1,000+ community views to help guide Council’s strategic direction

Published on 27 February 2025

Surf Coast Shire Council received more than 1,000 contributions to its Our Focus Our Future community engagement project, which will set the strategic direction for 2025-2029.

Between mid-November and early February, Council received 858 survey responses, 83 youth surveys, feedback from around 80 kids and 16 group submissions.  Councillors and officers also spoke to more than 1,110 people at 16 pop up sessions across the shire.

The engagement revealed a highly invested community with a number of priorities emerging:

• Environmental protection and sustainable growth: Strong community desire to protect natural spaces and prevent overdevelopment.
• Cost of living and housing affordability: Housing shortages and rising living costs are major challenges.
• Infrastructure and transport: Concerns about public transport limitations, road safety, and cycling/pedestrian accessibility.
• Tourism and local impact: Concerns about seasonal overcrowding and its impact on infrastructure, which must be carefully managed.
• Health and wellbeing: Mental health concerns, family violence and substance abuse were identified as issues.

When asked about financial sustainability, respondents supported a balanced approach to managing Council’s bottom line, with a focus on greater community involvement in delivering local initiatives.

Young people prioritised safe public spaces, better public transport, and youth programs.

Kinder-aged children highlighted the importance of outdoor play, parks, and social interactions.

In addition to the survey a community panel has been established, following a random selection expressions of interest process, to give advice to Council to support the development of Council’s key strategic plans.  Its 45 community members representing a range of demographic groups met for the first time last night and will meet throughout March.

Mayor Mike Bodsworth thanked everyone who contributed to the Our Focus Our Future project.

“All 1,000-plus views shared have been compiled to create a clear picture of what matters most to locals and what you want us to focus on over the next four years.”

“This is hugely valuable information for Council, which will help us set priorities and balance this with Council maintaining a sustainable financial position.”

“Plus we look forward to the community panel unpacking this even further over the next month.”