Hindmarsh Shire Council invites all residents of the Shire to attend one of the four community planning consultations to be held across the Shire.

Community consultation is undertaken to discuss the key community issues; identify priorities to help form local, Shire and regional strategic plans; develop action plans; and form partnerships within the community to manage and develop key projects.

"Each person’s input into the future planning of the community is valued by Hindmarsh Shire Council", Mayor, Cr Cliff Unger said. "The information obtained at the workshops will be used to plan and prioritise activities, projects and key strategic directions of Council for the next few years", he added.

Meetings will be held in the Dimboola, Jeparit, Nhill and Rainbow. Residents who identify with a smaller community group are encouraged to attend one of the four meetings along with neighbours and friends.

The meetings will include a review of successful projects undertaken as a result of the 2010 planning workshops.

Strategic facilitated discussion will be undertaken to establish what is working well; what does Council need to consider in future planning; and to identify any emerging or new issues. Small working groups will be asked to identify projects, solutions and community priorities.

"Council is committed to community consultation that enables all residents to have a say about the direction of our community. It has been approximately two years since the last round of meetings and it is important that as many residents as possible attend", Cr Unger encouraged.

Anyone who is unable to attend one of the four meetings and would like to contribute to the process is asked to contact Janine Grover, Community Development Coordinator, either by phone on 5391 4444 or email jgrover@hindmarsh.vic.gov.au or complete the attached project proforma by Friday 28 September 2012.

The community planning consultations will be held in Nhill on Wednesday 29 August 2012 at the Uniting Church Hall; in Jeparit on Monday 3 September 2012 at the Bowls Club; in Rainbow on Wednesday 12 September 2012 in the MECCA Supper Rooms; and in Dimboola on Monday 17 September 2012 at the Dimboola Memorial Secondary College, Health and Fitness Centre.

At all the meetings, a light meal will be served between 6.00 - 7.00pm and the community consultation will commence from 7.00pm.