Current situation
- Residents feel they have no clear pathway to have a say in changes that impact their community.
- Many residents say they are disconnected from the operations and decisions of Council.
What is the issue
- When residents are asked for their views via consultation initiatives, they are generally broad brush and lacking in detail and it often feels as though the outcome has already been decided (feels more like a “tick and flick exercise”).
- Municipal-wide surveys received an average of 158 responses in 23/24 and 24/25, despite a voting population of 13,500+. This presents a significant opportunity for increased connection and engagement between Council and residents.
My plan
- Each year, a dedicated pool of Council funds within the existing budget will be set aside for residents to suggest local improvements e.g. play ground upgrades, new bench seats, more trees etc.
- Residents can submit their ideas through an online form, via post, phone or in person
- The Council will cost the achievable proposed suggestions and present the community with options which residents will vote on (suggestions may be excluded for practical reasons which Council will advise).
- Voting will be conducted via Council online forms (not through the electoral commission).
- Residents who are 18 and over and who live in the area will be eligible to vote.
- Residents can cast their vote online, in person, via post or via phone.
- Information on projects and how to vote will be shared via social media and will be in the Council’s yearly community newsletter to ensure maximum accessibility (see my policy for Improving the Council’s community newsletter).
- Council will do it’s best to share the funds across different areas of the municipality each year.
- The winning project/s would then be delivered by Council.
- Similar initiatives have already been successfully implemented around the world, proving to be both effective and efficient.
The benefits
- Ensures Council spending reflects what residents value most, increasing trust and maximising value for rates.
- Builds better relationships between residents and Council.
- The community will have greater ownership of projects and will be likely to take care of any new infrastructure built.
- Provides Council with information on local issues and residents ideas which can be used to guide other projects and strategies.