Community Planning and Development

Community Planning and Development is central to Local Government, as it's emphasis is on servicing people, enhancing communities and being responsive to local needs.

The art of community planning is evolving rapidly and an effective social and community planning and development process is characterised by six features: Consultative; Participative; Cooperative; Negotiated; Strategic; Developmental.

The development of a comprehensive approach to Community Planning and Development is the way of the future.  As so many community issues are best addressed at the local level, Cairns Regional Council has developed an holistic approach to Community Planning and Development.  In doing so they achieved an integrated planning process in which strategic linkages were established between physical, economic, social, cultural and environmental planning activities across the community and Local, State and Commonwealth government agencies.

Through the community development process, community's are able to gain skills in a number of areas, including Better Decision Making; Increased Community Confidence; Co-operative Relations; Sense of Belonging; Increased Accountability; Leadership; and Community Identity.

The Cairns Regional Council Community Planning and Development Officer is investigating and responding to the needs and aspirations of the people who live or work in the Cairns region, to ensure that the local Cairns community is empowered with these skills.

A number of strategic documents have been produced through this position, as follows.   A useful reference map related to these directories is also available for viewing.

• Access For All Directory
• Community Resource Directory
• Senior Services Directory
• Venue Directory
• FNQ Indigenous Organisation Directory
• Youth Services Directory
• Directory Map (1.5MB)
  

Community Development Financial Assistance Programme

Community Development Stream

One round of funding for the Community Development Stream of Council's financial assistance programme are available per year.  This round will commence in January and close on the last Friday in March.  The maximum amount of funding available from Council per grant is $5 000.

Framework for Community Development in Local Government

The framework is available as an Adobe Acrobat file (211KB).

Contact Officer:
Sarah Gosling
Phone: 4044 3351
Fax: 4044 3830
Email: s.gosling@cairns.qld.gov.au