Communities Partnering Framework

"We're all about being great neighbours"

Strong collaboration and partnerships are required to deliver on the pillars and targets of the Economic Development Strategy 2023-2028, ensuring that the region achieves the vision to be a strong, resilient and diverse economy with a growing liveability. 

Communities Partnering is defined as “a collaborative, long-term and strategic partnership driven by a shared commitment to strengthen economic, environmental and social outcomes across the Western Downs and its communities, enabling a sustainable future.” 

Together our region has built a strong culture in the communities partnering space, setting a clear expectation that future developments in our region support strong economic, social and environmental outcomes.  

This Communities Partnering Framework is tailored to large businesses who either employ over 200 employees and/or have an annual turnover of more than $250 million. It sets our expectations that private sector companies and corporations operating in our region will be great neighbours, supporting social license through communities partnering. It's about empowering our communities to partner with the private sector, and Council, to deliver legacy outcomes we can all be proud of. 

It is by working together that we can ensure our children, grandchildren, and future generations will thrive and strive to live, work, study and play on the Western Downs. 

Download the Communities Partnering Framework(PDF, 11MB) for more information and to learn more about how your business can get involved.  

A lot of great examples of communities partnering already exist within the Western Downs. We encourage all large businesses operating in the region to assess their impact and celebrate their contribution to our communities by completing the self-evaluation.  

Businesses who return their completed self-evaluation may be eligible to receive a gold "Great Neighbour" or silver "Good Neighbour" e-badge, to assist in marketing and sharing their commitments and investment to the communities of the Western Downs. Badges will be awarded on a points basis, with "Achieved" = 2 points, "In progress" = 1 point and "Not achieved" = 0 points, across each of the 7 key expectations.

Download Framework(PDF, 11MB) Download Self-Evaluation(PDF, 757KB)

Check back here regularly to see real-life examples of ways local businesses are putting the Communities Partnering Framework into practice and making a real difference in our communities.