Community Engagement Policy

This consultation has now closed. Thank you to everyone who has helped us improve how we engage with our community!

Project update

At the Council Meeting on Wednesday 26 August 2026, Council adopted a new Community Engagement Policy. 

Thanks to everyone who provided feedback during our community consultation period. We reviewed what you told us and used your suggestions to finalise this document. 

What we heard 

The responses we received were generally supportive of the Policy, with 62% agreeing that it provided a meaningful framework for community engagement, 19% unsure and 19% disagreeing. 

Support of the policy included the content it covered and the use of the IAP2 framework as a guide for best practice engagement. 

Several respondents raised concern that the policy may not actually be implemented and that 21 days may be too short for more significant engagements. 

Others also commented that past engagement outcomes had not aligned with their expectations. 

Another concern that was mentioned in the feedback was how we will manage potential submissions from AI agents rather than natural persons.  

We also heard suggestions on how to reach different communities in manners that are familiar and accessible through a broad range of communications channels. 

In response to the concerns and suggestions received, we made an amendment to the draft Community Engagement Policy before taking it to Council, noting that longer engagement periods may be considered for high-priority matters or when considering the engagement needs of particular communities.

You can download and read the final Community Engagement Policy here.

Let us know how we can better engage with YOU! 

Maintaining community focus remains a core value for Baw Baw Shire Council. This draft policy supports that commitment.

Community engagement allows the community to have an active voice in contributing to Council decisions. It strengthens transparency and builds the community’s trust in Council’s decision-making process. 

Our draft Community Engagement Policy is designed to bring more people into the conversation, and we want to know the best way to do that.  

The document, which is an update to an existing Policy, has been reviewed to ensure that Council is engaging with our community, including residents, business owners, volunteers and sporting club members, in a meaningful way and in a manner that provides them the opportunity to really tell us what they think.  

Your feedback will help ensure the policy reflects the values, needs, and expectations of our community. Whether you regularly participate in consultations or are sharing your perspective for the first time, every contribution is valuable.

We encourage all community members to review the draft policy and share feedback during the consultation period.

Consultation is currently open and closes 5pm Monday 22 June 2026.

This consultation has now closed. Thank you to everyone who has helped us improve how we engage with our community!

Project update

At the Council Meeting on Wednesday 26 August 2026, Council adopted a new Community Engagement Policy. 

Thanks to everyone who provided feedback during our community consultation period. We reviewed what you told us and used your suggestions to finalise this document. 

What we heard 

The responses we received were generally supportive of the Policy, with 62% agreeing that it provided a meaningful framework for community engagement, 19% unsure and 19% disagreeing. 

Support of the policy included the content it covered and the use of the IAP2 framework as a guide for best practice engagement. 

Several respondents raised concern that the policy may not actually be implemented and that 21 days may be too short for more significant engagements. 

Others also commented that past engagement outcomes had not aligned with their expectations. 

Another concern that was mentioned in the feedback was how we will manage potential submissions from AI agents rather than natural persons.  

We also heard suggestions on how to reach different communities in manners that are familiar and accessible through a broad range of communications channels. 

In response to the concerns and suggestions received, we made an amendment to the draft Community Engagement Policy before taking it to Council, noting that longer engagement periods may be considered for high-priority matters or when considering the engagement needs of particular communities.

You can download and read the final Community Engagement Policy here.

Let us know how we can better engage with YOU! 

Maintaining community focus remains a core value for Baw Baw Shire Council. This draft policy supports that commitment.

Community engagement allows the community to have an active voice in contributing to Council decisions. It strengthens transparency and builds the community’s trust in Council’s decision-making process. 

Our draft Community Engagement Policy is designed to bring more people into the conversation, and we want to know the best way to do that.  

The document, which is an update to an existing Policy, has been reviewed to ensure that Council is engaging with our community, including residents, business owners, volunteers and sporting club members, in a meaningful way and in a manner that provides them the opportunity to really tell us what they think.  

Your feedback will help ensure the policy reflects the values, needs, and expectations of our community. Whether you regularly participate in consultations or are sharing your perspective for the first time, every contribution is valuable.

We encourage all community members to review the draft policy and share feedback during the consultation period.

Consultation is currently open and closes 5pm Monday 22 June 2026.