Community Engagement

Community engagement is the process by which community and council work together to make sure the community has a say in council decision making.

Council wants meaningful engagement with the community on topics affecting the city, and on issues that significantly affect local communities. Community engagement makes good decision-making possible, and benefits both the community and council.

Community engagement is a legislative requirement under Section 4(2)(c) of the Queensland Local Government Act 2009 (Qld). Under the Act, councils must follow five key principles, one of which is “democratic representation, social inclusion and meaningful community engagement”.

The benefits of good community engagement include:

  • Community helps council better understand issues
  • Improved decision making
  • Improved efficiencies
  • Better community understanding of council processes
  • Greater public acceptance of council’s decisions
  • Stronger community networks

Council’s community engagement platform, Shape Your Ipswich, is a great way to get across projects that are open for community input. Visit Shape Your Ipswich to learn more.

Another way council engages with the community is through the Community Panel. The panel is an opportunity for community to shape the future of Ipswich by sharing their views and feedback on important matters with council. To learn more, click here. 

 

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