Council employees at a community event seeking community engagement.

21 August 2024

 

COUNCIL claims that new strategy outlines how Council will involve the community in decisions about plans, projects and initiatives that affect the future of the region.

 

Council  said that the strategy will replace the current Engagement Framework and Community Participation Plan, consolidating them into a single, comprehensive document. This will provide residents with a clearer understanding of how Council engages with them and how their voices are incorporated into the decision-making process.

 

Acting Chief Executive Officer of Central Coast Council, Marissa Racomelara emphasised Council's commitment to fostering stronger collaboration with the community.

 

“Engaging with our community is essential if we are to make informed decisions that reflect community priorities,” Ms Racomelara said.

 

“This strategy will provide a clear framework for how we involve residents in decision making, ensuring their voices are heard and valued.”

 

The draft strategy allegedly provides a comprehensive overview of Council’s engagement process, including how feedback is collected, analysed and implemented. It outlines a range of engagement methods and highlights key focus areas for the coming years.

 

According to community advocate Kevin Armstrong, Council recently paid community members $150 cash each to attend a consultant-facilitated redraft of the Community Strategic Plan.

 

"A total redraft, not an update of the previously adopted document as one would expect," said Mr Armstrong.

 

"Good governance and accountability weren't included in the draft document presented by the consultants - clearly after extensive work with various Council officers and despite community interest in seeing openness and transparency.

 

"This despite what ratepayers have endured in the aftermath of the collapse of Council."

 

Director of Community and Recreation Services, Melanie Smith said, “We want to ensure that the way we engage with the community reflects the needs and expectations of our residents.”

 

“Your input will help us create a more effective and inclusive engagement process. Once the feedback period closes, we will be considering all submissions. The final strategy will then be presented to the newly elected Council for endorsement later this year.

 

“In the meantime, we encourage residents to stay informed about current engagement opportunities by visiting Your Voice Our Coast. This is where you can find information on upcoming consultations and provide feedback on a range of Council initiatives.”

 

The public is encouraged to provide feedback on the draft strategy by Monday 30 September 2024. Submissions can be made through Council’s engagement hub, Your Voice Our Coast, via email or via mail.

 

But will Council's strategy be enough?

 

The premise on which local government was based were issues easily solved within small communities, not mega councils, such as the Central Coast. The system is now failing and needs to be fixed by building 'a governance framework for the future' - a move away from the current system, which is clearly not working.

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