A community participation plan sets out how and when Council will engage with the community on planning functions under the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979 (EP&A Act). It is intended to make it easier for people to understand how and when they can participate in planning matters under Council’s jurisdiction.

The requirements for a community participation plan are set out under the EP&A Act. The plan must set out the minimum public exhibition time frames in accordance with Division 2.6 and Schedule 1 of the EP&A Act.

It is important to note that the plan describes the high-level processes and minimum requirements for how Council will engage on planning functions. It does not outline specific engagement strategies for each type of planning proposal or project.

Communication and engagement are Council-wide activities that can include information sharing, one-off or regular interactions with individuals or groups, and large-scale decision-making processes.

Communications:

Council shares information about our activities in various ways, including social media, ads in local newspapers, radio, posters, flyers, our website and more.

Engagement:

Council provides opportunities for the community and stakeholders to participate in local decision making.

These can be formal, legally required processes or informal processes that help with problem solving.

Engagement helps us understand how you feel and think about an issue, and helps highlight risks or concerns.

This information can contribute to the success of Council decisions and the outcomes for the community.

Council's key engagement tool is our engagement platform, Maitland Your Say, but we also strive to provide other ways for you to have your say.

Council is required to renew its Community Participation Plan at the beginning of each new term. Our Community Participation Plan is included within our Communication and Engagement Strategy.

Since we launched our first Strategy in 2022, a lot has changed at Council and within our growing community. It's important to check in to make sure the way we communicate and engage is still relevant to you.

Our new Communication and Engagement Strategy 2024–2028 was adopted by Council in March 2025.