Principles (Draft)

The following principles informed the creation of this plan. They continue and update the guiding principles of the first green wedge management plan to include the recommendations of the community panel and Council’s values. They will inform how the goals, objectives and key actions are to be implemented and to inform any new actions that are contemplated subsequent to the finalisation of this plan.

Leadership
Council’s leadership will demonstrate its values of:

  • respect: we actively listen and encourage all views, respecting our peers, our community and the environment
  • collaboration: we are one team working effectively, we willingly share our knowledge and time to achieve successful outcomes
  • integrity: we are accountable, genuine and transparent in our actions and decisions
  • adaptability: we are responsive, agile and creative
  • community: we build strong relationships that benefit our community and customers.

Aboriginal voice
We have much to learn from our first peoples, particularly about caring for country.

A whole of shire approach and recognition of Nillumbik’s relationship to Metropolitan Melbourne
Urban and green wedge areas within the Shire are co-dependent, the green wedge’s overall planning is controlled by the state government and its residents are valued for their management of rural land that benefits metropolitan Melbourne.

Manage change for future benefit
The green wedge is a changing environment and home to many people. Change will be managed to conserve its values and with a focus on long-term stewardship.

Collaboration and connectedness
Partnership between Council, community, landowners and stakeholders is critical to the management of the green wedge recognising the dependencies between Nillumbik’s communities, communities in metropolitan Melbourne and other levels of government.

Celebrate, appreciate and enjoy local identity and the landscape
The special nature of the green wedge and the diverse identities of its communities are to be embraced.

Social equity
Balance diverse social needs, differing personal needs and variable access to services.

Safety, wellbeing and resilience
A commitment to build collective capability to plan for, respond to and better manage and adapt to shocks and stresses such as climate change, bushfire, an ageing population and transport restrictions.

Conserve and enhance our heritage
The green wedge environment and cultural heritage are irreplaceable resources for the local and metropolitan community that need to be conserved and enhanced.

Sustainability and the precautionary principle
Solutions to problems need to be tailored to meet Nillumbik’s unique social, economic and environmental needs now and into the future. We need to anticipate and avoid any actions that may cause serious or irreversible harm to the environment and the people who live within it.