EUROBODALLA Shire Council is paying a consultant about $21,000 to help it “strengthen relationships” with communities in the shire.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
KJA Engaging Solu-tions, Sydney, will develop a “framework” to help council and residents “engage”.
Ten community groups have been asked to share their views about the council’s communication, en-gagement and its community relationship.
The consultant will also assess council’s Fit for the Future submission, which it will discuss with councillors.
The plan to pay a consultant was not presented to councillors for formal approval, but mentioned in a minute, presented by mayor Lindsay Brown, seeking council’s support to hold twice-yearly community meetings in each town centre.
On Tuesday, Cr Liz Innes sought more information from general manager Catherine Dale and asked whether councillors would provide input.
“I don’t know much about it,” she said.
Dr Dale said the development of an “engagement strategy” arose from the Fit for the Future plan and was flagged in council’s operational plan.
“Council has been briefed and will be briefed by the consultant at the next meeting or so,” Dr Dale said.
Cr Gabi Harding said she looked forward to seeing the plan.
“In light of the HuntFest review, it’s well and truly required,” she said.
A council spokeswoman said councillors were briefed on the matter in March and supported the development of the “framework.
“Council’s audit committee suggested we seek independent ad-vice and undertake a ‘situational’ analysis to determine the best way to improve our communication and engagement,” she said.
She said the “situational” analysis would “inform” how the “framework” for engage-ment and communications would be developed, and identify matters for consideration.
Dr Dale said the “framework” would include a “toolkit” and guidelines to describe when and how council would consult with the community.
She said a draft “framework” was due to be presented to the community by October.
Shire mayor Lindsay Brown said council provided information on the website, in media releases and social media, and in regular email and print newsletters.
“We have taken the feedback from these community groups on board and the development of a transparent community engagement framework is very important to us,” he said.
“We want our community to understand when and how we will consult with them, and to encourage more residents to actively participate in our engagement activities."
