Council seeks community engagement

THE City of Greater Geelong Council is encouraging input from the community regarding decision-making as part of its Community Engagement Policy.

The draft Community Engagement Policy focuses on building a strong commitment to providing accessible and inclusive opportunities for residents to be involved in and help shape decisions which impact the region’s liveability and prosperity.

City of Greater Geelong Mayor Stephanie Asher said gaining this feedback was extremely important in delivering on what best reflects the community’s interests and needs.

“Community engagement is a really important element of what we do as a council and ensures we can make decisions that reflect the best interests of our diverse community,” Cr Asher said.

“This new policy strengthens our approach to engagement with the community to ensure we are providing everyone with the opportunity to have their say on the things that matter to them.

“I encourage community members to review the draft policy and provide their feedback so that council can move forward and adopt a community engagement policy which genuinely and meaningfully reflects the aspirations of residents in how they wish to be involved in decisions.”

Each year the Greater Geelong Council invites the community to participate in approximately 200 engagements from policies, projects and initiatives that might affect, impact or interest them. The draft policy outlines the City’s responsibility back to the community about what was learnt.

It is also important to seek the feedback and participation from people from diverse cultural backgrounds, experiences and abilities.

The draft Community Engagement Policy is a key requirement under the new Local Government Act 2020 and will now undergo community consultation before being adopted by March 1, 2021.

Feedback on the draft Community Engagement Policy can be provided via the City’s online engagement platform or during one of the virtual workshops, which will take place in late January or early February.

Community members are invited to provide their feedback before February 5, 2021 or register their interest to attend an online workshop at yoursay.geelongaustralia.com.au/CER.