Overview
Effective consultation is a key part of engaging communities in local decision-making processes and in improving governance standards in the local government sector.
Local governments can strengthen their confidence capacities and connections through processes which engage their communities. Community consultation is a key tool. Decisions which are informed by stakeholders’ views are likely to be better decisions and decisions which 'stick'.
This consultation and engagement resource is based on the former vlgaconsultation.org.au website. This web address is now redirected to this page. The material is in turn, largely based on two major projects undertaken by the VLGA with support from the State Government. In 2001, the
Community Consultation Resource Guide – ‘The Red Book' was produced by the VLGA’s Consultation and Engagement Working Group, chaired by Lydia Wilson and resourced by Sally Isaac and Ron Exiner. The same Working Group in 2003/4 oversaw the development of the Consultation and Engagement website which added information on approaches and techniques to the already existing framework contained in 'The Red Book'.
The VLGA maintains a strong commitment to consultation and engagement and will progressively update this page based on current and future activities undertaken in this area.
Latest Resources: engaging with communities on climate change
As part of the
VLGA’s Liveable and Just Project, a toolkit has been developed and this includes:
- a practical framework to help integrate responses to the social and equity impacts of climate change across council activities, and
- ideas and suggestions for local government to respond to climate change in ways that simultaneously promote social justice.
Part 3 of the Toolkit –
Engaging communities: tips for effective and inclusive climate change community engagement contains top resources and links for more information likely to be of great interest to community engagement, social justice and environment practitioners. By downloading Part 3, you can find the printed links which are also available on a PDF document as
hyperlinks here. These include other resources of relevance from Australia and overseas.
Information contained in this resource
The basics
A set of
definitions commonly used in consultation practice has been identified to assist practitioners in developing their approach.
Seven
principles that underpin good consultation practice have also been identified, including:
- Focus
- Inclusiveness, accessibility and diversity
- Provision of information
- Timing
- Responsiveness and feedback
- Evaluation
- Reporting
Consultation methods - How to?
Contains information on traditional and innovative methods of consultation including brief descriptions, notes on applicability, skills required, outline of how the process usually works, strengths and weaknesses and links to relevant information.
Choosing a method
Provides guidance in finding the most appropriate consultation method or methods according to the type of issue or project which requires input.
Engaging the hard-to-reach groups
Some tips about engaging individuals and groups who are often isolated, not connected to traditional local government communication networks or hard to reach for a variety of reasons.
Consultation planning and process design
Lists a range of issues to consider and steps taken when designing and carrying out consultation activities.
Consultation strategy development
Provides some tips on preparing a whole of local government consultation strategy and links to examples from across the state.
Contact
Director Policy & Public Affairs
Darren Ray
T: +61 3 9349 7902
E:
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