Tasmanian Ratepayers' Strategic Planning Process

Tasmanian Ratepayers Association Inc. is in its early days of reconfiguration and now is a good time to take another look at Tasmania's ratepayer association's/group's/network's reason for being. So an attempt is being made to articulate a model Strategic Plan and one that is settled upon in consultation with people in the Tasmanian ratepayer network. Once a common purpose is established 'ratepayer groups' are more likely to be effective and better placed to achieved stated goals.

All too often ratepayers hear from their elected representative "we have been elected to make decisions/govern." Likewise all too often this can be taken to mean that once the election process is over it is assumed that you, as the ratepayer, have abdicated your entitlements to participate in decision making until the next election. If you are in conflict with your local council on any issue this is not only disempowering it is intended to be.

Not all of our elected representatives take this position but many do. What is more concerning is the increasing range of 'authorities' a great many local government bureaucrats assume for themselves.

Please read the draft below and use the Comments Section below to make suggestions – improvement to the wording, an additional aim, whatever.

DRAFT #1

Statement of Purpose

Tasmanian Ratepayers Association Inc. has been set up to:
• Function as a network hub that disseminates information on issues and processes relevant to local government in Tasmania
• Provide education opportunities for formal and informal community ratepayer groups throughout Tasmania
• Work for equity for ratepayers and residents in Tasmania
• Improved democratic process and participation in local government in Tasmania
• Work towards local government in Tasmania being more accountable in the delivery of good governance in
• Work towards all tiers of government, and other relevant bodies, being more accountable to their constituencies;
• Promote the return of local government to local control

Aims

To facilitate a network of ratepayer community groups and individuals across Tasmania to :
• Provide mutual support in regard to local governance issues;
• Share information within ratepayer networks in order to empower Tasmanian ratepayers
• Provide lobbying strength for Tasmanian ratepayers
• Provide input to the development of local government policies and related planning processes

NOTE: To match the above there is a need to identify the rationales for these aims/goals and a set of strategies/tactics by which the aims/goals can/will be met. Please use the comments section below to put forward your suggestions.