Economic and community development manager Phil King said council was starting to develop a Hindmarsh sport and recreation strategy, a community precinct plan at Dimboola and Nhill and a community action plan at Jeparit and Rainbow.

He said council had organised a survey for community members and community groups to find out what the shire needed most as part of the initial community consultation process.

Mr King said the feedback would go on to help form long term plans to benefit the shire.

“The sport and recreation strategy is a goal from 2015 to 2025,” he said.

“The community plans could take up to 10 years to develop – it’s a long term vision.

“They’re separate projects but they both feed into each other.”

Mr King said the projects and initiatives were not exclusive to sport and could focus on any aspect of the community.

“We want to get ideas on paper so we can start to do in depth discussions with community members and community organisations,” he said.

“We want thoughts on what’s lacking and what is required as we go into the future.”

Mr King said the strategic documents were funded by state government and council and further development of any projects moving forward would be worked into future council budgets.

He said council would also seek state and federal funding for any projects.

Mr King said the online survey could be completed at www.surveymonkey.com/s/Y86RJX7 by July 8.

Mr King encouraged anyone with an idea to improve the community to put their idea forward.

“I encourage people to think outside the box,” he said.

“It would be great to get half a dozen clubs working together to a certain goal rather than something independent to one club.”

Mr King said the next step would be community consultations next month.

“The meetings will outline the survey results and we will establish a direction from there,” he said.

“We’re hoping both plans are adopted by the next calendar year.”

“We will then organise meetings with consultants and community organisations to further develop plans.”

Mr King said workshops will be at the Mecca Supper Room at Rainbow on August 4, Jeparit Fire Station on August 5, Nhill Uniting Church Hall on August 11 and Dimboola Memorial Secondary College Health and Fitness Centre on August 12.

He said people could call 5391 4444 for more information.