Draft Community Engagement Policy Consultation

Council developed its Community Engagement Policy in 2013 to outline its commitment to thorough, transparent and meaningful community engagement that will inform responsible decision-making for the benefit of the community. The policy was revised in 2018 and outlines Council’s role in providing activities which allow the community to express their expectations, aspirations and ideas. The policy is used where the input of community stakeholders can make a valuable contribution to decision making and when changes to services or infrastructure are required.

The new Local Government Act 2020 has introduced new requirements for Councils in regards to community engagement and all Councils must have a compliant policy in place by 1 March 2021. The key changes include:

• the introduction of five engagement principles:

  • a community engagement process must have a clearly defined objective and scope

  • participants in community engagement must have access to objective, relevant and timely information to inform their participation

  • participants in community engagement must be representative of the persons and groups affected by the matter that is the subject of the community engagement

  • participants in community engagement are entitled to reasonable support to enable meaningful and informed engagement

  • participants in community engagement are informed of the ways in which the community engagement process will influence Council decision making.

• the introduction of deliberative engagement practices for key strategic documents including the Community Vision, Council Plan, Long Term Financial Strategy and Asset Plans.

The draft policy includes the above legislative changes and has taken into consideration previous community feedback received by Council. 

We would like to hear your views on Council's draft Community Engagement Policy and how we can better meet your needs.

Draft Community Engagement Policy - 1.02MB

How to Have Your Say

This consultation will run from 17 December 2020 until 25 January 2021

To share your ideas:

• Complete the online form

Have Your Say

• Email council@cgd.vic.gov.au
• Call 03 8571 1000 to provide feedback or request a hard copy form
• Visit Dandenong, Springvale or Parkmore customer service centres and complete a hard copy form