Published on 10 July 2026
We're inviting your feedback on a draft Community Engagement Policy that will guide how you can have a say on decisions that affect you. The policy is reviewed every four years and is due to be considered by Council in September. We regularly seek feedback on projects, policies, plans and decisions that impact life across the shire. Based on five community engagement principles set out in the Local Government Act 2020, the policy outlines our commitment to meaningful, transparent and effective engagement. The review aims to make the policy clearer, easier to understand and more user-friendly. The review process has also drawn on traditional First Nations knowledge, recognising values such as connection to place, respectful communication and working together as important foundations for engaging with all members of our community. Everyone is encouraged to review the draft policy and provide feedback by Tuesday 4 August via our Your Say page. All feedback will be considered and used to help refine the policy before it is presented to Council for consideration in September. Our staff are also reaching out directly to a range of community groups during the consultation period. Mayor Libby Stapleton said community feedback would play an important role in shaping the final outcome. "Community engagement helps Council draw on local knowledge, understand different perspectives and make better decisions for our community now and into the future," Cr Stapleton said. "We're keen to hear whether people think this working draft is on the right track and whether it clearly reflects how they would like Council to engage with the community." A report summarising key themes raised during the consultation will be published on the Your Say page after the engagement period, allowing the community to see how feedback has influenced the final policy.