Wattle Range Council Draft Community Engagement Policy

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What is being decided?

Council is seeking community comment on its draft Community Engagement Policy which has been updated to align with the South Australian Government's new Community Engagement Charter.

Background

The draft Community Engagement Policy (the Policy) follows amendments to the Local Government Act 1999, which require all South Australian councils to have a community engagement policy that aligns with the Community Engagement Charter, released in December 2025.

The Charter replaces the previous consultation requirements under the Act and sets out principles and minimum standards that councils must follow when engaging with their communities. It introduces five categories of engagement, each with minimum consultation requirements based on the significance of the decision. Some matters may only require Council to share information, while more significant decisions, such as the Annual Business Plan and Budget, require broader consultation, including public notices and opportunities for community feedback.

The updated Policy explains how Council will engage with the community, meet legal requirements and ensure people have opportunities to stay informed and provide feedback on decisions that affect them. The Policy outlines how Council will:

  • determine the level of engagement required for different decisions
  • meet minimum engagement requirements for each category of decision
  • plan, deliver and evaluate engagement activities
  • consider community feedback in decision-making.
Council will continue to use the International Association for Public Participation (IAP2) Spectrum to clearly explain the purpose of engagement activities and how community feedback will be considered in decision-making.
The draft Policy was endorsed for consultation with the community by Council at its meeting on 14 July 2026. Council now invites the community to review the draft Policy and provide feedback.

Further information about the draft Policy can be found under the frequently asked questions on this page.

Get involved and have your say

Community members are invited to provide feedback by making a written submission.

Submissions marked 'Draft Community Engagement Policy' can be:

  • emailed to council@wattlerange.sa.gov.au
  • uploaded through the online submission form below
  • posted to PO Box 27, Millicent SA 5280
  • delivered to any Council office

Feedback closes at 10am on Monday, 10 August 2026.

For more information, visit the Millicent Service Centre, 12 North Terrace, Millicent, or call 8733 0900.

Please note that submissions, including the names of respondents, may be included in public Council reports and meetings unless you request that your personal details remain confidential.

Next steps

A report summarising community feedback will be presented to Council before the Policy is considered for adoption.

Our consultation promise

At this stage of the process our goal is to consult with the community and obtain feedback on the proposed Community Engagement Policy. We also seek to:

  • Understand and acknowledge community concerns and aspirations
  • Consider feedback from the community and amend the draft policy if appropriate
  • Keep you informed

What is being decided?

Council is seeking community comment on its draft Community Engagement Policy which has been updated to align with the South Australian Government's new Community Engagement Charter.

Background

The draft Community Engagement Policy (the Policy) follows amendments to the Local Government Act 1999, which require all South Australian councils to have a community engagement policy that aligns with the Community Engagement Charter, released in December 2025.

The Charter replaces the previous consultation requirements under the Act and sets out principles and minimum standards that councils must follow when engaging with their communities. It introduces five categories of engagement, each with minimum consultation requirements based on the significance of the decision. Some matters may only require Council to share information, while more significant decisions, such as the Annual Business Plan and Budget, require broader consultation, including public notices and opportunities for community feedback.

The updated Policy explains how Council will engage with the community, meet legal requirements and ensure people have opportunities to stay informed and provide feedback on decisions that affect them. The Policy outlines how Council will:

  • determine the level of engagement required for different decisions
  • meet minimum engagement requirements for each category of decision
  • plan, deliver and evaluate engagement activities
  • consider community feedback in decision-making.
Council will continue to use the International Association for Public Participation (IAP2) Spectrum to clearly explain the purpose of engagement activities and how community feedback will be considered in decision-making.
The draft Policy was endorsed for consultation with the community by Council at its meeting on 14 July 2026. Council now invites the community to review the draft Policy and provide feedback.

Further information about the draft Policy can be found under the frequently asked questions on this page.

Get involved and have your say

Community members are invited to provide feedback by making a written submission.

Submissions marked 'Draft Community Engagement Policy' can be:

  • emailed to council@wattlerange.sa.gov.au
  • uploaded through the online submission form below
  • posted to PO Box 27, Millicent SA 5280
  • delivered to any Council office

Feedback closes at 10am on Monday, 10 August 2026.

For more information, visit the Millicent Service Centre, 12 North Terrace, Millicent, or call 8733 0900.

Please note that submissions, including the names of respondents, may be included in public Council reports and meetings unless you request that your personal details remain confidential.

Next steps

A report summarising community feedback will be presented to Council before the Policy is considered for adoption.

Our consultation promise

At this stage of the process our goal is to consult with the community and obtain feedback on the proposed Community Engagement Policy. We also seek to:

  • Understand and acknowledge community concerns and aspirations
  • Consider feedback from the community and amend the draft policy if appropriate
  • Keep you informed
  • CLOSED: This survey has concluded.

    Submission | Community Engagement Policy

    Written submissions can be uploaded here. You will need to be a registered user to upload your submission. Don't worry, it's quick and easy! And as a registered participant you will be able to use the full range of feedback tools on offer. You will also receive our newsletters advising of engagement opportunities.

    Alternatively, you can email your submission to council@wattlerange.sa.gov.au with 'Draft Community Engagement Policy' in the subject line.

    Share Submission | Community Engagement Policy on Facebook Share Submission | Community Engagement Policy on X (formerly Twitter) Share Submission | Community Engagement Policy on Linkedin Email Submission | Community Engagement Policy link
Page last updated: 13 Aug 2026, 03:46 PM