Will, Ararat Rural City Council CEO Andrew Evans, Sam and Bella wth their ideas for Ararat Rural City in 2030.
ARARAT- Residents are being asked to put their thinking caps on and have their say about the future as Community Vision 2030 postcards are distributed and listening post meetings held.
Ararat Rural City Mayor Cr Ian Wilson urged everyone to get involved in the development of the Community Vision 2030 document and the 2013-2017 Council Plan, which will outline strategic priorities for the future of their municipality and help guide Council decision making.
"Council wants to hear what residents have to say so we can develop the best documents possible," Cr Wilson said.
"The Council is looking forward to hearing what residents and ratepayers think, and we're really excited to see how they want their municipality to look in 2030. I encourage everyone to get involved to help influence our future direction."
Every resident in the municipality is being given the chance to be part of the Community Vision 2030 through the listening posts and the postcards, which will be mailed to every household. People have the chance to win an iPad by filling in the postcards, which cover the Council's four pillars - community, lifestyle, economy and environment.
Cr Wilson said listening posts are currently being held in eight locations around the municipality so the Council can gather as many views as possible.
"Residents can drop into their nearest listening post and chat to Councillors about their vision for the municipality," he said.
"The information gathered from the postcards and the listening posts will be collated and fed into the development of the Community Vision 2030 and the 2013-2017 Council Plan. The more people we hear from the better - this is your opportunity to contribute to creating a positive, bright future for our municipality."
Other community engagement activities being held as part of the development of Community Vision 2030 will include a poster competition for primary school children, meetings with Student Representative Councils and a Futures Forum.
To be eligible to win an iPad your completed postcards need to be returned by Wednesday March 27 2013.
If your household does not receive your Community Vision 2030 postcard in the next week, or should you have any further questions regarding the process, please phone 5355 0200.
Community Vision 2030 listening posts details are as follows:
Tomorrow, 5pm - 7pm Ararat Rural City Council Offices, Thursday March 21, 11.15am - 12.15pm Streatham Hall in conjunction with Outreach Library Service, 3.15pm - 4.15pm Willaura Hall in conjunction with Outreach Library Service, Monday March 25, 10.15am - 11.15am Moyston Post Office, 11.45am - 12.45pm Pomonal Post Office and General Store, Tuesday March 26, 2pm - 3.30pm Lake Bolac Business Centre and VIC meeting room.