What's happening?
Between 20 May and 18 June 2026, we are seeking feedback on the draft Council Policy: Community Engagement (the draft policy).
Following changes to the Local Government Act 1999 (the LG Act), this year councils must adopt a new community engagement policy consistent with the Local Government Community Engagement Charter (the Charter). The draft policy is the mechanism for council to engage our community in shaping our projects, programs, and decisions, and to meet our obligations to consult under the LG Act and other legislation.
What is community engagement?
Community engagement is the practice and process of involving the community in council decision making.
There are many benefits to involving the community in council decisions, including:
- Meeting council’s responsibilities under the LG Act and other legislation that requires council to undertake public consultation.
- Achieiving good governance through transperancy and open communication with those affected by council decisions.
- Achieving specific objectives of council’s Community Plan around meaningful community participation.
- Access to knowledge and information within the community to assist council decision making.
- Providing opportunity for community members to contribute to decisions that affect them.
- Increased community awareness and understanding of what council is doing.
- Improved mutual understanding of key issues from council and community perspectives.
- Supporting legitimacy and acceptance of council decisions among the community.
Who is 'the community'?
In the draft policy we define community as:
People who live, work, study, own property, conduct private or government business, visit or use services, facilities and public spaces and places of Council. Within this broad definition can exist communities of place associated with a geographic location, communities of interest associated with a shared interest, and communities of affiliation or identity such as industry or sporting groups, or demographic or cultural groups.
How do I get involved?
View the draft policy on this page and share your feedback by either:
- Completing the online feedback form on this page, or
- Providing feedback in writing by email to info@wtcc.sa.gov.au or post to City of West Torrens, 165 Sir Donald Bradman Drive, Hilton SA 5033.
If you need a printed feedback form, contact council on 8416 6333.
