Australia's National Local Government Newspaper Online

Revitalisation strategy receives international recognition*

Our Town Our Future is an innovated revitalisation strategy for Ingham in North Queensland. In 2005, Hinchinbrook Shire Council commissioned Vital Places to turn the tide of decades of economic and social decline. In September 2006, the proposed strategy, Our Town Our Future, received a highly commended citation in the IAP2 Asia Pacific Public Participation awards.

What was first seen as a streetscape upgrade has turned into a regional significant revitalisation project.

This has been achieved through a process deeply based on community participation and visioning, but more importantly the process has focused on developing the leadership abilities of Local Government as the lead agency of change.

"We knew the challenge required a fresh approach," said Council's CEO, Rob Clark. "Vital Places has the reputation for best practice projects but we were unprepared for just how big this was going to be."

The project has revealed sustainable opportunities for economic and social revitalisation driven by strategic public infrastructure. Although the strategy has achieved community response rates and support levels most projects could only dream of, it will require leadership from all levels of government to set the momentum of change.

"The passion, belief and honesty Vital Places has brought to this challenge has transformed our Council," said Mayor Pino Giandomenico. "For the first time we not only own a vision for the future of our Shire but we now have the tools to deliver it!"

Vital Places' unique ability to work closely with all Councillors has been the secret ingredient of success.

"This process has invigorated my belief in the Local Government process, Vital Places has played a pivotal role in helping us set the momentum for a strategy that will turn our town and Shire around as well as deliver an inspirational case study for other communities!" said Councillor Sherry Kaurila.

For further information contact Robert Prestipino, Director, Vital Places on 0414 550 975, email robert@vitalplaces.com.au or visit www.vitalplaces.com.au.

* Copy supplied by Vital Places

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