More Listening Posts on the way for community

Glenelg Shire Councillors and staff have been out and about hearing from our local communities, and there’ll be a double dose of Listening Posts coming up.

Following Listening Posts at Nelson, Portland and most recently Casterton, next on the list are Merino and Dartmoor.

The most recent Listening Post was held at Casterton (pictured above) on Tuesday, September 26, just before the monthly council meeting in the town that evening.

Glenelg Shire Mayor Scott Martin said Casterton turned on a great day for the event, which was able to be held out in front of the town hall.

“The community took the opportunity to have a chat with Councillors and key council staff from areas such as assets and infrastructure and community wellbeing,” Cr Martin said.

“Our 2021-2025 Council Plan makes a commitment to host engagement sessions, and we know that many community members do not wish to attend a formal meeting or appointment to discuss ideas for their township or relevant group.

“As a result, the Listening Posts provide a more relaxed setting for residents to feel comfortable to ‘drop in’ and share their ideas.”

Just three residents made submissions following the Listening Post, with other issues resolved during the discussions.

Residents inquired about the community consultation process of a recent project and staff were able to chat about how the process was undertaken and assist in ensuring they were aware of how they could take part in future engagement opportunities.

The next two Listening Posts are scheduled to be held on Thursday, October 19. The first of these will be held at Merino from 11am to noon, followed by Dartmoor from 2pm to 3pm.

“There is no need to RSVP, simply come down and share your ideas – this could be on improvements for the town, ideas on current and future services or simply just to touch base and connect with Council,” Cr Martin said.

The Listening Posts complement other methods and approaches within the Community Engagement Framework that Council utilises as part of its commitment to ongoing engagement and communication with its communities.

The online Listening Post will continue via Council’s Your Say Glenelg website. This page can be accessed online or at any of Council’s Customer Service Centres.

Event details
• Merino Listening Post Merino General Store Thursday 19 October 11am – noon
• Dartmoor Listening Post Dartmoor General Store Thursday 19 October 2pm – 3pm