Wodonga Council
Having a say on having a say

Page URL: https://www.wodonga.vic.gov.au/Have-your-say/Past-Consultations/2020/Having-a-say-on-having-a-say

Having a say on having a say

 /  Have your sayPast Consultations2020Having a say on having a say

Having a say on having a say


Closed
18
Dec
It’s a consultation about consultation.

But it’s important we get your feedback.

Under the new Local Government Act, the council must adopt and maintain a community engagement policy that gives effect to the community engagement principles in the Act.

Those principles, outlined in section 56, are as follows.

  • 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.

From strategies and plans, to budgets, to playgrounds and park names, we often ask you take part in community consultations.

This assists us in making decisions and considering the community’s needs and priorities.

To inform our new Community Engagement Policy and processes, we want to hear from you on how we communicate and engage with you.

Please take our survey below to inform the development of a new community engagement policy.

You will have a further opportunity to have your say when the draft policy goes out for exhibition next year ahead of its adoption on March 1.

Jan 27, 2021

What did the community tell us?

  • Respondents named believing there would be a positive outcome for the community and the issue having a direct impact on them or their family has the top two reasons they would take the time to have a say, followed closely by civic responsibility and interest in the topic. The ease through which to have a say and the chance to win a prize were the least likely reasons.
  • A lack of influence on the outcome and not enough information or knowledge about the topic were the top two reasons preventing people having a say, followed by a lack of interest or time.
  • The ways in which to have a say – attending forums or filling out information online – and the opportunity not being accessible were the lowest rated barriers.
  • The feedback aligned strongly with the engagement principles of the Act including understanding the influence the community would have on a decision and ensuring information was clear and understandable.
  • The principles formed the basis of the policy. The policy includes the council’s commitment in meeting these principles but it does not commit the council to any one consultation model or framework.
  • The responses also provided ideas and suggestions including the holding of pop-ups and market stalls; engaging through clubs and schools; shopfronts; using established networks, events and meetings; and, better communications.
  • Feedback will be used to develop an internal toolkit and framework for staff undertaking community engagement activities.

Submissions can be made online (using the online form below), by e-mail or phone.

Written submissions must be clearly marked as '' and will be received up until . They can also be sent by:

Life Cycle
  • Open

    The initial survey period will run until December 18, 2020

  • Under review

    Feedback will be reviewed and inform the drafting of a new policy

  • Endorsement

    The draft policy will be presented to councillors to go to public exhibition

  • Exhibition period

    The draft policy will be presented to the community for feedback

  • Adoption

    The policy will go back to councillors for adoption

Who's Listening
Community Engagement team

Community Engagement team's Photo