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Community engagement increases dialogue

Willoughby City Council, New South Wales, have introduced monthly information seminars, providing the community with a forum to hear about significant issues and projects.

Held up to ten times a year on the fourth Monday of each month and chaired by Mayor Gail Giles-Gidney, each seminar will feature topics presented by an expert from Council, state government or other agency.

Mayor Giles-Gidney said, “The information seminars are a new and innovative approach to Council’s community engagement, providing people with in-depth, timely information on issues that really matter to them.”  

The community information seminars are part of Willoughby City Council’s commitment to ensure the community is informed and will create more opportunities for dialogue.

“Community members are still invited to attend the monthly Council meetings which remain Council’s decision making forum. What’s exciting about the new seminars is that they will allow people to take a deep dive into areas of interest and ask questions relevant
to their situation.”

The first seminar, on 26 August in the Council Chambers attracted a capacity crowd.

Project Communications, Sydney Metro, Katherine Martin, provided a progress update on the Sydney City and Southwest project which will extend the Sydney Metro rail under Sydney harbour, through new underground city stations and beyond to the south west.  

She talked about the metro concept and how it complements existing public transport.

Willoughby City Council, Director Planning and Infrastructure, Greg McDonald, lifted the lid on the New South Wales planning system. He explained the State legislation and how Council manages the planning process, from city plans and zoning through to lodging a development application.

A video of each presentation will be available to download from Council’s website in the following days for those unable to attend.

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