Client
Eurobodalla Shire Council
Project
Community Engagement Strategy
Date Contact
March 2013 Oliver Young
9387 2600
Prepared by Lucy Greig and Oliver Young
Reviewed by
Oliver Young
Date March 2013
Job number 12/2905
Document name Community Engagement Strategy
Version 2
This document is printed on paper produced
using sustainable forestry practices and chlorine
free pulp
Contents
1 Introduction 1
1.1 Overview and objectives of the Rural
Lands Strategy 1
1.2 Context for the Rural Lands Strategy 1
1.3 Process for the Rural Lands Strategy 2
1.4 Outcomes and outputs of the Rural
Lands Strategy 2
2 Objectives of community and
stakeholder engagement 4
2.1 Principles for community engagement 4
2.2 Community engagement on the Rural
Lands Strategy 5
3 Summary of key stakeholders 7
3.1 Steering Committee 7
3.2 Land Owners 7
3.3 Producers 8
3.4 Business/Industry 8
3.5 Community 8
3.6 Community Groups 8
3.7 Environmental Groups 9
3.8 NSW Government Agencies 9
3.9 Mayors and Councillors 9
4 Community and stakeholder
engagement – Phases and
methods 10
4.1 Engagement Overview 10
4.2 Phase 1: Steering Committee 11
4.3 Phase 2: Terms of Reference for Rural
Lands Strategy 11
4.4 Phase 3: Broad Engagement on
Relevant Issues 11
4.5 Phase 4: Broad Engagement on Policy
Reponses 13
4.6 Phase 5: Broad Engagement on Draft
Rural Lands Strategy 14
5 Communications materials 16
5.1 Key messages 16
5.2 Frequently Asked Questions 17
6 Appendices 19
Eurobodalla Shire Council: Community Engagement Strategy 1
1 Introduction
1.1 Overview and objectives of the Rural Lands Strategy
Eurobodalla Shire Council (Council) is developing a Rural Lands Strategy to set a clear vision and
policy framework for the Shire’s rural areas. The Rural Lands Strategy will establish new planning
guidelines for appropriately facilitating and regulating rural land use and development. The analyses
and findings of the Strategy will be used to inform a Local Environmental Plan (LEP) review,
including zone and land use application.
1.2 Context for the Rural Lands Strategy
Development of the Rural Lands Strategy is taking place in the context of changing agricultural
practices, environmental management and continued pressure for redevelopment of some rural
land. The Strategy will need to consider the management of high-value agricultural land, the
contribution of rural activities to the Eurobodalla economy, and to recognise the landscape and
environmental values of land use within the Shire.
The process of developing the Rural Lands Strategy will be managed by Council’s Strategic Services
Team with support and advice from a Steering Committee. This Committee includes an independent
chairperson and representatives of the community, government agencies and Council.
2 Eurobodalla Shire Council: Community Engagement Strategy
1.3 Process for the Rural Lands Strategy
The process for developing the Rural Lands Strategy will include the following key stages:
1.4 Outcomes and outputs of the Rural Lands Strategy
The outcomes of the Rural Lands Strategy will be to:
Facilitate the ongoing rural use of agricultural and resource lands
Provide for appropriate economic and development opportunities
Identify and manage landscape and environmental qualities, sites of Aboriginal, natural and
cultural heritage, land use conflicts and environmental hazards.
Eurobodalla Shire Council: Community Engagement Strategy 3
The project will result in the following outputs:
A Rural Lands Strategy that provides a strategic framework to guide the zoning, land use,
protection and development of:
– Agricultural and resource lands
– Rural lifestyle living opportunities
– Landscape and environmental values
Mapping to support the Strategy
Directions for preparation of appropriate planning instruments, including LEPs and DCPs and the
application of appropriate zoning to deliver upon the findings and recommendations of the
Strategy.
4 Eurobodalla Shire Council: Community Engagement Strategy
2 Objectives of community and stakeholder engagement
Eurobodalla Shire Council has a strong commitment to community engagement. This Community
Engagement Strategy has been prepared on the basis of the approach to engagement identified in
Council’s Engagement Strategy for the Eurobodalla Community Strategic Plan (2010), and
demonstrated in Council’s consultation and communications practices. Engagement with all relevant
stakeholders is an important part of developing the Rural Lands Strategy, as it was in preparing the
Eurobodalla Community Strategic Plan and Eurobodalla Settlement Strategy. This Engagement
Strategy has been developed in conjunction with the Steering Committee.
