Community engagement describes the way Council reaches out to hear from you, the community on a specific topic.
It’s a process that allows for people to speak directly with Council, share their thoughts on a particular project or an issue that matters to them.
Community engagement can involve speaking with residents about the design of a new footpath, chatting with children about how they like to play when designing a playground, and seeking advice from businesses and community members on important Council policies.
How we seek community feedback is guided by a Community Engagement Strategy and right now, we’re asking for feedback on:
- It’s got a new name – ‘Community Engagement Strategy’ – it was previously known as the Community Engagement Policy
- It explains Council’s commitment to the principles of equity, access, participation, and rights
- It includes a new section on Council stakeholders
- Details how community petitions are presented in engagement reports to Council
- Lists the changes to Council’s engagement evaluation criteria
- Includes information on the role of the Lord Mayor and General Manager in community engagement
- Council has also updated when the next review of the Community Engagement Strategy will take place.
Wollongong City Council General Manager Greg Doyle said that Council’s community engagement is based on social justice principals of equity, access, participation, and rights.
“Everything we do at Council is for the community we serve. 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. 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.
“This draft Community Engagement Strategy isn’t a brand-new policy; it builds on the work of previous Council policies which were in turn developed with the help of our community. The changes we’ve made to the policy will improve how we go about our work and ensure we’re following engagement best practice.”
The draft Community Engagement Strategy can be read on the Our Wollongong website.
