Kiama Council has endorsed the adoption of a new Community Engagement Strategy for the next four years.
Developed in consultation with the community and Council staff, the Community Engagement Strategy 2024-28 provides a structured framework for engaging residents on crucial issues, projects, and policies impacting our community, focusing on transparency and inclusivity.
“Our revised and updated Community Engagement Strategy draws on insights gathered from engagement activities conducted in early 2024,” said Mayor, Neil Reilly.
“This included community pop-ups across the Municipality, meetings with various committees and stakeholder groups, an online survey, and public exhibition of the Draft Strategy.
“Council staff engaged with more than 3,000 locals and stakeholders to understand their preferences for engaging with Council, as well as setting out how Council will engage with the community.”
Council Manager of Communications and Engagement, Claire Doble said key action areas of the Strategy include:
- building staff capacity;
- meeting community where they are;
- clear and transparent communication;
- collaborating with youth and other under-represented groups;
- closing the loop through timely follow-ups;
- letting people know how their input has affected decision making and Council outcomes.
“We are committed to empowering residents to have a say in decisions that affect them,” Ms Doble said.
“By focusing on these areas, Council aims to strengthen how it engages with the community, cultivate trust and ensure decisions reflect the diversity of voices of our community,” she said.
Mayor Reilly said that by adopting the strategy, Council had reaffirmed its dedication to “reaching a vibrant diversity of voices”.
“We are committed to listening, learning, and working together for better and more sustainable outcomes for our community,” he said.
