As part of the Integrated Planning and Reporting (IP&R) Framework and Council's commitments within the Community Engagement Strategy, the 2023-2027 Community Engagement Strategy (including the Community Participation Plan) must be reviewed within three months of a Local Government Election and as needed in response to legislation changes.

Following the recent election, change of Council and minor legislative updates, the strategy has been reviewed. While only the Community Participation Plan requires formal public exhibition, we have taken this opportunity to review and refine the entire Community Engagement Strategy to ensure it remains relevant and responsive to community needs. This has provided us with an opportunity to re-evaluate our application of this strategy over the last 12 months. As part of this process, we have identified gaps and incorporated improvements to enhance the strategy's effectiveness as a guiding framework.

In accordance with the Personal Information Protection Act 1998, written submissions received by Council containing personal information may be made public when the matter goes before Council for consideration, as it may be included in Council’s Business Papers. Persons have the right to remain anonymous if they so choose by refraining from submitting their personal information, however, the submission may be given less weight in the overall assessment and consideration of the draft Strategy.