Community encouraged to provide input

Published on 17 December 2020

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At a Meeting of Council this week (15/12), Council endorsed the Draft Community Participation and Engagement Policy and Draft Communications and Engagement Strategy.

Both documents are now available for community feedback until Friday 15 January, 2021.

In accordance with Section 55 of the Local Government Act 2020, Council is required to adopt a Community Engagement Policy by 1 March 2021.

In moving the motion at the December Council Meeting Cr Wayne Sproull said communication and engagement was a key theme during the election period.

“In my conversations with the community, it was clear residents wanted more and better communication and consultation from Council.

“The Draft Community Participation and Engagement Policy and Draft Communications and Engagement Strategy has been developed to improve that.

“The Policy presents a clear and thorough way forward for our Shire. With 8 guiding principles, it puts in place a framework that will help ensure community involvement at every step.

“To work, it needs the input and participation from our community. With that in mind, I hope all residents take the time to read the documents and use this opportunity to engage with Council to ensure they are happy with it.”

Central Goldfields Shire Mayor Cr Chris Meddows-Taylor said this is Council’s opportunity to re-assess, re-invigorate and refresh the way we engage and communicate with the community moving forward.

“The new Local Government Act 2020 raises requirements of councils including more ‘going to the people’ approaches to community engagement in setting goals, priorities and budgets and genuine transparency in Council actions and decision-making.

“There is an absolute need therefore to focus and to understand what our community wants us to achieve and to prioritise these things so we can progress them and share that progress.

“We need to review previous priorities and make sure they align with what the community is telling us. This must be our key priority.

“I encourage you to read the documents and take the time to provide us with your feedback.”

Residents can view the documents and provide feedback via:

  • Online – Read the documents and provide feedback via an online survey on our website www.centralgoldfields.vic.gov.au/haveyoursay
  • Social media – Participate in an online poll via our Facebook page
  • In person – Monday 21 December, 10.30am to 12.30pm - Resource Centre, Maryborough. More opportunities in January 2021 will be communicated shortly.
  • Email – media@cgoldshire.vic.gov.au
  • Phone – Contact Council’s Community Engagement Manager on 0457 604 252. 

 

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