You want clearer reporting, updates and explanations of what can and can’t be influenced.

How we responded in the draft policy:

The draft specifies when and how feedback will be reported back, including at key milestones and through various channels.

We have specifically referenced the points in a project respondents told us they expect to be updated, including when an engagement is being considered by Council.

More genuine, transparent and inclusive engagement methods.

How we responded in the draft policy:

We have provided more detailed examples of when we will engage and expandsed on the types of projects and situations where engagement occurs.

We have referenced the International Association of Public Participation (IAP2) Spectrum and provided a detailed table of engagement levels, goals, promises, roles, methods, and examples.

You encouraged us to create greater awareness of engagement opportunities.

How we responded in the draft policy:

We have said we will actively seek diverse perspectives. We have also said we will look for opportunities for face-to-face opportunities wherever possible.

Broaden participation and processes to ensure diversity, representation and equity.

How we responded in the draft policy:
The draft clarifies that engagement is with those likely to be affected or interested, and details how barriers to participation will be addressed.

Involve the broader Geelong area in engagement and value local knowledge.

How we responded in the draft policy:
We said we will look for opportunities for face-to-face opportunities wherever possible in locations across the municipality, places where people naturally spend time in their day-to-day lives.

• Identify stakeholders, including those directly affected and those with an interest in the issue.
• Start engagement early and continue it throughout the project to allow genuine input.
• Make sure engagement is timely, open, and easy to understand.

• Communicate clearly using plain language, accessible formats, and a respectful tone.
• Design engagement activities that are inclusive and accessible so people can contribute meaningfully. This includes:
  • Physical accessibility – venues, transport, and facilities.
  • Digital accessibility – screen readers, alt text, captions.
  • Language support – translations and interpreters.
  • Cultural sensitivity – approaches that are respectful and appropriate.
• Actively seek diverse perspectives, especially from underrepresented groups.

• Be clear about what aspects of the decision can be influenced (as well as what can’t be influenced and why), utilising the IAP2 Spectrum of Public Participation (refer to table on page 8 & 9 of draft policy).
• Define the community’s role in each engagement process.
• Identify what other factors, in addition to community engagement, will influence decision making (refer to the How decisions are made section on page 7 of draft policy).

• Use tools and approaches that suit the audience and the project, such as:
  • Face-to-face conversations
  • Workshops
  • Surveys
  • Online forums
  • Pop-up events or community gatherings

• Let the community know how their input has influenced decisions.
• Provide updates at key milestones throughout the project.
• Be flexible and willing to adjust our approach as needed.
• Learn from each engagement to improve future practices.

The personal information and feedback (collectively the Data) requested on this page is being collected by City of Greater Geelong (City) for the purpose of the Community Engagement Policy 2025-2029 project, and any other directly related purpose (Project).

A de-identified engagement summary report may be published on our website.

If your personal information is not collected, the Project may not be able to be adequately conducted, and the City may not be able to contact you for further questions or to find solutions.

In order to collect and conduct in depth and detailed analysis of the Data for the purposes of the Project, the City will disclose the Data (including your personal information if provided) to its third-party service providers, including Social Pinpoint Pty Ltd, Converlens Pty Ltd and Amazon Web Services.

Other than as stated above, your personal information will not be disclosed to any external party without your consent, except as required or authorised by law.

Our privacy policy is available on our website. If you wish to alter any of the personal information you have supplied to the City, please contact us by sending an email to privacy@geelongcity.vic.gov.au.