Merri-bek 2021-31 Community Vision
On this page:
Our vision
The community vision is how you want Merri-bek to be in the next 10 years.
This is our vision
“Merri-bek is our home. We respect and look after our land, air, waterways and animals. We care for our people and celebrate our diverse stories, cultures and identities.
“Merri-bek is enhanced by all of us supporting our local businesses, arts communities and social organisations.
“We work together proactively and transparently to continue to create a:
- vibrant
- safe
- healthy
- resilient
- innovative
- regenerative community.
“Many faces, one Merri-bek.”
How we heard from you
First, we spoke to you through:
- pop-up events
- focus groups
- online conversations
- interviews
- questionnaires you returned to us.
We received 3,227 contributions from over 2,000 Merri-bek citizens. Plus, we heard from 150 stakeholder groups.
Then we sent 30,000 invitations to random households across Merri-bek. We invited people to tell us if they wanted to take part in a community panel.
From those who volunteered, we randomly selected 44 people. They were young and old, and from different backgrounds, like people in Merri-bek. The people on the panel reflected Merri-bek’s diversity.
This panel met several times. They met face to face and online. They learned about the hopes the community had for the future. These hopes were what you told us earlier in the year at our events and other activities.
They also spoke to experts about key local issues. These included:
- health
- recovering from the pandemic
- climate
- open space
- planning
- transport.
Using this information, the panel members worked together to develop a community vision. The vision is used as a guide to write important documents such as the council plan.
The council plan says how we will work towards achieving the new community vision.
Merri-bek Community Vision 2021 - 2031
You can read our Merri-bek Community Vision 2021 -2031 (PDF 1.2MB) to get more information about our Community Vision.
Themes
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In 2031, Merri-bek is carbon neutral, embracing an entirely renewable energy system, innovative management of waste, and accessible
active transport.We have a circular economy, passive housing, food security, ample green spaces and canopy cover led by a well-informed proactive community.
We are a community connected to Country with healthy flora and fauna, through protection of ecosystems. -
In 2031, Merri-bek is safe. Our streets are safe for pedestrians and cyclists, day and night. Everyone in Merri-bek is able to live in their homes without fear from others, both known and unknown.
In Merri-bek, we actively look out for each other and are well supported to do this by council.
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In 2031, the Merri-bek community has healthy bodies and minds.
We have our basic needs met. We have ready access to mental health, crisis and domestic violence services as well as high-quality health care.
Merri-bek has reliable housing, and nutritious food, with ample opportunities to move our bodies, keep our minds active, and socially connect. Access to these are tailored to the unique needs of our diverse community.
No one is lost between the cracks.
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In 2031, living and working in Merri-bek is easy and enjoyable. Housing is affordable and caters to vulnerable and lower income groups. Our buildings are smart, green and fully integrated into the surrounding environment.
Merri-bek’s public and commercial spaces bring people together in diverse ways. Acknowledging the unique strengths in different areas of Merri-bek, the council and community support the development of vibrant hubs of arts, businesses and recreation.
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In 2031, Merri-bek is a place that engages meaningfully and has a real commitment to collaboration.
The community is aware of all council activities and trust in decisions and processes. The community will know where the unmet needs of our neighbours are and will be actively engaged in working towards a
brighter future for all.