February 10th, 2024Prime chance to have your ‘two cents worth’ on key council decisions
The Macedon Ranges Shire Council has launched a new online hub to help it gain useful feedback from the community on significant council policies or initiatives.
People will be able to view current public consultations and have their say in new ways through the
new Your Say hub, which has the capacity to host surveys, interactive maps, Q&As, forums and more.
The launch of Your Say supports a strategic priority in the Council Plan 2021-2031 to ‘Enhance
customer experience through the transformation of our services, to ensure they are easy to access
and provide user-friendly experiences’.
It also supports a specific Council Plan action also set to be completed this financial year, with new
Community Engagement Guidelines under development to better guide council staff in undertaking
effective, relevant, and transparent community consultation.
Macedon Ranges Chief Executive Officer, Bernie O’Sullivan (pictured below) said it was integral to hear from the community to help tailor the projects, policies and services Council delivers.
“We have subject matter experts here at Council who work hard to develop initiatives relevant to their
field, but two-way conversation is essential to make sure we’re hitting the mark,” he said.
“Council is committed to genuine consultation and closing the loop with the community. This new
online engagement hub – together with the new staff guidelines – will support that commitment. I
encourage residents to continue taking the time to review public consultations and provide feedback.”
A number of draft policies or initiatives endorsed by the council for public consultation late last year are currently inviting feedback including:
Romsey Skatepark designs – proposed designs for a new skatepark that would feature a
large bowl, a quarter pipe, pump track and a series of hips and corners. Funding of $550,000
has already been committed by the Victorian Government towards construction, while Council
allocated $20,000 towards initial planning works in the Budget 2023/24.
Draft Complaint and Unreasonable Behaviour Policy – this policy outlines how Council will
manage complaints and unreasonable behaviour and provides clear guidance for both the
complainant and Council.
Draft Special Charge Scheme Policy – this policy applies to Special Charge Scheme (SCS)
infrastructure projects such as resident-funded upgrading of roads and drainage.
Draft Fair Access Policy – this policy supports Council in the identification and removal of
systemic factors contributing to gender inequality relating to the availability of quality
community sports infrastructure at times that are suitable.
Those keen to have input are invited to jump online and visit yoursay.mrsc.vic.gov.au to view current consultations, provide feedback and sign up to receive tailored alerts about future consultations as they are listed.
