Have your say through new online engagement hub

Have your say through new online engagement hub

Last updated on 31 January 2024

Council has launched a new online hub to enable a clearer, more engaging way of informing and obtaining valuable feedback from the community on key Council policies or initiatives.

People will be able to view current public consultations and have their say in new ways through the new Your Say hub, which has the capacity to host surveys, interactive maps, Q&As, forums and more.

The launch of Your Say supports a strategic priority in the Council Plan 2021-2031 to ‘Enhance customer experience through the transformation of our services, to ensure they are easy to access and provide user-friendly experiences’.

It also supports a specific Council Plan action also set to be completed this financial year, with new Community Engagement Guidelines under development to better guide Council staff in undertaking effective, relevant, and transparent community consultation.

Chief Executive Officer, Bernie O’Sullivan, said it was integral to hear from the community to help tailor the projects, policies and services Council delivers.

“We have subject matter experts here at Council who work hard to develop initiatives relevant to their field, but two-way conversation is essential to make sure we’re hitting the mark,” he said.

“Council is committed to genuine consultation and closing the loop with the community. This new online engagement hub – together with the new staff guidelines – will support that commitment. I encourage residents to continue taking the time to review public consultations and provide feedback.”

A number of draft policies or initiatives endorsed by Council for public consultation late last year are set to invite feedback from 5 February, including:

Romsey Skatepark designs – proposed designs for a new skatepark that would feature a large bowl, a quarter pipe, pump track and a series of hips and corners. Funding of $550,000has already been committed by the Victorian Government towards construction, while Council allocated $20,000 towards initial planning works in the Budget 2023/24. Draft Complaint and Unreasonable Behaviour Policy – this policy outlines how Council will manage complaints and unreasonable behaviour and provides clear guidance for both the complainant and Council. Draft Special Charge Scheme Policy – this policy applies to Special Charge Scheme (SCS)infrastructure projects such as resident-funded upgrading of roads and drainage. Draft Fair Access Policy – this policy supports Council in the identification and removal of systemic factors contributing to gender inequality relating to the availability of qualityc ommunity sports infrastructure at times that are suitable.

Visit the Your Say page to view current consultations, provide feedback and sign up to receive tailored alerts about future consultations as they are listed.