A panel of 120 residents will gather in October to participate in a community-led planning day, where everyday citizens will develop long-term goals and priorities for city’s future.

The planning day will build on surveys and engagement activities held earlier this year to help develop the Warrnambool 2040 long-term community plan.

Council’s community planning and policy manager Lisa McLeod said it was not necessary to be an “expert” to be a community panel member.

“The only expertise we are looking for is that you care about and are interested in the future of Warrnambool – no matter whether you live here, work in the city or invest locally,” Ms McLeod said.

Panel members will be provided with information about what the community shared as their ‘wishes for Warrnambool’ earlier this year.

On the planning day they will have the opportunity to listen to engaging presenters, hear and discuss the views of other panel members and develop a set of recommendations about what should be included in the W2040 community plan.

Panel members will be a mix of selected and self-nominated participants.

About 40 panel positions will be filled by members of Council’s community advisory committees and youth councillors, while the remaining 80 places will be filled by local residents with an interest in being part of the process.

Expression of interest packs can be collected from the Civic Centre, 25 Liebig Street, Warrnambool.

Expressions of interest close on September 28. For more information go to www.w2040.com.au/get-involved