Contributions to this consultation are closed for evaluation and review.
The Community Engagement team will report back on key outcomes.
Phase 1: Consultation (Co-design)
The Community Engagement Strategy provides a practical framework for delivering meaningful and measurable community engagement while strengthening the diversity of community voices. The draft Community Engagement Strategy was created via a co-design process which saw Council staff engage more than 1,000 locals and stakeholders to understand their preferences for engaging with Council, as well as setting out how Council will engage with the community.
Kiama Council extends its sincere appreciation to all community members and stakeholders who actively participated in phase one of the Community Engagement Strategy co-design, which provided the following insights:
- The most popular methods for community members to receive Council information were via local newspapers, Council’s e-newsletter, Council website and social media platforms
- Surveys, emails, quick polls, and talking to Council staff at community pop-ups are preferred mediums to share your views and ideas with Council
- There is a preference for a combination of online and face-to-face engagement opportunities, for Council to meet community where they are at and reach a diversity of voices
- Some expressed a need for Council to build trust via improved accountability and transparency in engagement
- Council needs to build staff capacity and provide practical engagement tools to deliver more consistent and meaningful engagement that clearly communicates the level of community influence
- Closing the loop by communicating outcomes and fulfilling commitments is important to ensure you feel heard.
Phase 2: Consultation (Public Exhibition)
Contributions to this consultation are closed for evaluation and review. The Community Engagement team will report back on key outcomes.
Next Steps
1. Consideration feedback
Any feedback received during the exhibition period will be considered and incorporate where relevant.
2. Council endorsement
Final strategy will go to Council for endorsement, including a report outlining how feedback received during the consultation phases shaped the final Strategy.
3. Closing the loop with Community
Share the final strategy and community engagement report with the community, highlighting how their input shaped the final Strategy.
To be kept in the loop about the development of the strategy, please subscribe to this page.