This is a continuation of the previous project titled Community Engagement.

Project summary

The research into leading practice in the use of face-to-face and online tools for use in Annual Business Plan and Budget consultation process is complete. Consultation has been conducted with SA councils through the Project Reference Group, a survey distributed to all councils through LGA Circular 11.2 dated the 9th March 2018; a phone survey conducted by a member of the Reference Group; and a presentation and Q & A session to the SA Local Government Financial Managers Group Executive Committee on the 31st May 2019.

Consultation has occurred over the project with stakeholders:

• Project Reference Group meetings x 4
• Attendance at 2 LGA information sessions on the public consultation model policy
• Attendance at the SA Local Government Financial Managers Group Executive Committee meeting May 2019 Attendance at Community Engagement Seminar August 2019

Research conducted and actions to date:

• Desktop review of current practices in consultation on Annual Business Plans and Budget
• Development of an Annual Business Plan and Budget model consultation process as a unexpected outcome from the project research.
• Drafting of the Addendum
• Development of training sessions for Elected Members

The Community Engagement for Elected Members Addendum to the CE Handbook has been developed and has gone out for review by the Project Reference Group and interested council staff. Feedback has been incorporated and finalised addendum will be added to the LGA's CE Handbook.

The 2 x 2 hour training sessions in community engagement using the newly developed Addendum as case study material have been prepared and will be delivered over two sessions to interested councils.

The LGA's Training Services team will advertise the course for elected members to councils in 2020.

What has the project achieved? 

The development of the Community Engagement for Elected Members Addendum. This will be added to the LGA's Community Engagement Handbook, thereby completing another great tool for councils to use as they engage with their residents/ratepayers and elected members.

Project objectives have been achieved.

What were the project outputs/outcomes for this project?

The Community Engagement for Elected Members Addendum to the LGA's Community Engagement Handbook.

How will the project outputs/outcomes be disseminated for the use by Councils?

The resource will be made available to all SA councils via the LGA's Members only website. Training will also be offered to all councils through the LGA's Training Service

What performance measures did you use to evaluate the projects?

Used a couple of consultation groups (reference group) made up of both council staff practitioners and elected members who signed up to be on consultation groups.

The effectiveness of the actions undertaken to achieve the project outcomes and its impact on the Local Government Sector.

The reference group assessment of the collective input into the information required to develop the Community Engagement for Elected Members Addendum to the LGA's Community Engagement Handbook..

Who conducted the evaluation?

Internal staff and external council practitioners & elected members on the reference group