Template 4
Checklist – External assessment
How to use the checklist
Use this template in conjunction with the guidelines Stage 1, Step 1.3 – Assess local and regional issues – Environmental Scan to help identify the external issues that need to be considered in preparation for council’s next Corporate Plan and budget period. 1. Consider each local and regional issues category and record details of actual issues that are likely to have an impact on council and/or the community. 2. Use the reference column to record any supporting documentation, reports or other sources of information that can be used to clarify particular issues. 3. Use the check column to provide a cross-reference to the SWOT analysis.
Legislative requirements
LGFS Section 30
Local and regional issues category Development of arts and culture Disaster management Economic development Environmental management Infrastructure provision, maintenance, restoration or replacement Community development Human services Housing for people living in council’s area Population change
Details of actual issues
Reference
Check
Other environmental factors Demographics, focus on customers Characteristics (age, education, geographic, special needs, impact on State’s economic, political, cultural climate) Trends and their impact (population shifts, emerging demographic characteristics, employment) Service demand and supply Competitors Stakeholder interests Residential, commercial and industrial patterns Business practices Significant uncertainties Details of actual issues Reference Check
Economic variables Unemployment rate, interest rates Extent to which customers and service populations are affected by economic conditions Expected future economic conditions and their impact on council, customers and the community State fiscal forecast and revenue estimates Council response to changing economic conditions
Details of actual issues
Reference
Check
Technology Impact on current council operations (products/services in the market place, telecommunications) Impact of anticipated technological advances
Details of actual issues
Reference
Check
Public policy issues Current events, juvenile crime, children and family
Details of actual issues
Reference
Check
Impact of government statutes and regulations Key legislation and key events Current government activities (identification of relevant government entities, relationship to State entities, impact on operations) Anticipated impact of future government actions on council, the community and region Specific federal mandates, court cases, federal budget, elections Political environment (changing roles and bases of power)
Details of actual issues
Reference
Check
Other legal issues Impact of anticipated State statutory changes/trends Impact of current and outstanding court cases Impact of local government requirements Land use changes
Details of actual issues
Reference
Check