Port Stephens Council’s newly developed draft Communication and Engagement Strategy is on public exhibition for community feedback following this week’s Council meeting.
Mayor Ryan Palmer said this new blueprint is aimed at successfully engaging and involving the community in influencing the future of this region.
“We have a passionate community and their involvement is central to the planning and decision making that shapes our future,” said Mayor Palmer.
“We know effective communication and engagement are directly linked to the liveability and wellbeing of our community.
“By providing genuine opportunities to engage, and listening to our community we create a greater sense of ownership.
It also allows us to ensure the delivery of Council services is aligned to the needs of the people that live work and visit Port Stephens,” he added.
Over the past few years Council has worked hard to engage with, and inform our community.
“We’ve been listening, and have heard we can do better. We’re committed to working closely with our community to act on this feedback,” Mayor Palmer said.
Group Manager Development Services Steve Peart says that Council will deliver a genuinely integrated and inclusive approach to our engagement and communications.
“By bringing together our communications and engagement approach, Council has already created a shift in thinking,” said Mr Peart.
“Through this strategy, we’ll continue to evolve this approach and build a culture where employees are empowered to engage in open and honest dialogue, information is shared and feedback encouraged to nurture a relationship built on transparency and trust,” he added.
The Strategy reflects Council’s commitment to inform and improve community awareness of programs, activities and services. More importantly, it shows Council’s commitment to listen to the community and use their ideas to help shape the future direction of Port Stephens.
The Communication & Engagement Strategy 2022-2027 highlights:
- Ensuring diverse engagement opportunities enabling time for considered thought and contribution
- Community input into design of engagement planning
- Continued investment in the growth and improvement of Council’s website
- Building on the use of social media.
- Maximising use of livestreaming and video
Council want to check in with the community to make sure feedback has been understood and the proposed direction aligns with their expectation.