2.1 Principles for community engagement
2.1.1 What is effective engagement?
Engagement refers to the processes in which agencies, stakeholders and the general community
are invited to contribute to the development and implementation of strategy, policies, programs
and services.
Effective engagement allows government agencies to tap into diverse perspectives and new
solutions to improve the quality of its decisions. Effective engagement is open, transparent and
participatory. It has the potential to create connections between government, communities and
stakeholders that enable communities and stakeholders to better understand the processes of
government, and the reasons for proposed strategy and reform. This can build greater consensus
and mandates for change that are more sustainable than when government alone drives these
agendas.
2.1.2 Approaches to engagement
One tool for considering the appropriate engagement approach for a particular project is the
spectrum developed by the International Association for Public Participation (IAP2). The Public
Participation Spectrum is an internationally recognised standard for approaches to engagement.
The spectrum, or modified versions of it, are used by many public sector organisations across
Australia and internationally. The Community Engagement Strategy for the Rural Lands Strategy
will use the Inform, Consult, Involve and Collaborate aspects of the spectrum.
See Appendix B for further information about these aspects of the Public Participation
Spectrum.
Eurobodalla Shire Council: Community Engagement Strategy 5
2.2 Community engagement on the Rural Lands Strategy
2.2.1 Purpose and objectives
A Community Engagement Strategy is required to inform and guide stakeholder consultation
throughout development of the Rural Lands Strategy.
The Community Engagement Strategy will provide a framework for the engagement of all
stakeholders in the preparation of a Rural Lands Strategy. It is anticipated that this process will
involve a period of approximately 18 months to 2 years – providing numerous opportunities for
engagement.
The objectives of the Community Engagement Strategy are:
To ensure all stakeholders have opportunities to provide input into preparation of the Rural
Lands Strategy
To ensure the preparation of the Rural Lands Strategy occurs in a transparent manner, taking
into account the views of all stakeholders
To effectively manage all risks associated with the development of the Rural Lands Strategy
To ensure that the community gains a broad understanding of the outcomes of the Rural Lands
Strategy.
2.2.2 Guiding considerations
A number of additional guiding considerations for the Community Engagement Strategy for the
Eurobodalla Rural Lands Strategy and related recommendations are outlined below:
How will the results of the Community Engagement Strategy be used by Council and reported
publicly? The results of the community engagement process will be one of a number of factors
considered by Council in development of the Rural Lands Strategy. The engagement outcomes
(such as Steering Committee meeting minutes) will be made publicly available on the project
webpage and will be sent to those people who register their interest in the project. Engagement
outcomes will inform the draft and final Rural Lands Strategy. Following its development, the
Draft Rural Lands Strategy will be placed on public exhibition for comment by the community and
stakeholders, prior to adoption of the Strategy by Council.
How will the Community Engagement Strategy be resourced? Council is committed to a
comprehensive process of engagement with the community and stakeholders. The process has
been designed by independent engagement firm, Elton Consulting in response to a Council brief
and in conjunction with the project Steering Committee. Implementation of the project will be
undertaken by Council Officers, with assistance in facilitation of engagement activities provided
by specialist consultants.
How will members of the Eurobodalla Shire community be involved in design of the community
engagement process? The Community Engagement Strategy will be developed in liaison with the
Steering Committee which involves a number of representatives from the local community. This
6 Eurobodalla Shire Council: Community Engagement Strategy
is an important part of ensuring the Rural Lands Strategy responds to the needs of a broad range
of community interests. Steering Committee input to the Engagement Strategy from the outset
will also help to build a sense of ownership of the engagement process. Engagement for the
Rural Lands Strategy will be an inclusive process that provides opportunities for participation by
organised community groups as well as members of the community who may be less likely to get
involved in formal consultation processes (such as young people and adults who are time poor).
What are the engagement techniques that will be used? A mix of face-to-face and online
techniques will be used as part of the Community Engagement Strategy. This Draft Strategy
proposes a number of techniques including Steering Committee meetings, targeted stakeholder
engagement, community newsletters, and community information sessions / public events.
However, it is important that the engagement process is flexible enough to change, as needed,
to best meet the needs of the community and stakeholders. As it progresses, the draft
Community Engagement Strategy may be refined by Council on the basis of community and
stakeholder input, in liaison with the Steering Committee.
