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Council seeks feedback on Community Engagement PolicyLatrobe City Council, guided by a Reference Group consisting of Councillors, management, staff and community members, has developed a Draft Community Engagement Policy... By Latrobe City Council - 16th March 2004 - Back to News Latrobe City Council, guided by a Reference Group consisting of Councillors, management, staff and community members, has developed a Draft Community Engagement Policy and is seeking community feedback on the document. To facilitate this, a Community Forum will be held on Wednesday 24 March at the Italian Australian Club, Morwell from 7pm to 9pm.
Latrobe City Mayor, Councillor Graeme Middlemiss said that the draft policy provided a framework to ensure that Council consults adequately with residents within the municipality and that residents are given adequate opportunity to communicate with Council about issues of concern.
"The draft policy outlines Council’s commitment to community engagement and consultation as well as suggesting ways to enhance current consultation processes," Cr Middlemiss said.
"The draft policy also provides information to assist Council and residents in the most appropriate engagement methods or tools to be used in a variety of different situations with varying community requirements," Cr Middlemiss said.
"There are many engagement tools available, such as advertising, letters to residents, information on the web site, letter box drops and community consultation meetings. One or more of these methods can be used to ensure the public is fully informed on a particular issue.
"For example, if increased traffic volume has meant that a road widening project seems necessary, Council could inform those people directly affected and invite their comments by writing letters to them. An advertisement could be placed in the local newspaper and put on the web site. A public meeting could be called if the issue is contentious and follow up correspondence or meetings could be held to advise of any decisions made," Cr Middlemiss explained.
"The draft policy provides guidance in determining which is the most appropriate tool or tools to use in a particular circumstance," Cr Middlemiss added.
Cr Middlemiss said that by creating this draft policy Council was hoping to ensure that communication between Council and residents was open and accessible.
"Community engagement can only be successful if it is a two-way street so we would encourage all interested members of the public to obtain a copy of the draft policy and if possible attend the forum on 24 March," Cr Middlemiss concluded.
English language copies of the Draft Community Engagement Policy and Strategy are available from Citizen Service Centres and libraries in Moe, Morwell and Traralgon. The document is available in electronic format via Latrobe City’s website www.latrobe.vic.gov.au and in alternative formats – large print, audio cassette, languages other than English, electronic format via diskette or email and Braille upon request. To receive a copy by mail or alternative format phone 1300 367 700.
To register your interest in attending the Forum telephone Latrobe City 1300 367 700. For further information, phone Heather Farley on 5128 5648 or email heatherfa@latrobe.vic.gov.au
Responses to the draft policy are due by Monday 5 April. The reference group will reconvene to discuss responses received and comments offered at the Forum. The draft policy will then be put to Council for adoption. Once the draft is adopted, training for Council staff will commence and the Reference Group will review the policy on an annual basis.
Source: www.gippsland.com Published by: news@gippsland.com
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