Community to have their say on Council communications and engagement

Published on 10 April 2024

Western Downs Regional Council is encouraging residents to have their say on the delivery of Council’s first Communications and Community Engagement Strategy, two years on from its inception.

Council endorsed the new strategy in September 2022 following significant community consultation to explore when and how the community wants to hear from Council.

Mayor Andrew Smith said Council was committed to delivering meaningful communication and community engagement and this unique opportunity would allow residents to tell us how we are progressing.

"In 2022, Council invited residents to have their say as part of a milestone project to deliver a new standard of communications and community engagement across the region," Mayor Smith said.

"This involved extensive community consultation to understand the communications and engagement needs of the Western Downs.

"With over 500 survey responses and face-to-face engagement, the feedback gathered informed the development of Council's Communications and Community Engagement Strategy, providing a clear vision for the organisation on how to best engage and communicate with residents.

“The strategy includes actions and recommendations underpinned by the objective of strengthening Council’s relationship with community through meaningful communications and community engagement.

"Two years since the initial community consultation, Council is now conducting a check-in with residents to understand how the organisation's communication and engagement efforts are tracking and what improvements can be made.

“The survey will be promoted right across the region and will be accessible to residents in online and print formats to ensure everyone has an opportunity to have their say.

"Council continues to work towards strengthening its relationship with the community and enhancing delivery of meaningful communication and community engagement and this activity will provide Council with a clear direction on how to achieve that."

Council's Communication and Community Engagement Check-In survey is now open to the public and will close on Friday 24 May 2024. The survey can be completed online via Council's online engagement platform or alternatively, print copies are available at Council Customer Service Centres, Libraries, and Visitor Information Centres.

Council’s Communication and Community Engagement Strategy can be found on Council’s website.

For more information contact Council on 1300 268 624 (COUNCIL) or visit www.haveyoursay.wdrc.qld.gov.au/communication-community-engagement-check-in

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