The City of Ballarat is seeking public feedback on how it involves the community in the decision-making process.
Community consultation is now being sought on the Draft Community Engagement Policy, which is currently being reviewed to ensure it remains relevant and reflects the goals of the newly elected Council.
The current Community Engagement Policy was adopted in 2021, after changes to the Local Government Act (2020) required all councils to develop and maintain a formal engagement policy.
The new draft policy aims to affirm the City of Ballarat's commitment to increasing community engagement in the new Council term.
The notable proposed amendments in the updated policy include, but are not limited to:
- Considering round table type discussions for projects that would benefit from a deeper review from a broad range of people in our community.
- The addition of annual and localised events to increase awareness and opportunities for community participation.
- Highlighting the need to consider face-to-face engagement opportunities.
- Enhancing the evaluation process to ensure engagements have a thorough 'closing the loop' process.
City of Ballarat Mayor, Cr Tracey Hargreaves said the current Council group had already made significant progress in involving the community in the decision-making process.
The 'Let's Chat Ballarat' Community Expo in March, the ongoing 'Let's Chat' ward Councillor sessions, and increased in-person consultations were examples of best practice community engagement that had already been introduced in 2025, Cr Hargreaves said.
"We really want to hear from the community as early as possible when we make decisions and engage with those who are most impacted and affected," she said.
"The review of the Community Engagement Policy follows the same process - we want the community involved in it and to help shape it.
"I encourage people to read the draft policy and share their feedback with us."
A MySay page has been established where people can read the Draft Community Engagement Policy and leave any feedback.
Consultation closes on the draft policy on Friday 11 July. The draft policy is expected to proceed to Council for adoption at the August 2025 meeting.
