Strategic Documents

Vision and Goals

City of Mount Gambier has a vision for Mount Gambier as Erupting with Potential: Embracing Our Past, Enhancing our Strengths and Shaping an Exciting Future. To bring this vision to life we have developed six strategic priorities that reflect our community aspirations.

Read our integrated plans and strategies to find out how our vision and strategic priorities will help us deliver real outcomes for our community.

Strategic Plan 2024 – 2028

Reflecting the aspirations, priorities and values articulated in the Community Vision – Mount Gambier 2035, the City of Mount Gambier Strategic Plan 2024 – 2028 will guide Council’s work to deliver on its vision and purpose throughout the next four years.

We asked our community to provide feedback on the draft Strategic Plan between 16 October 2024 and 7 November 2024. Following consideration of this feedback, the final Strategic Plan 2024 – 2028 was adopted at the Council meeting on Tuesday 19 November 2024.

Our Vision

Erupting with Potential: Embracing Our Past, Enhancing our Strengths and Shaping an Exciting Future.

Embracing our volcanic past, the City of Mount Gambier partners with our communities to build on the strength of our landscape and our connections to shape a sustainable future. Together, we elevate the city’s prominence, ignite new opportunities, and ensure a thriving, liveable environment for everyone.

This Strategic Plan is more than a roadmap; it is our commitment to Mount Gambier’s future through bold decision-making and thoughtful choices that align with our community’s vision - ensuring our community is an integral part and ultimately enhancing the lives of all who call our city home.
– Mayor Lynette Martin OAM

The vision for the city will be delivered in accordance with the key statements articulated by our Purpose Statement:

• We courageously pursue the community’s vision.
• We unashamedly advocate for our people and our place.
• We are the best organisation we can be so that we can have the most impact.

Strategic Priorities

The Strategic Plan 2024 -2028 focuses on six strategic priorites and responds to what the community told us we should focus on as we work towards the Community Vision.

1. Environment and Liveability

Over the next four years, Council will prioritise actions to protect and enhance our natural environments that support the liveability of Mount Gambier. Key outcomes include:

• Our environment is protected and restored, with the volcanic landscape, unique aquifer, volcanic soils and ancient heritage preserved as key natural areas of our identity and character.
• Our city is a leader in resource sustainability.
• Our city’s green corridors and urban biodiversity are enhanced through sustainable land management and the seamless integration of path networks.

2. Learning and Innovation

Over the next four years, Council is dedicated to creating a supportive environment for learning and innovation that helps our community and local businesses thrive. Key outcomes include:

• Local businesses and entrepreneurial activities flourish through opportunities for collaboration and development.
• Our city attracts and retains a skilled workforce for regional growth, development and succession planning.
• Our community members are inspired to learn at any age, achieving a holistic and comprehensive approach to personal growth and development.

3. Infrastructure and Services

Over the next four years, Council will work to enhance the enviable living environment in our city through accessible and quality infrastructure and services. Key outcomes include:

• Our city is connected through a safe, inclusive and seamless integrated transport network.
• Our quality infrastructure provides equitable access to information, services, activities and facilities.
• Our urban environment is thoughtfully designed to adapt to our diverse and growing city, ensuring access to affordable and varied housing options that meet community needs.
• Our community spaces are inclusive, safe, and accessible, promoting active, healthy, and connected lifestyles through enhanced open spaces, quality recreation areas, and supportive infrastructure.

4. Economic and Business Growth

Over the next four years, Council is committed to achieving strategic outcomes that drive a resilient local economy and a thriving visitor economy. Key outcomes include:

• Our resilient local economy is supported by diverse industries and employment opportunities, enhanced by connectivity through modern freight networks and efficient transportation.
• Our visitor economy thrives through collaboration in sharing our story via immersive experiences with our unique natural and cultural assets.

5. A Vibrant Community

Over the next four years, Council aims to cultivate a vibrant community through strategic placemaking, enhancing social cohesion, and providing arts and culture initiatives that celebrate the unique character of our city and its people. Key outcomes include:

• Our CBD and key inner-city spaces are thriving, welcoming, functional, and sustainable, fostering a sense of belonging while celebrating our diversity, culture, and history.
• We are a city renowned for our social and cultural diversity, creativity, and heritage, supporting diverse events and experiences that bring people together and enhance social connection.
• Our city is known as a regional destination for arts and cultural experiences with a community enriched by arts, culture, and live entertainment initiatives.

6. Excellence in Leadership and Governance

Over the next four years, Council commits to strong, accountable leadership and governance. Key outcomes include:

• We are a transparent and accountable organisation that makes informed decisions and demonstrates integrity through effective governance.
• We are a financially responsible organisation delivering sustainable, value-for-money services that meet community needs and uphold the principle of intergenerational equity.
• We care about our people ensuring we support, develop and motivate our workforce to meet community needs with capability and confidence.
• We are easy to do business with, committing to a customer-centric approach that delivers positive experiences and builds trust.

Successful implementation of the Strategic Plan is enhanced by a number of additional strategic documents, as available below.