We are currently reviewing our Community Engagement Policy. We are proposing some modest changes to improve how we engage and consult with you.

Our Community Engagement Policy helps us to:

1. Ensure transparency and accountability in decision-making.
2. Provide opportunities for community input on matters that affect you.
3. Build trust and strengthen relationships between Council and the community.

It also guides how and who we consult, ensuring that engagement is inclusive, accessible, and responsive. Our approach is built on clear, inclusive, and respectful processes. Guided by the Local Government Act 2020 and the International Association of Public Participation (IAP2) Spectrum of Engagement, we actively seek your input to shape decisions, promote transparency, and respond to community needs.

We are now inviting our community to share their thoughts on the suggested changes and any other feedback they may have. Please provide your feedback by Monday, 15 December 2025.

You can view the current Community Engagement Policy here.

To ensure we continue engaging meaningfully on the issues that matter most to you, we’ve made some important updates to our Community Engagement Policy:

• Changes to minimum consultation periods when we seek additional feedback on projects we have already engaged on.
• Clarity on when we cannot or won't undertake engagement, for example during caretaker/election periods and when specific laws or regulations apply.
• Clarity on how we apply different methods and tools when we consult or involve our community members in Council projects.
• Strengthened commitment to diversity, and inclusion in our engagement processes, including careful consideration of gender impact.

Read the summary of changes here.

Share your thoughts about the changes and updates we have made to help ensure we

• Online via the submission form on this page
• Phone: 0403199642
• Email the Community Engagement team to book a drop-in time for a face-to-face discussion at: media@cgd.vic.gov.au