The forum will be the next step for council to take the feedback and build from the community consultation report to develop a 10-year community vision for the region.
Edward River Council general manager Phil Stone said the aim of the forum will be to bring members of the community in to get a sense of how they are feeling around where they want to take Deniliquin in the future.
‘‘Developing the community strategic plan is the basic necessity for the forum, but we don’t just want to tick boxes.
‘‘We want to develop a forward thinking vision for the community, and listen to the dialogue taking place to help shape council’s ideas on health, education, local business and community.’’
The forum along with the report will mean the community and the council will have a strategic vision as to where they want to be heading for the next 10 years.
‘‘How to attract more investment into the community, grow population and beautify our town are all things we wish to address.
‘‘And how we can turn our face to the river, rather than our backs,’’ Mr Stone said.
He said the forum would be a great opportunity for the community to get on board with where council is heading in the future.
‘‘Council wants to work collaboratively with the community, as well as both levels of government to help invest with us.’’
Three panellists will also discuss real world examples of how individuals, organisations and government have successfully worked together to create lasting changes in their community, bringing a wide range of external commentary to the forum.
The panellists will include Neil Bruce from Junee Licorice and Chocolate factory and Corowa Whiskey Distillery; Edwina Hayes, Director of Regional Development Murray; and Frank White from Big 4 Deniliquin Holiday Park.
‘‘We are really excited about having it (the forum),’’ Mr Stone said.
‘‘We want to be able to engage closely with the community and this will be a great platform to do so.’’
Mr Stone said those who wish to contribute to a long-term view of where the region is heading for the next 10 years should definitely attend.
‘‘If you’ve got an opinion that will impact the community long-term please come along.
‘‘If you have a rubbish or pot hole query by all means give council a call, but this may not be the forum for you.’’
The forum will run from 3pm to 5.30pm, Monday January 31 at the Coach House Hotel/Motel.
To RSVP email Libby Braybon at libby.braybon@edwardriver.nsw.gov.au.