How will people find out about the community engagement process for the Rural Land Strategy?
Mass media, web-based consultation and social media will all be used to communicate key
messages and promote participation in the engagement process across the Shire.
How will Council monitor and review how the process is going? The engagement approach
outlined in this Community Engagement Strategy is flexible and Council is prepared to refine the
process, if needed. Key indicators that may be used to measure how well the engagement
process is working include: the number of participants who take part in consultation activities,
community and stakeholder attitudes, and behaviours.
Eurobodalla Shire Council: Community Engagement Strategy 7
3 Summary of key stakeholders
The Community Engagement Strategy will target a wide range of stakeholders – from members of
the Steering Committee established to assist in preparing the Rural Lands Strategy – to individual
landowners, members of the community, local interest groups and representatives of relevant
government agencies. For further details, please see Appendix C for Stakeholder Contact List.
3.1 Steering Committee
The project Steering Committee was established following a resolution of Council in April 2012 for a
Steering Committee to assist in development of the Rural Lands Strategy. The Committee first met
in August 2012. It includes:
An independent Chair (the Hon. Ian Armstrong AM OBE)
Eight community representatives, selected by the Chairperson following an expression of interest
process.
A representative of the NSW Department of Planning and Infrastructure
A representative of the NSW Department of Primary Industries
A representative of the NSW Office of Environment and Heritage
Three representatives of Council, being the Mayor, General Manager and Director of Planning
and Sustainability Services (or their nominees).
This group will play an important role in providing input to both the Rural Lands Strategy, and
finalisation of this Community Engagement Strategy. A draft Community Engagement Strategy will
be presented to the Steering Committee for its consideration and comment, prior to finalisation.
3.2 Land Owners
The outcomes of the Rural Lands Strategy will be of particular interest to the approximately 2,500
rural land owners in the Shire who will be directly impacted. Given the complexity of our planning
system in NSW, it will be important to educate and engage rural land owners about the planning
system and the strategy development process, from the earliest stage of its development. This will
reduce the risk of land owners becoming confused about the planning framework and zonings. It
will be important to involve major land owners as well as those with smaller landholdings.
Communications may be undertaken using Council’s land owner databases.
8 Eurobodalla Shire Council: Community Engagement Strategy
3.3 Producers
The Rural Lands Strategy will be of critical interest to food and fibre producers in the Eurobodalla
Shire and to the wider community in relation to future food and fibre production. Examples of
producer groups include:
Aquaculture farmers (eg Clyde River Oyster Farmer’s Association)
Fishers (eg Fisherman’s Association)
Broad acre farmers (eg dairying and livestock)
Niche farmers (eg Eurobodalla Alpacas)
Farmers attending local markets (eg Moruya Markets).
3.4 Business/Industry
Industry groups and associations within the Shire also represent important interests. Stakeholders
may include:
Agriculture industry groups (eg Dairy Australia)
Tourism industry groups (eg Tourism Australia)
Tourism operators (eg bed and breakfast operators)
Forestry industries (eg Forests NSW)
Rural industries (eg abattoirs)
Extractive industries.
3.5 Community
Within the broader community there are a range of individuals and groups who are likely to have
an interest in the Rural Lands Strategy, including:
Residents of Eurobodalla Shire (including those living in all major centres and districts)
Non-resident ratepayers (including those living in Canberra).
3.6 Community Groups
Within the community there are a range of groups who are likely to have an interest in the Rural
Lands Strategy, including:
Aboriginal Land Councils (Batemans Bay Local Aboriginal Land Council, Bodalla Local Aboriginal
Land Council, Cobowra Local Aboriginal Lands Council, Merrimans Local Aboriginal Lands Council,
Mogo Local Aboriginal Lands Council and Wagonga Local Aboriginal Lands Council)
Eurobodalla Shire Council: Community Engagement Strategy 9
Chambers of Commerce (Batemans Bay Chamber of Commerce, Central Tilba Chamber of
Commerce, Moruya and District Chamber of Commerce, Narooma Chamber of Commerce)
Resident Associations (Eurobodalla Ratepayers Association, Bingie Residents Association, Broulee
Community Association, Long Beach Community Association, Maloney’s Beach Residents
Association, Tomakin Community Association Inc)
Progress Associations (Durras Progress Association, Nelligen Progress Association)
Other community groups (Narooma, Moruya and Batemans Bay Historic Societies).
3.7 Environmental Groups
The Rural Lands Strategy has implications for a range of environmental issues. Key stakeholders
include:
Southern Rivers Catchment Management Authority (CMA)
Eurobodalla Landcare (Contact through the CMA’s Landcare Community Support Officer to
engage representatives from the 27 registered Landcare, Bushcare, Rivercare or Coastcare
groups)
Coastwatchers
Eurobodalla Natural History Society
Nature Conservation Council of NSW.
3.8 NSW Government Agencies
The Rural Lands Strategy will involve direct input from the following NSW Government agencies
through the Steering Committee:
NSW Department of Planning and Infrastructure
NSW Department of Primary Industries, Fishing and Aquaculture (including NSW Office of Water)
NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service, Office of Environment and Heritage.
A broader range of agencies may be targeted through the engagement program, including:
NSW Department of Premier and Cabinet (South East regional office, Queanbeyan).
Eurobodalla Rural Fire Service.
3.9 Mayors and Councillors
While the Mayor (or his representative) is on the Steering Committee, the other Eurobodalla Shire
Councillors will also be involved throughout the process as they will play a key role in decision
making about the Rural Lands Strategy.
10 Eurobodalla Shire Council: Community Engagement Strategy
4 Community and stakeholder engagement – Phases and methods
4.1 Engagement Overview
The engagement strategy for the Rural Lands Strategy includes five key phases. Each phase
involves a range of engagement techniques such as Steering Committee meetings, targeted
stakeholder engagement, one-on-one meetings, community newsletters, community information
sessions / public events, media relations, and online consultation tools. The engagement techniques
proposed seek to target each of the stakeholder groups identified in Section 3 of this document.
Figure 1. Overview of the Community Engagement Strategy
Phase 1. Steering Committee
(Aug 2012 / ongoing)
Phase 2. Terms of Reference
(Aug-Oct 2012)
Phase 3. Broad Engagement on Relevant Issues
(Sept-Mar 2013)
Phase 4. Broad Engagement on Policy Responses
(April-Oct 2013)
Phase 5. Broad Engagement on Draft Rural Lands Strategy
(Nov 2013-May 2014)
Community and Stakeholders:
• Steering Committee
• Land Owners
• Producers
• Business/Industry
• Community
• Community Groups
• Environmental Groups
• NSW Government agencies
• Mayor and Councillors
Eurobodalla Shire Council: Community Engagement Strategy 11
4.2 Phase 1: Steering Committee
As part of the Community Engagement Strategy we propose the following activities involving this
group:
Steering Committee Meetings to review documents and provide feedback. The Steering
Committee will meet in October 2012 to review the Draft Community Engagement Strategy and
provide feedback, prior to its finalisation.
The Steering Committee will meet at regular intervals throughout development of the Rural
Lands Strategy. Meeting minutes will be uploaded to Council’s project webpage at
http://www.esc.nsw.gov.au/services/planning-and-development/plans-policies-and-
strategies/rural-lands-strategy/
The Steering Committee Chairperson will assist in communicating with the wider community
through local media (radio and print). Other committee members will assist by talking to
community members and land owners to encourage participation in engagement activities.
(Phases 3-5).
4.3 Phase 2: Terms of Reference for Rural Lands Strategy
The Terms of Reference for the Rural Lands Strategy were developed by Council in liaison with the
Steering Committee as part of Phase 2. They will be used to guide design and implementation of
the Engagement Strategy in Phases 3-5. The Terms of Reference were unanimously endorsed at
the first Steering Committee meeting and are attached in Appendix A.
4.4 Phase 3: Broad Engagement on Relevant Issues
Phase 3 involves a range of mechanisms for the community to provide input to the issues affecting
rural lands in the Shire. This will be an input to a draft Rural Lands Issues Paper which is being
prepared by Council in conjunction with the Steering Committee.
Given the wide geography of the Eurobodalla Shire, it will be important to conduct community
engagement activities and events which provide all interested members of the community and
stakeholders with an opportunity to find out information about the Rural Lands Strategy, and to
participate in its development – with events held in rural locations across the Shire.
The Rural Lands Issues Paper is intended to start the conversation between Council, stakeholders
and the wider community about the issues affecting rural lands in the Eurobodalla Shire.
It is recommended that the Rural Lands Issues Paper is a concise paper for ease of reading. It
should incorporate key questions for stakeholders, to provide an opportunity for people to comment
on the issues that are most relevant to them. We suggest that the Paper is sent to all known
stakeholders and is also provided on the Rural Lands Strategy webpage. For instance, it may be
made available in Wiki format to enable comments to be made directly into the document.
