Wollongong City Council General Manager Greg Doyle. Photo: Wollongong City Council.
Wollongong City Council has called for feedback on changes to its community engagement policy.
Currently available on the council website, the revised Community Engagement Strategy outlines how the council reaches out to hear from the community on specific topics.
The tweak to the title from ‘Community Engagement Policy’ to ‘Community Engagement Strategy’ is among the changes, which also include a new section on council stakeholders, details on how community petitions are presented in engagement reports to the council and information on the role of the lord mayor and general manager in community engagement.
Community engagement is a process that allows people to speak directly with the council to share their thoughts on a particular project or an issue that matters to them.
This can encompass anything from gathering feedback from residents about the design of a new footpath to seeking advice from businesses about council policies or getting input from local children when designing a playground.
The revised document also explains the council’s commitment to the principles of equity, access, participation, and rights – social justice principles that Wollongong City Council General Manager Greg Doyle said were central to community engagement.
“We want to make sure that our community is at the very front and centre of our decision-making,” Mr Doyle said.
“Community engagement is one of the ways we are working to strengthen our relationship and continuing to build the community’s trust with council.
“By being transparent on how we make decisions and involving our community, we can make sure what we deliver meets the needs of our community.”
Community members can share their thoughts by quoting “Revised Community Engagement Strategy Policy feedback” when they complete a feedback form, email [email protected], phone 4227 7111 or write to the engagement team at Wollongong City Council, Locked Bag 8821, Wollongong DC NSW 2500.
Submissions become public documents and may be viewed by other persons on request.
Mr Doyle said the draft Community Engagement Strategy built on the work of previous council policies, which were in turn developed with community help.
“At the end of the day our goal is to involve you in the work we do so that you can help shape the future of our city,” Mr Doyle said.
“The changes we’ve made to the policy will improve how we go about our work and ensure we’re following engagement best practice.”
Visit Our Wollongong for more information or to submit your feedback by Monday 15 May 2023.
Loading ...
