Frequently Asked Questions
If we haven’t answered your question please email us and we would be happy to get back to you.
Why would I want to / should I get involved?
This is an opportunity for you to have a say in the future of where you and / or your children will live. Being involved will also give you an understanding of what are the issues for others in the community.
How can I get involved?
From April 2009 through until June 2010 there are many opportunities for you to contribute to the development of the Vision for the Ryde area, including the following:
- Leave a message on our future phone - 1300 645 063 (a 24 hour service for you to leave a message)
- Email us on ryde2030@ryde.nsw.gov.au
- Fill in an online survey
- Send us a postcard with your hopes and concerns for the future on it
- Attend an event we are at and talk to us
- Participate in a workshop of focus group
- Have a conversation at a World Café event
- Telephone us on 9952 8208.
Community representatives were also invited to submit an application to be a member of the Theme Committees. We have 12 community representatives on the four Theme Committees.
You can also receive updates on what’s happening with the project, via our newsletter or by regularly visiting this website.
Why is Council doing this?
This type of long term planning is better practice for local government and will assist the City of Ryde to plan for the future of the City to ensure we meet the needs of the community.
It is also anticipated that all local councils will be required to develop a Community Strategic Plan in the future, as determined by the Department of Local Government.
Why is Council spending money on this project?
It would be easy for Council officers to write a Community Strategic Plan, however involving the community through a lot of engagement opportunities will not only provide a better process and final document but it will involve the community and hopefully give some ownership to those who become involved to the future of the City. Involving the community will also increase their understanding of issues for the community and the limitations and opportunities around some of those issues.
What will be the end product?
The end product will be a document which will be user friendly, easy to read and will clearly identify the vision for the Ryde LGA, and what strategies or actions will be done to achieve that vision. There will also be an implementation plan which will identify who is responsible for certain strategies, by when and how we will measure if they have been successful. This implementation plan will enable review of the plan, to measure the success and to report back to the community.
What will happen with the Ryde 2020 and City Vision?
Yes, we will go back to the information gained from the past processes and include it into the development of the Ryde 2030 plan. Council's have always developed strategic plans to guide the way programs and services are delivered. In essence however a community planning process that we will be embarking on for Ryde 2030 has not been previously done.
The City of Ryde is one of the first Council’s in NSW to develop a community plan under the DLG proposed new regulation and guidelines for Integrated Planning and Reporting in local government. This type of plan will directly involve the community and stakeholders in its development and will ensure that direct links to NSW Govt Strategies such as the State Plan, Metro Strategy and inner north sub Regional Plan are considered into all strategies developed. This means it is completely different from all other Council Strategic Plans done in the past.
What does Ryde 2030 really mean for the community?
Creating a clear vision and associated strategies will help Council, state and federal governments and community groups understand what is important for the Ryde community and how we can work together to address those needs.
What is the time frame?
The Ryde 2030 Community Strategic Plan framework was adopted by Council in December 2008 and is planned to be completed by July 2010.
Why does it take so long?
There are many people in the community, residents, businesses, community groups, visitors who all have differing views on what is important to them in 20 years time. To make sure that Council hears from all of those people, not just those that speak the loudest, there is an extensive program of activities to engage all walks of life in the Ryde community to tell us what they think.
The process of engagement starts out large, we are asking very broad questions, but through the life of the project the questions become more targeted and focused on what the community has already told us.
It is important for the community to feel like they have had sufficient time to have their say, understand the project and become involved.
How can I support this initiative?
There are many ways you can support the development of the Ryde 2030 Community Strategic Plan. You can tell your family and friends about it and get involved by providing your feedback throughout the process.
You can provide giveaways that we can offer as an incentive and thank you for people’s participation.
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