As part of Phase 3, a number of open house sessions will be held in locations across the Shire.
These sessions will enable all interested members of the community to find out more about the
12 Eurobodalla Shire Council: Community Engagement Strategy
Rural Lands Strategy. Each session will include an information display and key members of the
project team (including Council Officers and consultants) will be available to discuss the Rural Lands
Strategy with participants one-on-one.
Suggested engagement techniques for each target audience are outlined below.
Who? Engagement technique
Steering Committee
Conduct a Steering Committee meeting to discuss relevant
rural land issues
Steering Committee Minutes uploaded to Rural Lands Strategy
webpage
Steering Committee Chairperson to communicate with public
through local media (radio interviews)
Steering Committee to communicate details of engagement
activities with other community members (face-to-face)
Steering Committee to provide input to the design of upcoming
community events / provide support at community events
Producers and
Business/Industry
Letter to key agriculture/industry groups seeking to identify
local “champions” to act as key spokespersons
Letter to key stakeholders including link to Issues Paper, via
direct mail
Landowners
Letter to all land owners (approximately 2,500) including link
to Issues Paper, via direct mail
e-Newsletter (existing fortnightly e-Newsletter) to key
stakeholders including link to Issues Paper
Wider community
Council website to contain all public documents and
information on engagement activities. Website to be
interactive to enable direct feedback from the community.
Facebook page to advertise engagement opportunities
e-Newsletter (existing fortnightly e-Newsletter) to key
stakeholders including link to Issues Paper
Open houses in various rural locations throughout the Shire
Government agencies Letter to key stakeholders including link to Issues Paper, via
direct mail
Mayor and Councillors
Council
Mayor and Councillors to be provided with a briefing/workshop
on rural issues
Mayor to communicate with the public through local media (eg
Eurobodalla Shire Council: Community Engagement Strategy 13
Mayors Column, radio interviews)
General Manager to communicate with the public via media
(radio interviews, media releases, Information Updates)
4.5 Phase 4: Broad Engagement on Policy Reponses
In Phase 4, draft policy responses will be prepared by Council in conjunction with the Steering
Committee in response to the issues raised, prior to commencing preparation of the Draft Rural
Lands Strategy. We suggest that community input into draft policy responses is obtained through
meetings of the Project Steering Committee and a series of key stakeholder workshops. Draft policy
responses would then be defined by Council, prior to commencement of the Draft Rural Lands
Strategy.
The stakeholder workshops would be used to explore the perspectives of a range of people on the
possible policy responses, within each stakeholder group. As part of each workshop, a summary of
feedback obtained in Phase 3 would be presented and the reasons behind the issues raised would
be further explored. Stakeholder input to the policy responses will be sought. Initial policy
responses may be tested. A number of engagement techniques will be used to elicit feedback from
participants, depending on the number of people in each workshop.
Who? Engagement technique
Steering Committee
Conduct two to three Steering Committee meetings to discuss
policy responses to the issues raised
Steering Committee meeting minutes uploaded to Rural Lands
Strategy webpage
Producers and
Business/Industry
Stakeholder workshop with primary producers
Stakeholder workshop with tourism industry
Large land owners Stakeholder workshop with large land owners
Medium sized land owners Stakeholder workshop with medium sized land owners
Wider community
Stakeholder workshop with environment groups
Stakeholder workshop with residents associations etc
Webpage
Facebook page to advertise engagement opportunities
Government agencies Agency workshop to test directions and obtain feedback on the
issues raised
Mayor and Councillors
Council
Mayor and Councillors to be provided with a briefing/workshop
on possible policy responses and the results of the stakeholder
workshops
14 Eurobodalla Shire Council: Community Engagement Strategy
4.6 Phase 5: Broad Engagement on Draft Rural Lands Strategy
In Phase 5 community input to the Draft Rural Lands Strategy would be sought through a wide
variety of engagement mechanisms including:
Steering Committee meetings
Exhibition events in key rural locations – including Regional Information Sessions and a
Producer’s Forum. At the Producer’s Forum producers will be invited to display (and sell) their
produce and talk to Council and the community about the Draft Strategy. This may be held as part of an existing market, or as a separate event.
Ongoing engagement with land owners – through one on one conversations and Regional
Information Sessions.
