Help Shape How Council Engages with You

Bellingen Shire Council is reviewing its Community Engagement Strategy and is calling on residents to have their say through a short survey. The strategy outlines how Council communicates and collaborates with the community, ensuring transparency, accountability, and inclusivity in decision-making. 

Mayor Cr Steve Allan highlighted the significance of community participation in shaping this strategy, stating, "Engagement with our community is fundamental to everything Council does. The strategic planning we do with the community is the backbone of every decision, and without meaningful engagement, we cannot truly reflect the aspirations, priorities, and needs of our residents.” 

The Local Government Act 1993 requires councils to consult their communities when making strategic decisions and planning for the future. Bellingen Shire Council is committed to ensuring that engagement is meaningful, accessible, and inclusive. The insights gathered from this survey will help identify barriers to participation and ensure that Council's engagement approach supports and encourages community involvement. 

“This survey is an opportunity for you to tell us how we can better communicate and collaborate with you. We know that people engage in different ways, and we want to understand what works best for our diverse community. This is your opportunity to help shape our strategic document that outlines how Council keeps you informed and involved in the issues that matter most,” Cr Allan said. 

How to Get Involved 

The online survey can be found on Council's Have your say page or fill out a hardcopy from Council’s Customer Service Building, one of the Shire Libraries, Dorrigo Support Centre and the Bellingen Youth Hub. 

The survey closes on 28 February 2025, and Council encourages all residents to participate to ensure a broad and inclusive range of voices are heard. 

The survey results will inform Council’s approach outlined in the Community Engagement Strategy, which will be on public exhibition later this year for further community input before being presented to Council for formal adoption. How and when to provide your feedback on the proposed strategy will be advertised in the local paper and be promoted across Council channels for a period of 28 days. 

For more information, visit Council’s website or contact Council at council@bellingen.nsw.gov.au or 02 6655 7300.