FAQs

Community engagement refers to the way we interact with our community through two-way conversations. It involves including people in decisions that affect them and encompasses informing the community, actively listening, collaborating, and taking public input into account during the decision-making process. 

The Strategy outlines how the City commitment on how it will engage with the community and sets clear guidelines and principles for how we involve the community in decision-making processes and ensures everyone has an opportunity to engage with the City. 

A Community Engagement Strategy is a legal requirement for all councils in NSW under the NSW Local Government Act 1993. It helps us meet community demands for greater transparency and access to information. By updating our strategy, we ensure that all sectors of our community (including those hard-to-reach), have opportunities to participate. This strategy includes methods to engage diverse communities, such as youth, families, and disadvantaged groups. 

The Community Participation Plan (CPP) is required under the NSW Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979. This Plan details how and when the community can participate in the City’s planning functions, such as the development of new growth strategies, amendments to local planning controls, and the assessment of development applications. 

Community engagement ensures that decisions reflect the needs and preferences of those affected. By providing information and seeking feedback, we make informed decisions that benefit everyone. Education and communication are key to helping the community make informed choices and ensuring we deliver the best possible services. 

We engage with the community throughout the year, avoiding major holidays and events when possible. Engagement happens through various channels: online, over the phone, and in person.