Value Statements

A collection of statements that outline the values and standards adopted by Shoalhaven City Council.

	Vision
	Mission Statement
	Core Principles
	Objectives
	Request for More Information

Shoalhaven Vision 2020

We will work together in the Shoalhaven to foster a safe and attractive community for people to live, work, stay and play; where sustainable growth, development and environmental protection are managed to provide a unique and relaxed lifestyle.

Mission Statement

To enhance Shoalhaven’s strong communities, natural, rural and built environments and appropriate economic activities through strategic leadership, good management, community engagement and innovative use of resources.

Core Principles

The core principles applied in the development of the objectives and strategies of the plan are:

ECOLOGICALLY SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT PRINCIPLES

• The precautionary principle-where there are threats of serious or irreversible environmental damage, lack of full scientific certainty should not be used as a reason for postponing measures to prevent environmental damage.

• Intergenerational equity

• Conservation of biological diversity and ecological integrity and

• Improved valuation, pricing and incentive mechanisms

Council has used its existing document “Guidelines for Integrating the Principles of Ecologically Sustainable Development (ESD) Into Shoalhaven City Council Activities” and the requirements of the Local Government Act to ensure that ESD is carefully and meaningfully included in the Community Strategic Plan.

SOCIAL JUSTICE PRINCIPLES

The aspirations and priorities identified within the plan are based on the social justice principles of:

Equity: ensure that all people are treated equally while also recognising that there are situations where application of the same rules to disadvantaged and marginalised groups can generate unequal results.

Access and connectedness: the community needs and wants to be connected and have equal access to services and facilities. This can be achieved through improved transport options and improved mobility, through connections with each other, through connections with the environment, through provision of facilities and services that meet community need and through business connection opportunities.

Participation: the creation and implementation of the objectives and strategies within the plan must be achieved with the full participation and support of the community.

Rights: the Community Strategic Plan includes strategies which will deliver the basic rights and freedoms to which all humans are entitled.

EFFECTIVE GOVERNANCE

Council must provide mature and strategic leadership and strive for continued improvement in the sustainable resourcing of the practical delivery of the community's aspirations.

Objectives

SHOALHAVEN COMMUNITIES

• A City of diverse, united and connected communities
• A creative, vibrant, generous and learning community
• A community that feels safe
• A healthy and active community
• Major town centres that are attractive, vibrant and popular destinations
• Sustainable water supply and sewerage services providing responsible community returns

SHOALHAVEN ENVIRONMENTS

• A City that protects, values and cares for the Shoalhaven environment
• Population and urban settlement growth that is ecologically sustainable, carefully planned and managed to meet the needs of the community
• A community that seeks to reduce global warming impacts and increase our ability to adapt to the effects and impacts of climate change
• A City that shows leadership in ecologically sustainable development and living
• Community infrastructure and services that are environmentally responsible and ecologically sustainable

SHOALHAVEN ECONOMY

• An economy that is based on Shoalhaven's distinct characteristics, advantages and natural qualities
• An economy that supports and is supported by a growing, diverse and changing community
• Effective promotion of Shoalhaven's investment, business and job opportunities, lifestyle attractions and vision

SHOALHAVEN LEADERSHIP

• A Council that is actively engaged with the community and others in its decision making
• A collaborative Council with rewarding partnerships and effective advocacy
• A Council that is respected, professional, trustworthy and transparent
• A Council that is equitable, strategic and considers the needs of all generations, now and in the future
• A Council that is accountable and sustainable