Community Engagement Policy - Easy Read
What is this guide about?
This guide explains how Moyne Shire Council talks and listens to people in the community when making decisions.
What is community engagement?
Community engagement means:
- Talking with people in the community
- Listening to their ideas and concerns
- Working together to make good decisions
Why is it important?
It helps council:
- Make better decisions
- Build trust with the community
- Make sure everyone has a chance to be heard
Who is part of the community?
The community includes:
- People who live, work or visit Moyne Shire
- Businesses and volunteers
- Government and service organisations
- People of all ages, backgrounds and abilities
What does the council promise?
Council promises to:
- Give clear and easy-to-understand information
- Listen to everyone’s views
- Make sure people have time to take part
- Support people who need help to join in
- Tell people how their ideas were used
How does council talk with the community?
Council uses different ways to talk with people, including:
- Surveys
- Meetings
- Workshops
- Online tools
- Community panels
Types of engagement
There are two main types:
1. Consultative engagement
- Council asks for your opinion
- You can give feedback
- Council considers your ideas
2. Deliberative engagement
- You tell us your worries
- You help find ways to make things better
- You help make decisions
When does council engage?
Council must engage when making big plans like:
- Community Vision
- Council Plan
- Financial Plan
- Asset Plan
- Budget
- Local laws
- Buying or selling land
How does council make engagement fair?
Council makes sure:
- Everyone can take part
- People with different views are included
- People get support if they need it
- Information is easy to understand
- Feedback is given after decisions are made
How does council get better?
Council checks:
- If people are happy with engagement
- If the right people were included
- If the process was fair and useful
- What can be done better next time
Need help or want to talk to council?
You can: