Cumberland Council’s first draft Community Engagement and Public Participation Strategy is now on Public Exhibition, with feedback being sought until 16 November 2018 via haveyoursay.cumberland.nsw.gov.au.
Mayor Greg Cummings said the draft strategy was co-designed with the community following the April 2018 adoption of Council’s Community Engagement Policy; an expression of our commitment to engaging with the community and stakeholders through engagement processes that are conducted in an open, transparent and consistent manner.
“Ultimately the goal is that Council decisions better reflect the interests and concerns of the community, and that Council promotes sustainable decisions by recognising and communicating the needs and interests of all participants,” Mayor Cummings said.
“Best practice community engagement seeks input from participants in designing how they participate. We sought your feedback on why, when and in what way you want to participate.
“I want to take this opportunity to thank everyone who participated in co-designing our first Community Engagement and Participation Strategy. The result is this document which, once adopted, will guide the way Council engages with the community over the next three years.
“While this document is on Public Exhibition you have the opportunity to review it and let us know if we’ve got it right.
“Community engagement is more than just sending out surveys or putting documents on Public Exhibition. It’s about our commitment to use the input you give us to shape and influence the decisions that affect you.
“If you want to help shape the future of Cumberland, please visit Council’s website and ‘Have Your Say’. We want the information collected as part of the Public Exhibition period to be as representative of the community as possible.
“We really value your input and look forward to continually demonstrating how your contribution will positively impact Council’s future plans, policies and programs.”
Results of the Public Exhibition period will be reported back to Council later in the year. Once adopted the strategy will be updated annually to respond to emerging trends, within the community and within best practice community engagement.
