Western Downs residents shape the future of Communications and Community Engagement

20 April 2022

Western Downs Regional Council is calling on residents to have their say as part of a milestone project to deliver a new standard of communications and community engagement across the region. 

Council has commenced the development of a Communications and Community Engagement Strategy, which will deliver a clear vision for the organisation on how to best engage and communicate with residents both now, and into the future.  

Western Downs Regional Council Mayor Paul McVeigh said the project would be delivered for the community, with comprehensive consultation to be undertaken as part of the development of the Strategy.   

“One of our key priorities under our Corporate Plan is to achieve meaningful communications and community engagement, and the development of this strategy will ensure we are doing just that,” Cr McVeigh said.  

“We have engaged reputable Queensland public relations and strategic communications firm Phillips Group to develop the Strategy, which will consider the community’s expectations of communications and engagement and give us the knowledge and the tools to deliver on our Corporate Plan priority. 

“In a very short period, we have seen a rapidly evolving media landscape and significant change in relation to the availability and accessibility of local news and information for residents, so it’s timely Council reconsiders how best to reach our community on issues that matter to them, and how best to engage with the community on Council projects, decisions, and initiatives.” 

Council Spokesperson for Strategic Communications and Council Facilities Councillor Megan James encouraged residents to get involved and put their ideas forward. 

“This consultation will allow us to establish a strong understanding of how people in the region receive information, how they like to be engaged, what they want to hear from Council and what they want to be engaged on,” Cr James said.  

“Information collected as part of the community consultation phase will help inform the strategy, so it’s really important residents take the time to have their say. 

“We will also be reaching out directly to targeted stakeholder groups seeking feedback very shortly, and I encourage everyone in the region to complete the survey, share with their friends and family and help us deliver a Strategy to best suit our region’s needs.”  

Residents will have until the 29th of May to complete the survey, which is available online, via hard copy at Council Customer Service Centres, Libraries, and selected Visitor Information Centres.  

Residents are also able to complete their survey over the phone and are encouraged to keep an eye on their letterboxes for more information in coming weeks.