Greater Shepparton City Council endorsed Council’s commitment to engaging with the community in an appropriate, effective and inclusive way at the 21 April Ordinary Council Meeting.
The Policy recognises the need to customise community engagement methods and processes which can be dependent on the topic or issue and any legislative requirements.
Greater Shepparton City Council Mayor, Cr Seema Abdullah, said the Policy is a way forward to ensuring our community is aware of and able to have input into matters which affect them.
“The Policy is a way of ensuring we are consistent in our approach to community consultation,” said Cr Abdullah. “It is important that the community has a say in Council activities and by developing a policy we provide a way for the community to inform decision making.”
“Council also needs to ensure the communication is clear, relevant and suited to the audience,” she said. “We value the input of our community and acknowledge there are a range of different views and needs within our diverse community.”
Work is continuing on the Draft Community Engagement Corporate Procedure. A Toolkit and training program will also be established to guide and support staff in the day to day operations of community engagement to ensure a consistent, considered approach to community engagement across the organisation.
