What’s Happening?
Townsville City Council has invited residents to help shape the future of their city by providing input on its upcoming 2025–2029 Corporate Plan.
Mayor Troy Thompson emphasised the importance of aligning this new Corporate Plan with community expectations and the vision of a new Council, which includes conducting public consultation sessions and online surveys for greater accessibility.
Why It Matters
The Corporate Plan is a crucial framework for Council, guiding its objectives and outlining its role in delivering services for Townsville.
Mayor Thompson highlighted that the plan is vital for reflecting community sentiment, stating, “Across all levels of government, we have seen people wanting change…they want to be heard and they want to have their say.”
By engaging the community, Council aims to ensure that resident input is actively considered in its future direction, from planning for growth to improving accessibility and services.
Local Impact
Residents are given a unique opportunity to directly influence how Council prioritises and addresses the needs of Townsville.
From identifying critical improvements to envisioning broader city-wide goals, the community can actively shape the policies that will impact their daily lives and surroundings.
By the Numbers:
- Bullet point 1: The 2025–2029 Corporate Plan will follow the current Corporate Plan, set to end shortly, and will cover a new four-year period for guiding Council’s activities.
- Bullet point 2: Two major “Big Conversations” community drop-in sessions have been scheduled, enabling residents to voice their thoughts directly to Councillors.
- Bullet point 3: Multiple smaller, localised consultation sessions will occur throughout Townsville suburbs, in addition to an online “Have Your Say” survey for residents who prefer digital participation.
Zoom In
On Saturday, 16 November, and Saturday, 30 November, Townsville residents can attend the first two scheduled Big Conversations community drop-in sessions at the Mayoral Forecourt, located at Townsville City Council on Walker Street.
This initiative is designed to provide ample face-to-face engagement opportunities, allowing residents to share their visions for the city in an interactive, think-tank-style format with Councillors and industry stakeholders.
Zoom Out
Public consultation and participatory governance are increasingly seen as essential components of local government planning.
This initiative reflects a broader trend of Councils across Australia engaging directly with citizens to inform strategic planning. “This is not just a tick-a-box exercise,” Councillor Thompson said, “and we will be taking people’s insights into account when shaping Council’s 2025–2029 Corporate Plan, the guiding document that outlines why we do what we do.”
What to Look For Next?
Following the drop-in sessions and online consultation, Townsville Council will review feedback and draft the Corporate Plan, with insights shaping key decisions for 2025–2029.
Further updates on the plan’s progress and any additional public engagement opportunities will be available via Council’s Have Your Say platform.
Dates for Drop-In Sessions:
- Saturday, 16 November: 10 am–12 pm at the Mayoral Forecourt, 103 Walker Street, Townsville.
- Saturday, 30 November: 9 am–11 am at the same location.
For more details on the Corporate Plan consultation and to complete the feedback survey, visit HERE.
