Consultation is important to CN because listening and responding to the community is fundamental to our functions.
Consultation helps us:
- Plan services to meet the community's needs and expectations;
- Find out what is important to the community;
- Monitor and improve the effectiveness of CN’s services;
- Create a greater feeling of community through building strong relationships with residents; and
- Create better governance through transparency.
We will notify the community when we want to talk about projects, strategies or plans.
This depends on the subject matter and might include a notice on our website, social media, some local newspapers, or in any way deemed appropriate by Council.
This may also include direct notification to parties we think will be most impacted.
Below is a list of other mechanisms we use to consult with our community:
Newcastle Voice
Newcastle Voice is one way we consult with the community. Newcastle Voice is CN’s community reference panel made up of over 2,500 residents from all ages and walks of life8 who give feedback to assist us in making informed decisions.
Newcastle Voice is actively involved in providing information and advice through:
- community workshops;
- face to face meetings;
- quick polls;
- surveys; and
- online discussions.
Members also receive regular newsletters, feedback from consultations and updates about CN. For more information, or to participate,go to:
http://www.newcastle.nsw.gov.au/Community/Get-Involved/Newcastle-Voice
Community participation in the planning system
Our Community Participation Plan covers how and when we will engage with the community across the planning functions we perform under the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979 (NSW). This helps us to achieve better placing outcomes for the community.
Planning functions include plan making (such as the preparation of a planning proposal to amend the Newcastle Local Environmental Plan 2012) and making decisions on proposed development.
The Community Participation Plan aims to make it easier for the community to be involved. It also supports:
- Input into the Council’s decision making by providing mechanisms for understanding and responding to community opinions and perspectives;
- Consistent and clear engagement practices; and
- Enhancement of CN’s ability to listen, respond and engage with residents and stakeholders, and make evidence-based decisions.
In addition to the Community Participation Plan, community members are able to make submissions on Development Applications that have been placed on notification and are available via the Application Tracker.
More information on the submissions process can be found on the CN website.
Public exhibition and submissions
Getting input from our community is an important way we ensure policies and programs that are of significance to Council reflect local needs.
We call for submissions and put items on public exhibition so that interested community members can give feedback that will assist Council in its decision-making.
To keep up to date with item that are on public exhibition, go to:
http://www.newcastle.nsw.gov.au/YourSay
Public Voice and Public Briefings
Members of the public are provided the opportunity to voice their opinions or concerns directly to Councillors during a Public Voice or Public Briefing session at a Council meeting.
The purpose of the Public Voice or Public Briefing sessions are to:
- Allow Councillors to hear directly from affected parties regarding proposed developments;
- Allow individuals or organisations to present information about issues relevant to our functions, facilities or services; and
- Promote openness and transparency in decision making.
The Council does not make decisions at a Public Voice or Public Briefing session. The sessions are an opportunity for discussion only.
Advisory Committees
Advisory Committees are a way for stakeholders, experts, and the community to provide guidance and make recommendations to the elected Council within a particular area of expertise. For more information on these advisory committees, go to:
http://www.newcastle.nsw.gov.au/Council/About-Council/Committees
8 This is limited to people 16 years and over living in the Newcastle, Lake Macquarie, Cessnock, Maitland and Port Stephens council areas.
Social Media
Community members can also stay connected and up to date on CN news and media by going to the following websites and social media accounts:
You can also check out the social media pages for:
Newsletters
City News is the official newsletter for CN and is sent four times a year. It is available from our libraries and the City Administration Centre.
CN also distributes the City of Newcastle e-news monthly newsletter, along with a range of other email newsletters, including:
- Civic Theatre e-news
- Visit Newcastle Newsletter
- Newcastle Region Library e-news
- Newcastle Museum Newsletter
- Newcastle Art Gallery Newsletter
- Newcastle Venues Newsletter
- Newcastle Interagency News
- Natural Connection Newsletter
- Smart City Newsletter
- Volunteers Newsletter
For more information on staying connected and for subscription links, go to:
https://www.newcastle.nsw.gov.au