2011–2015 Strategic Plan

Message from the Director-General

I am pleased to present the Department of Communities 2011–2015 Strategic Plan, which outlines our agency’s agenda over the next four years to achieve our vision of fair, cohesive and vibrant communities in Queensland. The plan highlights our strategic objectives, policy intents and priority strategies to achieve this vision.

During 2011-2015, we will focus on ensuring our clients and customers have easier access to appropriate services. We will do this by working with both government and non-government organisations to deliver a stronger service system that is effective, integrated and sustainable. In particular, we will continue our strong focus on prevention and early intervention services to support individuals and families.

The importance of our department’s community recovery role features in our plan following the natural disasters of 2010 and 2011. We will continue to help affected communities to recover and become self-sustaining once again.

We will continue to actively contribute to Toward Q2: Tomorrow’s Queensland (TQ2) ambitions and targets. In particular, we have a lead role in achieving the target of increasing by 50 per cent the proportion of Queenslanders involved in their communities as volunteers. Our new Leading by Example document also shows how our department and staff are leading by example to achieve the TQ2 ambitions.

Our commitment towards national reforms remains a high priority. These reforms relate to disability, mental health and home and community care (under National Health Reforms), disaster resilience, housing, homelessness and remote Indigenous housing. We will also continue to make positive steps towards reducing the gap in life outcomes for Indigenous Queenslanders and assisting all Queenslanders to benefit from reconciliation.

I look forward to driving our agenda in partnership with our key stakeholders and staff to strengthen our communities and to make a positive difference to the lives of our fellow Queenslanders.

Linda A. Apelt

Director-General