Shire of Denmark unanimously passes strategic community plan review after 1700 community submissions

The Shire of Denmark unanimously passed its strategic community plan review with no amendments at a special council meeting on Tuesday, setting out its plans for the next 10 years. Feedback from the community consisted of wanting to feel heard during decision-making through processes such a public comment periods and inviting relevant stakeholders to the discussion. One submission included the request for the preservation of dog trails in the area, specifically at the Prawn Rock Channel sandflats, and to improve accessibility in places such as the Channel and Lights beaches, while others called for the development of an aquatic recreation centre. Cr Kingsley Gibson thanked the Denmark community for providing the 1700 pieces of feedback the Shire received. “The community really wanted a degree of concrete outcomes, and that would have to be weighed against the order of our higher strategic documentation,” he said. “There was a great deal of concern about housing, which is out of our hands a bit, and youth and mental health issues.” “We probably narrowed our focus a little too much, and I’m grateful the community provided that feedback, as the shire is built upon the strength of the community and its groups.” “The strategy will not only support and give the Shire a clear direction, but will also allow for the many active groups within the community to develop and continue.”