Council adopts new policy

By Tania Martin
THE Shire of Yarra Ranges says it is committed to listening to residents’ views as it adopts a new community consultation policy.
Mayor Tim Heenan said the policy showed that the council is committed to providing open and effective consultation with communities across the shire.
Cr Heenan said it was important for the shire to provide the community with ample opportunity to be involved in helping to guide important decisions that affect their lives and the future of the region.
“This policy will play a key role in setting a standard for the way we will consult with our various communities and reinforces our commitment to communicating with our citizens in an open, timely and transparent matter,” he said.
“We want to ensure people, regardless of age, cultural background or geographic location, are informed, engaged and their views are considered.”
The policy was developed in partnership with the Yarra Ranges community, councillors and shire staff.
A draft version of the policy was released to the public late last year and the council received six submissions from the community and eight from shire staff members.
The submissions included suggestions for the policy to clearly outline what community consultation aims to achieve, and emphasising the importance of consultation.
The council has now incorporated most of the suggestions outlined in the submissions and has adopted the policy.
Cr Heenan said the council was involved in community consultation in one form or another on a daily basis.
“While we are not able to consult on each and every decision or action, we endeavour to consult widely on specific issues and provide opportunities for communities to have a say and influence outcomes,” he said.
Cr Heenan said the new policy would act as a guide to how and when the shire consults with the community.