Integrated planning and reporting framework
The Integrated Planning and Reporting (IPR) Framework provides a structured approach for local governments to plan for the future of the district and report on progress. It encourages continuous improvement in how priorities are set, resources are allocated, and accountability is maintained.
The Framework ensures that:
- community input is consistently integrated into long-term planning,
- planning is coordinated across financial, asset, workforce and service areas,
- performance is monitored so the Shire can adapt to changing needs, and
- planning processes are regularly refined and improved.
Roles within IPR
- Community — participates in visioning and priority setting
- Council — defines strategic direction and adopts key planning documents
- Administration (led by the CEO) — delivers a transparent process and ensures resources are aligned to priorities
Community Engagement
Community engagement is a fundamental part of the Integrated Planning and Reporting Framework. The visioning and goal-setting process is undertaken with the community, giving residents a genuine role in shaping strategic priorities for the future.
Through consultation, the community helps identify the key issues, options and opportunities that need to be considered. This ensures that medium- and long-term priorities balance aspirations with affordability.
Major engagement activities are undertaken at least every four years, in line with legislative requirements. These may include surveys, workshops, and opportunities for feedback, supported by ongoing engagement throughout the life of the plans.
Planning
The Integrated Planning and Reporting Framework provides a clear link between community aspirations, strategic direction and day-to-day operations.
The Council Plan is the Shire’s long-term plan for the future. It sets out the community’s vision, aspirations and priorities over a ten-year period, developed through consultation and engagement.
The Council Plan and accompanying Service Plans have replaced the former Strategic Community Plan and Corporate Business Plan as the Shire’s primary strategic planning documents. This new approach brings strategic direction and service delivery into a single, integrated system.
- The Council Plan provides the overarching direction for the next decade.
- Service Plans translate this into operational priorities and are reviewed each year to ensure actions remain achievable, affordable and aligned with community expectations.
Supporting these are key informing documents that ensure priorities can be delivered in a sustainable way. These include:
- the Annual Budget, which provides the detailed financial plan for each year,
- the Long Term Financial Plan,
- the Workforce and Diversity Plan,
- the Asset Management Plan, and
- other informing strategies.
Together, these documents make sure the Shire’s planning is sustainable, affordable and accountable, while providing benchmarks against which performance can be measured.