The Voice of Local Government
Contact the LGA

Citizen/Community Engagement

Note the LGA is currently undertaking a revision of the handbook: refer Circular 37.7

Citizen/community engagement is a broad field which includes a range of activities including public consultation. In discussing these issues people use a range of terms without a high level of common definition. The LGA has adopted the following as a working definition:

"Citizen/community engagement is about involving the community in the decision making process and is critical in the successful development of acceptable policies and decisions in government, the private sector and the community."
                                                       Source: adapted from http://www.dpi.wa.gov.au/communityengagement/727.asp

A 2007/08 project involved a survey of Councils, international and Australian research, publication of a showcase document and of a Community Engagement handbook.


Showcase & Handbook

As the first step in a 2007 project the LGA gathered information from Councils including case examples. The survey used can be found here: Circular 11.12.

A summary of survey responses can be found here: Community Engagement Snapshot of Councils April 2007 Community%20Engagement%20Snapshot%20of%20Councils%20April%202007 (149 kb)

A publication documenting case examples of citizen/community engagement can be found here: Community Engagement Showcase - June 2007 Community%20Engagement%20Showcase%20-%20June%202007 (967 kb).  Click here to view a joint media release between Minister Rankine and LGA President, Mayor Joy Baluch.

The second phase of the project involved the development of the Community Engagement Handbook - A Model Framework for leading practice in Local Government in South Australia:
Community Engagement Handbook March 2008 - PDF Community%20Engagement%20Handbook%20March%202008%20-%20PDF (1346 kb)

Community Engagement Handbook - March 2008 Community%20Engagement%20Handbook%20-%20March%202008 (922 kb)

The principle aim of the Handbook is to provide Councils with a model framework to adapt to local circumstances for effective planning and implementation of community engagement processes for small and large projects. The Handbook is based squarely on the principle that effective planning needs to precede the selection of techniques for community engagement, and will be a valuable tool for all those across a range of disciplines who have an interest in and responsibility for designing and implementing community engagement initiatives.

Note that the LGA is currently undertaking a revision of the Handbook: Refer Circular 37.7

2007/8 Case Studies  

Whyalla Case Study Whyalla%20Case%20Study (52 kb)

Playford Case Study Playford%20Case%20Study (58 kb)

Mount Barker Case Study Mount%20Barker%20Case%20Study (89 kb)

Campbelltown Case Study Campbelltown%20Case%20Study (42 kb)

Training in the use of the Handbook will be offered through the LGA Training and Education Program. For further information contact LGA Education & Training, email training@lga.sa.gov.au, or telephone 8224 2035.

For further information

Queries regarding the handbook can be directed to LGA Director of Communications, Chris Russell, on 8224 2030 or chris.russell@lga.sa.gov.au.

The LGA appreciates input from the Adelaide Chapter of the International Association for Public Participation (IAP2) and the Office of State/Local Government Relations.


Links 

International Association for Public Participation (IAP2) - http://www.iap2.org.au/

Search Site
Advanced Search
Top of Page
GPO Box 2693, Adelaide SA 5001 | Phone: 8224 2000 | Fax: 8232 6336 | Email: lgasa@lga.sa.gov.au
Navigation