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Advocacy

Council's advocacy efforts aim to raise local issues that are beyond the role and responsibility of Local Government, to obtain support from State and Federal Government or other stakeholders and enable change.

Western Downs Regional Council Corporate Plan 2021-2026 outlines key strategic issues that Council will advocate for on behalf of the community.

Our Highest Priority: Long-Term Water Supply
Agreed Advocacy Priorities: Roads and Infrastructure, Telecommunications & Digital Connectivity, Inland Rail Extension, Healthcare and Social Services, Childcare Workforce
Things that matter to us: Energy Transition, Co-Existence, Brisbane Olympics, Workforce, Educational Opportunities, Housing, Waste, Fair share of Taxation + 1%

What is Advocacy?

Advocacy is the intentional undertaking of activities with the goal to influence policy making.

In the context of Local Government, advocacy is undertaken to benefit our residents and the wider community.

Why is advocacy required?

To seek and foster strategic partnerships
Raise awareness of any local issues and obtain support from the State and Federal Governments
Increase funding for infrastructure and services aimed at driving economic, environmental and social outcomes
Influence governance frameworks to drive economic, environmental and social outcomes
Clarify and inform the community on roles and responsibilities of all tiers of Government.

How does Council advocate?

Council's advocacy strategy is based on the following principles:

Evidence-based - Council will only discuss and agree to advocacy priorities following extensive research and analysis of the issue.
Transparency - Council will inform the community on agreed advocacy priorities to raise awareness of local issues.
Pro-active - Council is taking a pro-active approach to influence policy making on behalf of the community.

Measuring our success:

Council recognises that advocacy efforts are undertaken in a dynamic policy environment, and that legislative changes or government priorities can take a number of years to come to fruition. We use the following to measure our success: