Banyule Community Vision 2041

Our Inclusive, Healthy and Connected Community

A vibrant, connected, active and safe community where diversity and inclusion are valued and encouraged.

By 2041, Banyule remains a diverse, inclusive and vibrant community, where everyone feels at home.

• We honour and learn from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures and support self-determination.
• Community spaces and services are welcoming and accessible to all, with no barriers to inclusion or participation.
• Banyule is safe and people enjoy nutritious food, lead active lifestyles and experience their best health and wellbeing.
• Our festivals and events are inclusive and reflect our diversity.
• We protect and celebrate our arts and cultural history, offering opportunities for people to connect, participate and be represented.
• Volunteering, education and work encourage and build community connection.
• Valuing people’s differences underpins our sense of belonging.
• We recognise the importance of good mental health and emotional wellbeing.

Our Sustainable Environment

A progressive and innovative leader in protecting, enhancing and increasing the health and diversity of our natural environment, where we all commit to playing an active role in achieving environmental sustainability and reducing waste and carbon emissions

By 2041, Banyule is a leader in environmental sustainability and recognised as one of the most sustainable communities.

• Aboriginal culture and Caring for Country principles guide our sustainability efforts.
• Council partners with the community, education and private sectors, investing in solutions to tackle climate change.
• Population growth aligns with sustainability goals, ensuring equal access to natural spaces.
• We are empowered, adaptive, proactive and resilient to climate change.
• Council promotes sustainable transport options and is on the way to being carbon negative, with a circular economy achieving zero waste.
• We are well-informed on waste, food security and climate actions, and Council leads environmental education.
• We protect and strengthen biodiversity reduce species extinction and enhance wildlife corridors and urban vegetation, including managing pets and pests.
• Urban farming and home-grown food practices are supported and encouraged to be the norm.
• Trees, green spaces and the urban forest are abundant and maintained to enhance liveability and neighbourhood character.
• Environmentally sustainable design is central to planning and development, and the use of renewable energy in our homes, businesses and facilities is normal.

Our Well-Built City

A well-planned, sustainable and liveable place that caters for current and emerging communities; where our local character and environment is protected and enhanced.

By 2041, Banyule is a well-planned, designed and built environmentally sustainable city that meets the community’s needs.

• Local neighbourhood character, heritage, history and First Nations culture are protected and embedded into planning, thinking and design.
• We are a green city with abundant open spaces, trees and wildlife.
• Spaces are well designed for universal access, and planning decisions consider health and wellbeing.
• The city offers affordable, accessible and sustainable housing options for people’s diverse needs.
• Banyule is a network of accessible neighbourhoods, connected by sustainable transport options.
• We encourage and invest in active transport like walking, cycling and community and public transport, and our walking and bike paths are safe and well-connected to the broader community.
• Good design is seen across our city in housing and other buildings.
• Development is sustainable and balanced, preserving grasslands, forests, wetlands, waterways and wildlife.

Our Valued Assets and Facilities

Our community assets, facilities and services, are affordable, sustainable, evenly distributed, safe, accessible for everyone and designed to provide meaningful experiences and connections.

By 2041, our facilities, parks, playgrounds and sports grounds are well maintained and accessible to all.

• Community assets are equitably distributed, culturally safe, inclusive and environmentally sustainable, reflecting local character and ensuring physical safety.
• Built assets are adaptable, well-maintained and meet the needs of our diverse community.
• Multipurpose facilities and libraries offer accessible spaces for connection, learning,work and friendship.
• We take pride in our well-built community hubs, aquatic and leisure facilities and sports centres, which are essential to health and wellbeing.
• Everyone has accessible and safe access to Council and non-Council community facilities.
• Our safe network of bike lanes, paths, roads and public transport connects everyone locally and beyond.

Our Thriving Local Economy

A thriving, resilient, socially responsible, local economy that encourages, supports and advocates for a diverse range of businesses and entrepreneurship, providing local investment and employment opportunities.

By 2041, Banyule is home to a diverse range of local businesses, and everyone has access to quality education and employment.

• We promote and have strong relationships with First Nations businesses, organisations and gathering spaces.
• Economic growth is supported through business partnerships and regional collaborations, and Banyule is a business-friendly destination.
• Start-ups and new business ideas continue to grow and thrive.
• There is investment in local traders and shopping precincts are safe, attractive and a destination for shopping and socialising.
• Local employment opportunities are diverse, inclusive and flexible, supporting work-life balance.
• Innovation and technological advancements are embraced to grow and connect local businesses, and social enterprises are well-established.
• There are diverse education and job training opportunities for people of all abilities and life stages.
• Volunteering is promoted as a valuable contributor to the community and local economy.
• We run events to encourage local business and community connections.

Our Trusted and Responsive Leadership

An innovative, community-driven Council that works collaboratively to achieve agreed place-based outcomes, ensuring all have the opportunity to engage with their Council on local priorities and the future of their community through demonstrated best practice governance, financial sustainability and advocacy on community priorities and aspirations.

By 2041, Council works in partnership with the community in a trusted, transparent, and accountable way.

• We work alongside the First Nations community and recognise Aboriginal self-determination.
• Council is responsive, innovative, customerfocused and delivers excellent services.
• Barriers between Council and the community are reduced through timely and effective communication, making interactions with Council easier.
• Council advocates for community priorities and actively engages the community in decision-making.
• Communities are nurtured to drive positive change for the people they represent.
• Regular and transparent reporting keeps the community well-informed of Council’s progress.
• Council is trusted as a socially, environmentally and financially sustainable organisation, working to achieve Banyule’s Community Vision.
• People of all ages and backgrounds actively participate in decision-making and civic life.