Community engagement is an intentional process that connects Council, the community, and stakeholders to understand local priorities and needs.

This helps shape Council decisions and actions, leading to better, community-informed outcomes.

This Policy defines Council’s role, commitment and expectations to embed community engagement in how we plan and deliver our work. It sets clear and consistent expectations for when Council will engage, who we will engage, and how we will engage.

Community engagement is an important part of Council’s decision-making process. While it provides essential insight into community needs and perspectives, it is one of several inputs to Council decision making.

Council recognises the importance of early engagement. We will plan for and implement an engagement process when it is identified that a proposed project or decision will impact all or some of the community.

here is no one-size fits all approach to engagement – every project and every community is different. Council will choose the level of engagement based on what is being proposed, its complexity and significance, the level of impact, and who will be affected.

Our community is anyone who lives, works, plays, visits, studies, or is invested in our City, who may be impacted by or interested in Council decisions – whether individually or collectively.

Our small team at Council supports project teams and our community to ensure your voice is heard in our projects and plans.

You might see us at events or pop-ups around the City, but you will also have chances to meet and speak to project teams directly.

Have a question or ideas for improvement? Email us anytime at communityengagement@maribyrnong.vic.gov.au