Climate change, youth services, housing and social services priorities in City of Albany’s new vision

Tackling climate change, supporting the expansion of youth services, and driving economic development are some of the key community priorities set to guide City of Albany projects over the next decade. More than 1400 locals took part in a two-yearly community perception survey in March, with Albany achieving the highest overall ranking for a local government in regional WA among participating councils. The City has used the feedback to revise its 2032 strategic community plan and corporate business plan for the next five years, launching the changes earlier this month.. Under the plans the City will focus on “five key pillars of community importance” — people, planet, place, prosperity, and leadership. Other priorities identified by the community included improving footpaths and cycleways, creating jobs, increasing community safety, and maintenance of sealed roads. City chief executive Andrew Sharpe said the priorities identified within the strategic community plan had been streamlined into the corporate business plan in a bid to turn visions into measurable outcomes. “This process has delivered a new vision statement — Amazing Albany, where anything is possible — a statement council is passionate about and captures a progressive community culture,” he said. The updated reports reveal that over the next five years, the City aims to advocate for more youth employment opportunities, to facilitate “hang-out space” for youth in the CBD, and to support local youth organisations to increase their service hours after school and in school holidays. The City wants to “advocate for affordable retirement accommodation” close to the CBD and improve housing for vulnerable groups. “Advocate for greater support, accommodation and services for families experiencing separation, disputes, domestic violence and homelessness,” the business report states. “Advocate for the State Government, private sector and non-government organisations to help meet demand for diverse housing needs, including affordable housing, social housing, short-stay accommodation, crisis accommodation, and tourist accommodation.” The plan outlined the City’s ambition to “advocate for a centre for art, culture and story to promote improved knowledge, understanding and respect for local Indigenous cultures and country”. The City aims to promote Albany as a “university town” with more affordable student housing and a push for more courses.