Every Council is required to have a Community Engagement Strategy under State legislation. But beyond what we have to do legally, we know having community input into projects and having an informed community improves outcomes for community connectedness and wellbeing and makes Maitland a better place to live, work and play.
Our Communication and Engagement Strategy 2022-2026 provides the framework in which we continually embed community feedback to inform and improve how we do things.
What is 'engagement'?
Engagement is involving and collaborating with residents and other stakeholders in Council planning and decision making. Engagement is two way and encourages the community and Council to work and learn together for better community outcomes.
Our Guiding Principles
Our approach reflects the social justice principles of equity, access, participation and rights, as well Council’s Guiding Principles which underpin everything we do.
 | We deliver communication and engagement opportunities that are accessible, relevant and easy to understand. |
| We’re inclusive, encourage a diversity of voices to be heard, and make it easy for everyone who will be affected by a decision the opportunity to participate. |
| We embrace innovation and encourage new ideas. |
| We listen, value and respect community input as part of our decision making . |
| We engage openly and honestly and build trust and understanding in our community, and use community input and feedback to deliver the best community outcomes. |
