How your local council engages with its community through its strategies and engagement policies is a key element in how you as a ratepayer, resident, and member of the community can get your voice heard.
Kyogle Council is currently seeking community feedback on what’s important to them and their hopes for the future, as part of Kyogle Council’s review of its Community Strategic Plan (CSP).
The CSP is Kyogle Council’s highest level, strategic plan. It sets out the community’s priorities and helps guide Council’s Delivery Program, Operational Plan and Long-Term Financial Plan.
The Office of Local Government (OLG) Councillor Handbook states that Community engagement is at the heart of local government. It helps community to be active participants in shaping their own future and play a part in positive change.
‘The current CSP was developed in 2022 based on community feedback gathered at the time, and with the new Council elected in September 2024, it’s time for a review,’ said a spokesperson for the Kyogle Council in a press release.
Kyogle Council Mayor, Cr Danielle Mullholland, said she was excited by the opportunity for meaningful consultation with the community.
‘One of the things I and my fellow councillors are extremely passionate about is opening up the lines of communication between Council and the community,’ Cr Mulholland said.
‘Our local residents, businesses, young people, volunteers and community organisations are at the heart of what makes the Kyogle LGA so special.
‘Listening to their diverse voices is vital to getting the CSP right but more than that this consultation is about continuing to build the relationships and networks we need to collectively deliver the outcomes of the plan,’ she said.
In order to hear from as many people as possible, Council is offering a range of ways for the community to have a say.
A community survey, which opened today, will be available online until Sunday 16 March 2025. Paper copies are also available at Council’s administration centre.
There will also be consultation with local schools and young people and a number of face-to-face community consultation sessions across the LGA in Kyogle and the villages including Woodenbong, Bonalbo and Tabulam. A drop in information and feedback hub will be held at the Kyogle Memorial Institute Hall on Thursday 6 March 2025.
To find out more about how to have your say in shaping the future of local towns, villages and places, visit Kyogle Council’s project webpage: https://www.kyogle.nsw.gov.au/council-engagement/strategic-direction-guiding-documents/community-strategic-plan/ or contact Council by email ([email protected]), phone 6632 1611 or in person at the Council administration centre at 1 Stratheden Street, Kyogle.
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