Community Engagement & Participation Strategy
All Councils in NSW are required to develop a Community Engagement Strategy.
Specifically, section 402A of the Local Government Act 1993, which relates to the Integrated Planning and Reporting (IP&R) framework, requires NSW councils to have a Community Engagement Strategy based on social justice principles.
In addition, Division 2.6 of the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979 requires Councils to have a Community Participation Plan. The plan applies to all aspects of a council’s land use planning and sets out how and when Council will engage with the community on planning and development issues. It also includes minimum exhibitions requirements.
Council has prepared a single document with a Community Engagement & Participation Strategy inclusive of Community Participation Plan requirements, which is considered best practice by the Office of Local Government.
The Community Engagement & Participation Strategy was adopted by Council on 19 February 2025.