GAWLER Council has released its 2030 Community Plan for public consultation, with maintaining the town’s unique identity and building physical and social infrastructure among the highest priorities.

Elected members endorsed the draft plan to be released for public comment at their meeting last Tuesday.

Councils are legally obliged to review their community plans within two years of a council election, with the previous iteration of the document expiring in 2027.

An initial period of consultation for the renewed plan was completed earlier this year, which sought the community’s views on what is important to them.

Gawler Mayor Karen Redman said it was important council got its community plan “right”.

“Council is very keen to hear your views on the plan to ensure our strategic direction reflects our community aspirations both now and into the future,” she said.

“Council is now calling on our community to once again get involved in this second and final phase which will include a series of consultation opportunities scheduled for October.

“All ratepayers, businesses, community groups and sporting groups are encouraged to get involved by reading the draft plan and providing feedback either through our survey or by preparing a written submission.”

Council is planning a public workshop regarding the document on Tuesday, October 20, at the Gawler Civic Centre.

Making Gawler a unique and identifiable township, ensuring sustained growth, building a happy and safe community, protecting the environment and creating a strong and vibrant community are the goals of the community plan.

According to the document’s mission statement, the council region is a “liveable, cohesive, active, innovative and sustainable community”.

“The Town of Gawler is committed to fostering a liveable urban environment, taking advantage of the area’s natural beauty and accessibility to both Adelaide and the Barossa Valley,” the document read.

“We enjoy a cohesive and active local community which council is proud to support.

“Moving forward, the Town of Gawler recognises the serious impact associated with climate change on our environment and are committed to more sustainable practices and enduring innovation in this regard.”

Those interested in making a submission can obtain a copy of the plan from the Gawler Council website, or from the council’s administration centre at 43 High Street, Gawler.

Written representations should be addressed to the chief executive officer, PO Box 130, Gawler SA 5118, or via email to council@gawler.sa.gov.au.