Public Exhibition of the Community Engagement Strategy 2025-2035

What is the Community Engagement Strategy?

The Community Engagement Strategy is our guide for how Council involves the community in decisions that affect them. It makes sure we listen to different perspectives and include everyone's voice in our planning, policies, and services.

The Strategy has three main parts:

How does Council manage Community Engagement?

Council uses three key documents to guide community engagement:

1. Community Engagement Policy

• Sets out the main principles and values for engagement
• Explains why we involve the community in decisions

2. Community Engagement Strategy

• Describes how and when Council engages with the community
• Explains the specific steps and timeframes we follow
• Covers what we're required to do by law

3. Engagement Framework

• Based on guidelines from the Engagement Institute (previously known as the International Association for Public Participation)
• Guides the level and type of engagement we use for different projects
• Used by most government organisations

What's Changed in the New Strategy?

The 2023–2033 Strategy is being updated to the 2025–2035 Strategy because we need to reflect new practices and requirements. Also, all Council's in NSW are required to review their Community Engagement Strategy following the Local Government Elections. Here are the key changes:

Part A: How We Engage

• Better explanation of the Engagement Framework – A guide that shows different levels of community involvement (from "inform" all the way to "empower")
• Clear difference between what's required and what's optional – Some projects legally need community input, others we choose to ask for feedback
• New stakeholder section – Identifies specific groups in the community (including people with disabilities, young people, culturally diverse communities) and how we reach them
• Reference to IP&R planning – Shows how engagement happens at both strategic (big-picture) and operational (day-to-day) levels

Part B: Timing and Public Feedback

• Clearer explanation of public exhibition– What it means, when we do it, and when we might do things differently
• Updated timeframes – Changes to how long feedback periods last for planning decisions
• Legal compliance updates – Updated to match current government requirements

Part C: Development Notifications

• Updated notification categories – Changes to how people are told about different types of building and planning applications

What is happening now?

The draft Community Engagement Strategy 2025-2035 is on public exhibition from Wednesday, 19 November 2025 until Sunday 18 January 2026.

During this time:

• The draft Community Engagement Strategy 2025-2035 can be viewed and downloaded using the document tab on this page, or directly at this link: Draft Community Engagement Strategy 2025-2035.
• You can provide feedback on the draft Strategy

What are we asking you?

We would like your feedback on the draft Community Engagement Strategy 2025-2035. This can be general or specific. We have also created a short survey to better understand how you would like to engage with Council.

How to view the Community Engagement Strategy 2025-2035

The Community Engagement Strategy 2025-2035 can be viewed and downloaded using the document tab on this page, or directly at this link: Draft Community Engagement Strategy 2025-2035.

Hard copy versions are also available at:

• Georges River Civic Centre, corner of MacMahon and Dora Streets, Hurstville
• Hurstville Library, corner Dora Street and, Queens Rd, Hurstville*
• Clive James Library and Service Centre, Kogarah Town Square, Belgrave St, Kogarah

* Please note Hurstville Library will temporarily close from 1 December 2025 to allow for essential fire system improvements, including a new sprinkler system. During the closure a pop-up library will be available at the Georges River Civic Centre. For more information on the closure, please view our Temporary Closure of Hurstville Library Public Notice.

How can I provide feedback?

If you would like to provide feedback or comments on the Strategy, we encourage you to complete our online feedback form or return a hard copy submission.

If you are returning a hard copy submission, please quote SF25/4918- Public Submission –Community Engagement Strategy at the beginning of your submission and return:

• In person to Georges River Council Civic Centre or Libraries
• Via email: mail@georgesriver.nsw.gov.au
• Via post: PO Box 205, Hurstville BC NSW 1481
• TTY number: 133 677