An analysis of the Integrated Planning and Reporting Framework for Local Government, and associated timelines, has been carried out with the aim of proposing a new approach for the Hunter JO to more effectively integrate with the strategic planning processes and timeframes of member Councils.
This seeks to ensure that support provided to Councils and the relationships between the Hunter JO and Councils moving forward is:
- Strategic;
- Proactive;
- Inclusive; and
- Creates improved strategic alignment between the Hunter JO and Council’s IP&R Framework in areas of shared interest.
Click HERE to see the timeline in full!
The above timeline identifies the proposed linkages and connection points between the Hunter JO and Council IP&R planning processes, at which targeted support and information could be provided by the Hunter JO to its Member Councils to support the inclusion of information on regional priorities and actions into key strategic documents. (NB these key dates and timelines are based on the existing statutory timeframes and direction provided to Councils from the Office of Local Government (OLG).
By using this framework, providing support can be facilitated on an ongoing basis by the Hunter JO, integrating the development of IP&R packages as core deliverables, so that this information can be provided to Councils and easily incorporated into key strategic documents as they are developed and periodically reviewed.
Hunter JO Strategic Plan 2022-2026 Development Approach
The current HJO Strategic Plan (Aspire Act Achieve) incorporates the period 2018-21. Given the deferred time frame that now exists for Councils to complete their next round of IP&R reporting, the opportunity exists for the next iteration of the HJO Strategic Plan to be more effectively integrated with and informed by these local Council planning processes (and vice versa).
The outcome of this approach would be the strategic alignment of the new Hunter JO Strategic Plan with Councils IP&R framework.
Click here to see the framework in full!
The above framework identifies the key IP&R dates for the final year of the current Delivery Program (identified in blue) and the new CSP and Delivery Plan cycle (identified in red). Identified in green are the key stages and intersection points that could directly inform development of the next Hunter JO Strategic Plan 2022-2026.
This timeline is based on the final documents being submitted to Council in April for endorsement as a draft, public exhibition in May and adoption of final documents in June. It is acknowledged that Councils may decide to bring the timeline forward and finalise documents earlier. The approach proposed is flexible enough for potentially varying Council timeframes, as the engagement is progressive which will allow information and feedback to be obtained throughout the process.