Social planning and demographics

The objective of social planning is to enhance community wellbeing, health and quality of life.

By tracking the changing needs of the local community through social research and the analysis of statistics and demographic trends, we can better approach land-use planning and strategy development.

It is our role to:

  • identify key infrastructure requirements and service gaps
  • develop policy and strategy responses to social and community issues
  • track policy trends and developments within other levels of government
  • prepare submissions for government enquiries.

A number of strategies have been developed to support Cardinia Shire's rapid growth.

As our shire continues to grow rapidly over the next 20 years the local population and number of houses is expected to more than double by 2031.

Our Social and Affordable Housing Strategy and Action Plan aims to ensure our shire includes diverse, high quality, sustainable and affordable housing that is responsive to the needs of a growing and diverse community.

Find out more about social and affordable housing

Our Responsible Gaming policy guides decision making and response to applications made by venue operators to the Victorian Commission for Gambling Regulation for electronic gaming machines in the region.

Our shire has one of the highest reported incidents of family violence in Victoria. In 2014–15, local police attended around 25 incidents a week.

Preventing family violence is a priority for us.

In partnership with key agencies. Council has identifies seven priority areas have the greatest impact on the overall health and wellbeing of our community. These are outlined in Council's Liveability Plan 2017-2029

We have developed factsheets to understand how these issues impact our community and assist with planning and advocacy.

These include:

  • Mental health and wellbeing
  • Family violence
  • Tobacco, alcohol, drugs and gambling
  • Financial vulnerability
  • Safety
  • Obesity
  • Social cohesion

Click to view the health and wellbeing factsheets