Among the first items of business will be finalising our first Hilltops Community Strategic Plan or CSP.

It’s an important document so I want to ensure everyone is up to speed on where it’s up to, and how they can contribute.

The CSP sets out the long-term aspirations of the Hilltops community; where you – the community – see your region heading over the next decade, and what you value most about living here.

In that sense, it is very much a document owned by the community.

In fact, it’s been drafted based heavily on community input.

A comprehensive public engagement process was undertaken by council to better understand what the community’s aspirations are, and what it is that residents feel is important in terms of future-proofing our region.

This information – gathered during workshops, surveys and focus groups – has fed into the draft CSP which is currently on public display.

It’s important now for the community to continue their vital involvement and provide feedback on the draft plan, to ensure it accurately reflects community sentiment.

One of the priorities identified as important for the region include a sustainable community characterised by affordable housing, employment opportunities, leading educational facilities, economic growth and diversification, sound transport infrastructure and ultimately, the preservation of a “country lifestyle”.

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