Introducing our Community Engagement Strategy
Published on 26 June 2024
Kiama Council is excited to announce the adoption of its Community Engagement Strategy 2024-28, which was endorsed by Council on 18 June 2024.
Developed in consultation with the community and Council staff, this strategy provides a structured framework for engaging residents on crucial issues, projects, and policies impacting our community, focusing on transparency and inclusivity.
Kiama Mayor Neil Reilly said: “Our revised and updated Community Engagement Strategy draws on insights gathered from engagement activities conducted in early 2024. This included community pop-ups across the Municipality, meetings with various committees and stakeholder groups, an online survey, and public exhibition of the Draft Strategy.”
“Council staff engaged with more than 3,000 locals and stakeholders to understand their preferences for engaging with Council, as well as setting out how Council will engage with the community.”
Cr Reilly thanked all community members and stakeholders who actively participated in the development of the Strategy.
Claire Doble, Manager of Communications and Engagement at Kiama Council, said key action areas of the Strategy include:
- building staff capacity
- meeting community where they are
- clear and transparent communication
- collaborating with youth and other under-represented groups
- closing the loop through timely follow-ups
- letting people know how their input has affected decision making and Council outcomes.
"We are committed to empowering residents to have a say in decisions that affect them,” Ms Doble said.
“By focusing on these areas, Council aims to strengthen how it engages with the community, cultivate trust and ensure decisions reflect the diversity of voices of our community,” she said.
Mayor Reilly said: "By adopting this strategy, Council has reaffirmed its dedication to reaching a vibrant diversity of voices. We are committed to listening, learning, and working together for better and more sustainable outcomes for our community."
Engagement Reports for the Co-Design and Public Exhibition phases of the strategy’s development have been published, detailing progress, outcomes, and how community input was utilised.