Warringah City Council has developed a new approach to determine how and when Council should consult with the community and stakeholders about its activities.
The Warringah Community Consultation Framework has four key components that guide its implementation. They include the community consultation strategy, policy, matrix and tool kit.
“The framework aims to ensure that the people of Warringah are consulted appropriately about all issues, plans or strategies that might affect them directly or indirectly,” said Council’s General Manager, Stephen Blackadder “The framework, also ensures that suitable, consistent consultation is identified and undertaken on all projects.”
The policy and strategy of the framework outlines the philosophical and implementational guidelines of Council’s commitment to community consultation.
The matrix and tool kit are the main components which guide staff in implementing the framework. The matrix itself is a guide for staff on when and how they should consult with the community for different situations.
The tool kit, on the other hand, provides staff with a practical implementational guide on the ‘how to’ of community consultation.
“The extensive involvement of staff in developing the framework has ensured that its components are not only relevant to Council but allow staff the flexibility to use innovative methods in community consultations,” Stephen Blackadder said. “The framework has also been incorporated into Council’s project planning template to ensure that community consultation requirements are considered at the commencement of each project.”
A direct link to Warringah’s Community Consultation Framework is on Council’s website at www.warringah.nsw.gov.au/community-consultation.htm
