Our principles guide the way we work and how we make decisions – from everyday services to long-term planning. They provide a framework that ensures our actions and decisions reflect the community’s priorities across all areas of Council activity. Our principles are:
1. Community first
We put our community at the centre of everything we do.
We are helpful and friendly, respond promptly, follow up, and make it easy at every step. We actively seek community feedback to understand what is important and how we can continue to improve.
2. Environmental sustainability
We take care of our natural environment by making choices that preserve resources and support the health of the environment and the health and the wellbeing of current and future generations.
We build community resilience, take action to reduce climate change impacts, and support our community to mitigate and adapt to a changing climate.
3. Clear and responsible decision-making
We make fair, transparent and ethical decisions based on what our community tells us is important. We manage funds responsibly and are clear and accountable about how money is spent on projects, services and infrastructure.
4. Access, inclusion and equity
We celebrate diversity and include people of all backgrounds, cultures, beliefs, abilities, sexualities, ages and genders. We create welcoming, accessible places where everyone can feel valued and participate fully. We remove barriers to participation and work closely with groups facing greater challenges to support their full inclusion. Some of these groups are described on Our commitment to health and wellbeing and our health priorities webpage, and in the plan’s section under the same title.
5. Local living
We work with our community to make neighbourhoods inclusive, vibrant and connected while celebrating their unique character and history. We plan for thoughtful growth that brings new homes, jobs and services close to where people live and spend their time. We focus on the local factors that promote good health and wellbeing - such as access to housing choices, safe and accessible transport, places to learn, connect with others and enjoy nature.
6. Innovative delivery
We master the basics, while embracing innovation and change that adds value.
We are open to new ideas and ways of working, and we explore different approaches to see what works best. By building on strong foundations, evaluating and learning, we adapt and improve to deliver greater impact over time. We focus on how to make things happen rather than finding ways to say ‘no’.
7. Leadership, partnership and advocacy
We lead by example and use our voice to advocate for the needs and priorities of our community. We collaborate with all levels of government, partners and stakeholders to influence positive change, pursue shared goals, and deliver long-term benefits for our community.