Media and online communications – targeting residents across the Shire and non-resident
ratepayers.
Who? Engagement technique
Steering Committee
Conduct two to three Steering Committee meetings to prepare
for the engagement activities, interpret engagement outcomes
and provide input to the Draft Rural Lands Strategy.
Producers
Producers Forum – In addition to the display and sale of rural
produce, this event will involve a small number of display
boards (eg 3 x A0 size boards) with information about the
Draft Strategy. Participants will be provided with an
information sheet and feedback will be obtained face to face
and using a feedback form. The display boards may also be
used in other popular locations, such as local shows, shopping
centres, and at sporting events.
Large land owners Small focused conversations to be held with large landowners
in rural villages or at Council’s offices.
Medium sized land owners
Regional Information Sessions – These sessions would be held
in various rural locations. These two to three hour community
information style events will be widely publicised in local
newspapers, via radio and online. Council officers will be
available to respond to questions one-on-one and participant
feedback will be obtained via a feedback form.
Wider community
Producers Forum (as above)
Regional Information Sessions (as above)
Communications through local newspapers in the Shire and
Canberra (Information Updates)
Communications via radio (in the Shire and Canberra)
Eurobodalla Shire Council: Community Engagement Strategy 15
Webpage – including online feedback form
Facebook page – including link to online feedback form
Mayor and Councillors
Council
Mayor and Councillors to be provided with a briefing/workshop
on the Draft Strategy and the issues raised by the community
at the exhibition events.
16 Eurobodalla Shire Council: Community Engagement Strategy
5 Communications materials
5.1 Key messages
Key messages to be relayed to the community and stakeholders as part of the engagement
process, to be developed with the Steering Committee, should cover the following topics:
Commitment to engagement
Eurobodalla Shire Council is committed to engaging with stakeholders and the community. Over
the next 18 – 24 months, Council will be working with the community to develop a Rural Lands
Strategy that will guide the future of planning for all rural lands in the Shire.
Ownership and management
Rural land is privately owned (legally under fee simple, common law) and managed by rural
landholders who are obliged to meet environmental standards imposed through State and
Federal legislation. National Parks, State Forests and Community lands are a resource for all
people and their stewardship is undertaken by the relevant Government agencies.
Strategy aims to facilitate rural development
The Rural Lands Strategy aims to facilitate rural development. The Strategy will include
provisions that address rural development and productivity, considering both primary production
and service industries.
Strategy looks to the long-term
The Strategy looks to the long term future of rural lands in the Eurobodalla Shire, recognising
primary industry as an ongoing and viable activity for the area and the opportunities to diversify
the rural economy. A core component of the Strategy is to support a resilient rural community
that contributes to the economic development of the Shire.
Strategy needs to balance economic, social and environmental outcomes
The Rural Lands Strategy will balance economic, social and environmental objectives and
outcomes.
Strategy to provide certainty for land owners and community
The Strategy intends to provide certainty for landowners and the community about the future of
rural lands in the Shire. It will include the flexibility to allow changes to rural activities, encourage
innovation and forward thinking.
Strategy to ensure environmental quality is maintained and enhanced
Eurobodalla Shire Council: Community Engagement Strategy 17
The Rural Lands Strategy will seek to ensure that environmental quality is maintained and
enhanced within the Shire.
Strategy to provide clarity in planning processes
The Strategy will provide clarity in regards to planning processes and certainty for investors,
businesses and the environment.
Strategy to be guided by and independent Steering Committee
The Strategy will be guided by an independent Steering Committee comprised of representatives
from the community, government agencies and Council. This Steering Committee is an
independent advisory body with members from a diverse range of backgrounds each with a
different skillset relating to the rural lands of the Eurobodalla.
Strategy to recognise Eurobodalla’s rural heritage
The Strategy recognises the value of Eurobodalla’s rural heritage and will ensure that rural
industry and primary production remain important elements of the local culture and economy.
These key messages may be added to as the engagement process proceeds.
5.2 Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions and accompanying responses to be provided in verbal and written
communications as part of the engagement process are outlined below. These may be added to as
the engagement process proceeds.
Q: What is a Rural Lands Strategy? A: It is a long term planning strategy for rural lands. The
Eurobodalla Rural Lands Strategy will be based on information about key trends and issues
affecting rural lands in the Shire.
