GORCAPA seeks feedback on consultation framework

THE Great Ocean Road Coast and Parks Authority (GORCAPA) has released its Draft Community Engagement Commitment and Framework for public feedback.

The framework, which is open for comment until May 13, outlines the role community consultation and participation will play in GORCAPA’s work to protect, improve and promote the Great Ocean Road coast and parks.

It has been informed by key pieces of work, legislation, consultation to date and best practice community engagement frameworks and models.

The authority’s board, internal staff, key stakeholders and community groups have all provided significant guidance and feedback on what matters to them.

GORCAPA says it is committed to ensuring communities have the knowledge and the opportunities necessary to participate fully in the future of the Great Ocean Road region, which includes leveraging the existing leadership within communities.

The community engagement approach will provide opportunities and platforms for present and future community leaders to develop and hone their skills as collaborators, thought leaders and advocates.

“We’re committed to building strong relationships with our Traditional Owners, communities and stakeholders in the delivery of our work, with a shared commitment to the vision for one integrated model of governance and land and marine management for the entirety of the Great Ocean Road region,” GORCAPA chief executive officer Jodie Sizer said.

“The level of shared community knowledge and leadership along the Great Ocean Road is invaluable and we want to make sure we capture this so we can strengthen our connections and common purpose.”

To ensure the Community Engagement Framework consistently aligns with GORCAPA’s values and principles, five core elements of engagement have been developed.

The five elements are each designed to meet a specific purpose, as well as integrate into a broader structure for reaching GORCAPA’s vision:

• To strengthen capacity and enable strategic leadership
• To increase community participation and build collective knowledge
• To connect with and learn from our communities and knowledge holders
• To be transparent and keep our communities informed, and
• To receive and respond to feedback from our communities.

Each element outlines potential associated forums and channels for engagement, including community leadership groups, open deliberative forums, place-based engagement and social and traditional media.

To read the Draft Community Engagement Commitment and Framework, register to attend a community engagement webinar on May 9, complete an online survey or submit feedback via email, head to GORCAPA’s website.