Feedback on the draft IP&R documents

The Integrated Planning and Reporting (IP&R) Framework is a strategic approach adopted by local councils in New South Wales (NSW) to ensure long-term, sustainable, and community-focused decision-making. This framework aligns council planning with the needs and aspirations of local communities, ensuring transparency, accountability, and efficient resource management. 

The IP&R Framework aims to:

• Establish a long-term vision for the local government area, ensuring decisions support sustainable and strategic growth.
• Promote community engagement by incorporating feedback and priorities into planning and operational activities.
• Ensure financial sustainability through responsible budgeting and asset management.
• Align local, regional, and state priorities to create cohesive planning strategies.
• Provide a structured approach for councils to report progress and adapt plans as circumstances change.

While a council has a custodial role in initiating, preparing and maintaining the plan on behalf of the Local Government Area, it is not wholly responsible for its implementation. Other partners, such as state agencies and community groups may also support in delivering the long term objectives of the plan. Following an ordinary election of Councillors, the new Council must review and adopt the Community Strategic Plan before 30 June of the following year. The Council may endorse the existing plan, endorse amendments to the existing plan or develop and endorse a new plan, as appropriate, to ensure that the Local Government Area has a plan covering at least the next 10 years.

The Community Strategic Plan and other Integrated Planning and Reporting documents are on public exhibition for a minimum of 28 days commencing 22 April 2025 until 20 May 2025. Following exhibition and consideration of submissions received, the final documents are to be presented to Council's June 2025 meeting for final endorsement.