Q: Why does the Eurobodalla Shire need a Rural Lands Strategy? A: The findings of the Strategy
will be used to inform the five year LEP review including zone and land use application. The Rural
Lands Strategy will guide the future planning of all rural lands in the Shire.
Q: What area is affected by the Rural Lands Strategy? The Rural Lands Strategy will guide the
future planning of all rural lands in the Shire.
Q: What is the timeframe for preparing the Rural Lands Strategy? Council will be working with
the community over the next 18 months to 2 years to develop the Rural Lands Strategy which
will guide the future planning of all rural lands in the Shire.
Q: How can I find out more about the Rural Lands Strategy? For more information please visit
Council’s website (http://www.esc.nsw.gov.au/services/planning-and-development/plans-
policies-and-strategies/rural-lands-strategy/).
18 Eurobodalla Shire Council: Community Engagement Strategy
Q: How can I register my interest in the Rural Lands Strategy – to receive information updates
and notifications about community engagement activities? Please visit Council’s website
(http://www.esc.nsw.gov.au/services/planning-and-development/plans-policies-and-
strategies/rural-lands-strategy/).
Q: Who is responsible for developing the Strategy? Council is responsible for developing the
Strategy. The Steering Committee will provide advice to Council during the development of the
Strategy. Council and the Steering Committee will consider all input received from the
community and other stakeholders in the development of the Strategy.
Q: How will the Strategy be implemented? The Strategy will be implemented in a number of
ways. Any recommendations of the Strategy relating to zoning or planning controls will be
implemented through a Planning Proposal to amend Council’s Local Environmental Plans. Other
recommendations of the Strategy may be implemented by Council, State Agencies, land owners,
producers or others, as indicated in the Strategy.
Q: How will the Strategy deal with the lands deferred from LEP 2012? The Strategy will identify
appropriate zonings and other planning controls for the deferred lands, to be implemented
through a Planning Proposal process upon completion of the Strategy.
A Project Fact Sheet addressing the Key Messages and Frequently Asked Questions has been
included at Appendix D.
Eurobodalla Shire Council: Community Engagement Strategy 19
6 Appendices
Appendix A: Endorsed Terms of Reference for Rural Lands Strategy
20 Eurobodalla Shire Council: Community Engagement Strategy
Terms of Reference Eurobodalla Rural Lands Strategy
PURPOSE:
To prepare a Rural Lands Strategy to set a clear vision and policy framework for the management of the Shire’s rural areas.
METHODOLOGY:
The process for developing the Rural Lands Strategy will include the following key stages: 1. Establishing a Project Steering Committee; 2. Background research and review; 3. Engagement with the community, relevant agencies, Councillors and Council staff; 4. Analysis of findings and development of a draft Strategy; 5. Engagement with the community, relevant agencies, Councillors and Council staff; 6. Review of submissions and adoption of Strategy by Council.
ENGAGEMENT:
Engagement with all relevant stakeholders is an important component in developing the Strategy, as it was in preparing the Eurobodalla Settlement Strategy. Council resolved at its meeting on 20 December 2011 that the terms of reference for the study will “be determined in conjunction with all relevant stakeholders”.
A draft Engagement Strategy will be developed by consultants to guide the consultation process. Independent consultants may be engaged to assist in implementing the adopted Engagement Strategy.
STRATEGY OUTCOMES:
The outcomes of the Rural Lands Strategy will be to: 1. Facilitate the ongoing rural use of agricultural and resource lands; 2. Provide for appropriate economic and development opportunities; 3. Identify and manage landscape and environmental qualities, sites of Aboriginal, natural
and cultural heritage, land use conflicts and environmental hazards.
STRATEGY OUTPUTS:
The project will result in the following outputs:
1. A Rural Lands Strategy that provides a strategic framework to guide the zoning, land use, protection and development of:
agricultural and resource lands;
rural lifestyle living opportunities; and
landscape and environmental values.
2. Mapping to support the Strategy; and
3. Directions for the preparation of appropriate planning instruments, including LEPs and DCPs and the application of appropriate zoning to deliver upon the findings and recommendations of the Strategy.
Eurobodalla Shire Council: Community Engagement Strategy 21
Appendix B: Engagement Spectrum
The engagement spectrum and techniques shown below are adapted from the IAP2 spectrum.
