Using Baw Baw Connect

If you have questions about using Baw Baw Connect you may find the answers below. If you cannot find an answer to your question please email connect@bawbawshire.vic.gov.au

On this page: 

How to use this website?

Each project page is designed to provide an overview of the project at the top left and more information on the far right or if you scroll down the page. Following the project overview, there will be one or more tool tabs. To access the content of each tab, click on the text or the content you want to view and the page will appear below. If we are asking for public feedback you can find ways to feedback by clicking each tab. The titles of the tabs may vary for each project page. If there is a tab called 'more', click on the arrow pointing down and more options will appear where you can view further material.

Why do you need to register to participate in some projects?

Registering is quick and simple. It helps you and it helps us. It helps you as you can stay connected and informed on projects that interest you. It helps us because we get to better understand who we are engaging with. It also ensures discussions and results are not manipulated by someone leaving multiple comments to support their own position. Your personal details will not appear online. If you participate, only a personalised user name that you create will appear along with your thoughts. We advise that if you want to remain anonymous, you do not use your name as a username. Please note that some fields in the registration form are mandatory, which removes the need to ask these questions as part of each project. 

Will my privacy be protected?

Yes. Your privacy is protected as Baw Baw Connect is hosted and moderated by an external independent service provider - Engagement HQ (Bang the Table). No third parties have access to or will be provided with your details. For further information, refer to the privacy policy.

Why focus on online engagement?

Baw Baw Connect is just one of the many tools we use for finding out and better understanding what matters are most important to our communities. Online engagement enables you to have your say, your way at a place and time that suits you, unlike more traditional forms of consultation such as public forums or formal submissions. It's a quick and safe way to get involved on a range of issues and topics. Baw Baw Connect enables you to keep informed on specific projects that interest you and follow the journey as projects progress. This tool also provides the opportunity to see what other members of the community think about particular issues and enables a two-way conversation, unlike more traditional channels.

What happens to my feedback?

Your feedback is collated along with other comments, ideas and suggestions and is used to inform Council decisions. Online data is used alongside face-to-face consultation activities such as workshops, focus groups and Council Pop-Ups. The engagement activities may not all be happening at the same time. Depending on the project and the stage it is at, your feedback may be included in a report to Council in the near future to help shape its decision-making process. Have a look at each project page to find out what the project’s timeline is and find out when feedback is due to be presented to Council. 

I have tried to register, but my email address has already been taken. How is this possible?

There are a couple of possibilities: 

  • Someone else in your family has used your email address to establish an account in the past
  • You have used this site before and forgotten your sign-in details. If this is the case, see the question below, 'I've forgotten my password and/or my username. What should I do?'

I've forgotten my password and/or my username. What should I do?

Don't worry, we all do it. We've tried to make this process as simple as possible:

  1. Click the "Login" link on the top right of the screen. 
  2. Click the "Forgotten password" link under the "Sign in" button.
  3. Type in your email address and click "Enter". You will then receive an email with your Username and a link back to the site. Click on that link to reset your password.
  4. Sign in with your old username and new password.

I signed up but didn't receive the activation email. What should I do?

There are a few reasons this might have happened: 

  • The email may have gone into your "Spam email" folder. Check there first. Your email service provider may have a very strong firewall that is blocking the activation email. This happens occasionally. Contact your service provider. 
  • You may have typed your email address incorrectly - it's very easy to inadvertently use a comma instead of a full stop if you're in a rush. An accidental full stop or underscore can make all the difference!

How can I edit my profile?

  • Log into your account on the Baw Baw Connect site.
  • Once you're logged in you'll see your Username above the Homepage banner in the top right-hand corner.
  • Click on the drop-down arrow, which brings up a menu
  • Click "Profile" and make any updates.

Who can I contact about Baw Baw Connect?

If you have any questions/feedback about the content of the website or consultations you can either: 

How is this site moderated?

Site moderation will be conducted by the web platform provider, Engagement HQ (Bang the Table). The moderators do not edit or alter any comments and will only remove comments deemed to be offensive or malicious, in which case they are removed from the site immediately. Any participant that has a comment removed will be notified and the reasons explained. Please be respectful of the opinions of others.

For further information take a look at the Forum Etiquette & Moderation page.

Other ways to have your say

We'd love for you to register and use this website to have your say, but if that's not your style, here are some other options: