Positive, effective and ongoing community engagement can assist local
governments make better informed, and more accepted and sustainable
decisions.
But, as most councils are aware, engaging a truly
representative cross section of any local community in a positive way
poses many challenges. Community members are more likely to share their
opinions when outraged by an issue, as opposed to offering constructive
advice.
Through a series of forums, the City of Boroondara, in
Melbourne’s inner east, is trying to subvert the status quo through
engaging its community in an ongoing discussion around controversial
issues. A recent ‘Boroondara Conversation’ attracted 60 local residents,
who joined Council staff to discuss the topic of ‘Democracy: issues,
influence and outrage’.
“It’s not difficult to attract interest
from community members to discuss controversial issues,” said
Boroondara’s Executive Manager Communications and Engagement, Deb
Ganderton. “But those engagements, while helpful in resolving particular
issues, don’t accurately reflect diverse community views.
“The aim
of ‘Boroondara Conversations’ is to encourage positive Council/community
engagement by asking residents about the future they want for our
city.”
The recent democracy forum featured a brief panel
discussion, and question and answer session by planners and Boroondara’s
community engagement staff.
A world café style discussion of
democracy followed where participants, with facilitators’ assisting,
discussed a range of general questions about democracy and what they
wanted from Council.
Some of the ideas that surfaced included:
increased collaboration between Council and community to ensure that all
residents’ voices are heard; open communication between Council and
community from the outset of the decision-making process; information
from Council to be tailored, consistent, simple and relevant; Council to
foster community groups; and Council to build stronger relationships
with other governments to ensure good outcomes for Boroondara.
Forum
participants were also encouraged to join the new online ‘Boroondara
Community Voice Panel’, which aims to involve around 2000 residents over
a year.
“Online community engagement is simple, convenient and
accessible. It breaks down some of the barriers to consultation many
people face due to disability, an inability to access transport, or work
and family commitments,” said Ms Ganderton.
In joining the
‘Boroondara Community Voice Panel’, participants will be asked to
respond regularly to a survey or poll on local issues, giving Council
access to a broad sample of community opinions.
A monthly blog
will also focus on relevant issues as they arise, giving community
members a chance to engage with Council or one another through comments
and discussion.
“At Boroondara, we believe this ongoing online engagement will strengthen our relationship with and understanding
of the community,” said Ms Ganderton.
“We
expect Council staff will find it a very valuable consultation tool. It
will help us better understand community attitudes to a range of local
issues.”
