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Council and Health and Wellbeing Plan

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Our Council and Health and Wellbeing Plan 2025-2029 is our promise to the Knox community. It sets out what we will do to respond to the changing needs and priorities for the Knox community. It is shaped by our aspirations, needs, values and priorities, and informs long term financial planning.

View our Council and Health and Wellbeing Plan 2025 - 2029

About the plan

The Council and Health and Wellbeing Plan 2025–2029:

Our Community Vision 2035

Knox: where we connect with our people and our environment, ensuring they are safe, supported and have every opportunity to thrive.

Themes, strategic objectives and health and wellbeing impacts

Definitions

Themes: Broad focus areas that reflect community priorities and aspirations.

Strategic objectives: High level outcomes the community wants us to achieve under each theme.

Health and wellbeing impacts: How delivery of the strategies will improve the health and wellbeing of the community.

ThemesStrategic objectivesHealth and wellbeing impact2025 - 2026 actions
1. Enhancing community connection to vital services and resourcesOur community can access important local services and resources through Council’s delivery, advocacy, and partnerships.Our Knox community will feel better supported and more informed. They will be able to access the jobs, services, and the nutrition they need to sustain a healthy, and satisfying lifestyle.Theme 1 overview
2. Embracing connection, inclusion and diversityOur diverse and connected community is strengthened by creating opportunities to actively participate, connect and learn.Our Knox community will feel valued, connected and included.Theme 2 overview
3. Caring for and enhancing our environmentOur environment is greener, healthier and sustainable through Council’s environmental protection and enhancement, working in collaboration with our community.Our Knox community will be able to enjoy the benefits of a well maintained and sustainable environment to support their mental health and vitality.Theme 3 overview
4. Leading, listening and governing responsiblyOur community feels empowered, heard, and has trust in Council through responsible governance, proactive communication and engagement, and transparent decision making.Our Knox community will feel heard and considered which will enhance community cohesion and a sense of belonging.Theme 4 overview
5. Being a strong voice for safetyOur community feels safe, respected and supported in public spaces and at home through Council’s delivery, advocacy and partnerships.Our Knox community will feel safer and more resilient, knowing that the Council is working together with community and agencies to create safe places and spaces and promote respect.Theme 5 overview
6. Planning our future cityOur neighbourhoods, housing and infrastructure meet the needs of our changing community through effective planning, delivery and advocacy.Our Knox community will be able to fully enjoy their local area, knowing that what they need now and into the future has been considered and planned. They will feel proud of where they live.Theme 6 overview

How we plan to achieve our strategic objectives

Expand all
Theme 1: Enhancing community connection to vital services and resources

Strategic objective: Our community can access important local services and resources through Council’s delivery, advocacy, and partnerships.

How we will get there

  • A variety of transport options are available through the effective planning, advocacy and management of efficient, active, sustainable and accessible transport modes, particularly in growth locations.
  • Our community can access diverse training and life-long learning opportunities through delivery, promotion and partnerships with relevant organisations.
  • Local businesses and our economy are strong and resilient and there are increased employment opportunities through development, attracting investment, embracing technology and innovation, and advocacy.
  • Access to affordable and nutritious food is enhanced through advocacy and working in partnership with relevant organisations to raise awareness and promote available community programs.
  • Our community’s health and wellbeing is improved through proactive planning, delivery, partnerships and advocacy that enable access to services, education and programs.
Theme 2: Embracing connection, inclusion and diversity

Strategic objective: Our diverse and connected community is strengthened by creating opportunities to actively participate, connect and learn.

How we will get there

  • Our community’s diverse needs are addressed by ensuring equity and inclusion are considered in decision making and strategic planning.
  • Cultural diversity is celebrated through assisting, participating in, facilitating and delivering accessible programs, initiatives and events in partnership with our community, community groups and service providers.
  • Our community is supported to thrive during all stages of life through the promotion and provision of services, advocacy and partnerships with local service providers.
  • There are opportunities for social connection and active living through planning, provision of facilities, program delivery and support for local groups.
Theme 3: Caring for and enhancing our environment

Strategic objective: Our environment is greener, healthier and sustainable through Council’s environmental protection and enhancement, working in collaboration with our community.

How we will get there

  • Our environment is healthy and sustainable by considering environmental factors when planning for and making decisions.
  • Green spaces and waterways are protected, enhanced and enjoyed through planning, promotion and maintenance of our built and natural environment.
  • Minimise waste to landfill through access to a suite of waste services and education.
  • Energy consumption and the use of renewable energy resources are positively impacted through investment in assets, education, planning and advocacy.
Theme 4: Leading, listening and governing responsibly

Strategic objective: Our community feels empowered, heard, and has trust in Council through responsible governance, proactive communication and engagement, and transparent decision making.

