Wentworth Shire Council has introduced a major initiative to strengthen public participation and promote transparency with the launch of its new online community engagement platform, Engage Wentworth & Surrounds.
Powered by the Social Pinpoint technology widely used across Australia, this dedicated digital hub will become the central place for residents to share ideas, provide feedback on Council projects, and remain informed about local planning and key strategic directions. The initiative reinforces the Civic Leadership objectives identified in the Wentworth Shire Community Strategic Plan 2026-2036, particularly the community's call for better communication and engagement, and broader consultation.
Wentworth Shire Council Mayor, Councillor Daniel Linklater, said "The platform will play a vital role in building trust and strengthening decision-making across the Shire. Our Community Strategic Plan is clear: our success relies on strong, ethical and inclusive civic leadership. Engage Wentworth & Surrounds is the tool that makes this possible. It ensures every resident, wherever they live across the Shire can genuinely participate in decisions that affect their lives."
The Engage Wentworth & Surrounds platform supports the delivery of Council's long-term planning documents, including the Community Strategic Plan 2026-2036 by strengthening leadership that is open, transparent and inclusive; the Economic Development Strategy 2025-2035 by supporting sustainable and well-planned growth that is respectful of stakeholders; the Community Engagement Strategy by providing inclusive, innovative and accessible methods of communication that reach all groups, including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and communities in remote areas; and the Resourcing Strategy by enabling informed decision-making and responsible resource allocation, consistent with the principles of the Integrated Planning and Reporting Framework.
Accessible at engage.wentworth.nsw.gov.au, the platform offers a range of opportunities for residents to get involved, including interactive mapping tools for location-specific comments and project feedback, surveys and polls for structured consultation across a broad range of topics, and discussion forums that encourage community ideas and collaboration on strategic planning matters.
The platform allows users to follow projects relevant to where they live or subjects they care most about, helping them stay informed throughout the decision-making process.
Council is committed to ensuring that community input meaningfully influences outcomes wherever possible. All residents, businesses and stakeholders are encouraged to register at engage.wentworth.nsw.gov.au and take part in shaping the future of Wentworth Shire.
