Murrindindi Shire Council is inviting community members to have their say and help Council develop a new Community Engagement Policy, in accordance with the new Local Government Act.
The purpose of a Community Engagement Policy is to formalise Council's commitment to engaging with communities across Murrindindi Shire through the use of appropriate, effective and inclusive engagement practices.
Council's Director Community Engagement Shivaun Brown said Council is committed to delivering best practice community consultation.
'We're updating our Policy and practices to support the best possible engagement with community members. We understand the importance of designing community engagement methods that work for our community. If we get the methods right, it will make it much easier for you to let us know what you think about a plan, initiative or project, when we ask you to have your say.
'So to get a better understanding of how we can best engage with you we're inviting you to take part in the 'Your Opinion Matters' survey or to get involved in one of our 90-minute, online focus group discussions', said Ms Brown.
'The survey should only take you around 15 minutes to complete. It will ask you whether you feel like Council provides enough opportunities for you to share your thoughts and feedback on projects that impact you. It will also look at what we can do to improve how we run community consultation sessions and what we might be able to do to encourage more of you to get involved.
'The survey is open until 7 January 2021 and you can either complete it online or drop into our Library and Customer Service Centre in Yea, Kinglake or Alexandra and fill out a paper survey in person.
'If you think a focus group discussion is more your style, then I'd encourage you to come along to an online session at 10.30 am on either Tuesday 15 December or Friday 18 December. If the morning doesn't suit, we're also holding a session at 7.00 pm on Thursday 17 December. Registrations are essential for each focus group session, so head online and register your details.
'The more ideas and feedback we hear from you now, the better our approach will be to engaging with you in future. We'll share the new draft policy with you early next year and give you another opportunity to let us know if you think our approach is heading in the right direction', Ms Brown added.