How we will get there

  • Council demonstrates its accountability through transparent and responsible decision-making and working together productively.
  • Our diverse community is informed and has opportunities to participate and provide feedback through clear and meaningful communication and engagement.
  • Council services are efficient and optimised through ongoing improvement, and focused investment in innovation, technology and capability.
  • The changing needs of our community are met through informed policy and strategy that maximises value, collaboration and partnerships with other councils and local organisations.
  • Council is financially sustainable through long-term strategic, financial and asset planning, and the responsible prioritisation, allocation and use of resources.
Theme 5: Being a strong voice for safety

Strategic objective: Our community feels safe, respected and supported in public spaces and at home through Council’s delivery, advocacy and partnerships.

How we will get there

  • Our community feels safer in public spaces and facilities through planning, maintenance, education, design and proactive program delivery for Council-owned or -managed spaces and via advocacy for others.
  • Safety and liveability are prioritised through the planning, delivery and enforcement of local laws and regulatory services.
  • Our community is more secure, connected and feel less isolated through planning, partnerships, advocacy and targeted support for our most vulnerable.
  • People feel safe in their homes and in the community through the development of partnerships, planning and promotion of programs, services and education that focus on connection, safety and respect.
  • Our community is resilient in the face of emergencies through planning, education, emergency response and support.
Theme 6: Planning our future city

Strategic objective: Our neighbourhoods, housing and infrastructure meet the needs of our changing community through effective planning, delivery and advocacy.

How we will get there

  • There is improved access to a diverse range of housing options through effective planning, advocacy, and identifying opportunities for social and affordable housing supply.
  • High quality, integrated community services and facilities are available through the planning, design and maintenance of multifunctional places that promote connection and utilisation.
  • Our evolving neighbourhoods are liveable and sustainable through planning and design that responds to population growth and our community’s changing needs.
  • Our community’s expectations and aspirations for housing development and land use are considered through planning, advocacy, partnerships and decision-making.

Our health and wellbeing priorities

Knox’s health and wellbeing priorities are a key part of the Council and Health and Wellbeing Plan 2025–2029, guiding how we support, protect and improve the health and wellbeing of our community. Our health and wellbeing priorities are:

  • Reduce harm from alcohol, smoking, vaping, and gambling
  • Promote equal participation opportunities and celebrate our diverse community
  • Support access to affordable and nutritious food
  • Create opportunities for active living
  • Advocacy for equity across our community
  • Support prevention of all forms of violence by promoting safety and respect
  • Build resilience to emergencies and threats, including climate change
  • Improve social connection and mental wellbeing

Addressing these will improve the health and wellbeing and quality of life for the local community.

Factors influencing the plan

We considered several factors when developing this plan:

  • The Victorian Public Health and Wellbeing Act 2008
  • Knox community feedback and engagement in 2024
  • State of Knox 2024 report
  • Knox Community Health and Wellbeing Profile 2025
  • Equity Impact Assessment recommendations
  • Victorian Public Health and Wellbeing Plan 2023–2027

Opportunities to get involved

We encourage community members to share their voice and shape the future of Knox. Here's when and how you can get involved:

OpportunityWhenHow to get involved
Annual actions and budget Annually each July – August To help capture your priorities, visit Have Your Say to share with us what services you think deliver most value and help us understand how we can best meet the needs of our community. 
Have Your Say on draft plans and projectsThroughout the yearVisit Have Your Say Knox to share your feedback on current consultations
Community panel participationEvery four yearsApply to join when expressions of interest open
Community satisfaction surveysAnnuallyComplete surveys conducted through door knocking in your local area
Advisory Committee expressions of interestAs neededApply to relevant advisory committees
Public Council meetingsMonthlyAttend or watch online and submit questions or feedback
Council and Health and Wellbeing Plan 2029 - 20322028Help inform our priorities for our next Council and Health and Wellbeing Plan

Implementation and reporting

Take action: Read the full Council and Health and Wellbeing Plan 2025–2029 to learn more about our goals and actions.

We will monitor progress through:

  • Performance measures for each goal
  • Annual and mid-term reviews
  • Regular community feedback and engagement
  • Reporting to the State Government every two years
  • Publishing annual reports and updates

Need help?

Contact us and we will come back to you.

Or call our Customer Services team on 9298 8000.

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