News

Gannawarra Shire boosts community engagement policy

By Ryan Bellingham

Sep 1, 2025

Gannawarra Shire Council has adopted its Community Engagement policy, highlighting the need for resident feedback in decision-making. Photo by Supplied

Services, budgets, projects and strategies at Gannawarra Shire Council will receive further community input under a new policy.

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The council adopted the Community Engagement policy at its August meeting to better inform its decision-making processes.

Mayor Garner Smith said engaging with residents was crucial when it came to making informed choices for the council.

“The previous version of the Community Engagement policy enabled council to engage with residents and other stakeholders in various ways, including in-person and digitally,” he said.

“This flexibility enabled greater participation in the decision-making process, and the latest version this policy builds on these efforts.”

As part of the former policy’s review, the council used two community surveys to identify how different demographics preferred to receive council news and information.

The surveys will also be used to develop the council’s Community Engagement Strategy 2026-2030, which will be presented within 12 months for adoption.

To read the Community Engagement policy, visit www.gsc.vic.gov.au/documents