especially the reducing rate base and declining grants).
- Requirements to deliver current policies of the National and State governments that are not adequately resourced, and new policies that are not costed or resourced.
- Influencing the government agenda and achieving government support for the region.
- Attracting entrepreneurial investment.
- Meeting the demand for skilled labour in the region.
- Understanding and addressing social problems, and influencing decision-makers in this regard.
- Managing environmental problems, especially fire, water, pests and noxious weeds.
- Resolving Native Title issues.
- Maintaining the political will to deliver, and 'keeping our feet on the ground' as a Shire representing the people.
Documents
| File Type | File Size | File Name | File Description |  | 303kb | Strategic Plan | Document containing the full Strategic Plan 2005-2009 for the Shire of Derby/West Kimberley. |
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