Community Engagement Policy - 2020 update
Council worked with the community in 2019 to develop a new Community Engagement Policy.
Due to changes in the new Local Government Act (2020), we now need to update the policy.
What is a Community Engagement Policy?
The Community Engagement Policy outlines our commitment to provide the community with genuine opportunities to contribute to and inform projects, strategies, services and decisions that affect them.
The intent of this policy is to provide clarity about how Council will fulfill its commitment to engaging with the community.
What has been updated due to the new Local Government Act (2020)?
This updated draft policy reflects the changes and expectations outlined for all Victorian Councils in the new Local Government Act 2020 (the Act).
The main changes to the existing policy include:
- a clear list of the document and strategies that we will engage the community on – as outlined in the new Act
- a definition of deliberative engagement
- a strengthened approach to how we will consult i.e. the process we will follow, based on the draft Victorian Government Engagement Framework that was released for public comment in early 2020.
More specifically, in line with the new Act, the revised community engagement policy outlines how Council intends to engage on the following matters:
• Development or review of the Community Vision (s 88) *
• Preparation and adoption of the Council Plan (s 90) *
• Development, adoption, and review of the Financial Plan (s 91) *
• Development, adoption, and review of the Asset Plan (s 92) *
• Electoral structure review (s 16)
• Governance rules (s 60)
• Proposing and making a local law (s 73)
• Budget or Revised budget (s 95 & 96)
• Compulsory acquisition of land (s 112)
• Selling, exchange or lease of land (s 114 & 115)
*These provisions also include a requirement for deliberative engagement practices.
Have your say: Read the draft in the document library on the right-hand side of this page and leave your feedback below.
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Images from various community engagement activities in Kingston including a deliberative panel on Housing and Neighbourhood Character, Kingston's Ward Committees and a pop-up consultation in Cheltenham's shopping precinct on the future of the activity centre. Banner image: Rawpixel
Document Library
Who's listening
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Phone 1300 653 356 Email info@kingston.vic.gov.au
Maybe Council could act on the "engagement" that it currently gets, instead of fobbing off the engagement with council speak. When we "engage" with consultation previously, it seems to get side stepped unless it aligns with the policy that is being put up. For example, the Baytrail, Council draft budget and increase in rates, speed bumps and reduction of parking along Como Pde East and West.
Then there is the "engagement" that only includes those living on a road, and not feeder roads to that road - eg Parkers Rd and the dumb traffic islands and reduction of parking, making it difficult for cars and buses to pass.
Under Community Engagement, how about keeping the Rate Payers informed about Covid-19 outbreaks. The Press has advised, in the past, which Council has an infection within its area. I believe the Council should advise rate payers of exactly where that or those infections have occurred. We can then take that little bit more action to ensure that those within that area do not accidentally pass it on.