Inform Consult Involve Collaborate
Public participation goal
To provide the public
with balanced and
objective information
to assist them in
understanding the
problem,
alternatives,
opportunities and/or
solutions
To obtain public
feedback on
analysis, alternatives
and/or decisions
To work directly with
the public throughout
the process to
ensure that public
concerns and
aspirations are
understood and
considered
To partner with the
public in each aspect
of the decision
including the
development of
alternatives and the
identification of the
preferred solution
Promise to the public
We will keep you
informed
We will keep you
informed, listen to
and acknowledge
concerns and
aspirations, and
provide feedback on
how public input
influenced the
decision
We will work with
you to ensure that
your concerns are
directly reflected in
the alternatives
developed and
provide feedback on
how public input
influenced the
decision
We will look to you
for advice and
innovation in
formulating solutions
and incorporate your
advice and
recommendations
into the decisions to
the maximum extent
possible
Example techniques
Briefing (key
stakeholder)
Written information
YouTube
Advisory group
Briefing (key
stakeholder)
Citizens’ panel
Focus group
Informal
engagement
Information and
feedback session
Online forum
Regional forum
Survey
Advisory group
Informal
engagement
Regional forum
Summit
Wiki
Advisory group
Deliberative
workshops
22 Eurobodalla Shire Council: Community Engagement Strategy
Appendix C: Stakeholder Contact List
Stakeholder Group Organisation Contact Email address Phone Postal Address
Community Groups Eurobodalla Ratepayers Association http://www.eurobodallaratepayers.com.au
Joe [email protected] PO Box 1340 Batehaven 2536
Bingie Residents Association https://sites.google.com/site/bingieresidents/
[email protected] 4473 6010 4473 6226
PO Box 762 NSW 2537
Broulee Community Association http://www.brouleecommunityassn.com/
Long Beach Community Association
David Lambert (President) John Rice (Secretary)
[email protected] 0411 189 227 PO Box 1446, Batemans Bay NSW 2536
Tomakin Community Association Inc Greg Thomas (02) 4471 5462 72 Sunpatch Pde, NSW 2537
Eurobodalla Dressage Association Irene Adams (Treasurer)
[email protected] (02) 4474 1287 PO Box 417,
Moruya NSW 2537
Country Woman’s Association – Far South Coast Group
Robyn Wright [email protected] (02) 4474 2486
Genealogy Group (Moruya and District Historical Society)
Wendy Simes [email protected] (02) 4474 3224 PO Box 259,
Moruya NSW 253
Eurobodalla Natural History Society
www.enhs.org.au
David Kay (Chairman) Julie Morgan (Secretary)
(02) 4474 5619 (02) 4474 5888
PO Box 888, Moruya NSW 2537
Rodeo Association of Moruya Andy Mehl 4474 2002
Progress Associations Durras Progress Association Trevor Daly [email protected]
(02) 4478-6136 0408 487 083
PO Box 329, Batemans Bay NSW 2536
Eurobodalla Shire Council: Community Engagement Strategy 23
Stakeholder Group Organisation Contact Email address Phone Postal Address
Nelligen Progress Association Jean McSmith [email protected] (02) 4478 1145 8 Thule Road, Nelligen NSW 2536
Congo Community Group
Patrick Morris (Secretary) J Morley (Chairman)
4474 2513 4474 3648
8 Burra Place, Congo NSW 2537
Mogo Progress Association Will Procter [email protected] 4474 4980 C/- In and Out, 50 Princes Highway, Mogo NSW 2536
Central Tilba Sol Ramana-Clarke
[email protected] 4473 7233 7 Bate Street Central Tilba NSW 2546
Tuross Head Progress Association Lei Parker [email protected] 4473 8106 PO Box 3044 , Tuross Head NSW 2537
Producers/Industry New Rural Industries Australia (Passion to Profit magazine)
(03) 9221 6337 [email protected] Level 27, 101
Collins St, Melbourne, VIC, 3000
Future Farmers Network Georgie Aley [email protected] 0447 680 359
NSW Minerals Council [email protected] PO Box A244 Sydney South NSW 1235
Forest Industry Council (Southern NSW) David Priem [email protected] (02) 6981 4800
South Coast Fishing Clubs Association Brett Turner [email protected] 02 4464 1955
Citrus Australia Ltd
[email protected] (03) 5023 6333 Citrus Australia PO Box 10336 Mildura VIX 3502
Australian Flower Council
http://www.australianflowercouncil.org.au/ PO Box 237 Sydney
Markets NSW 2129
24 Eurobodalla Shire Council: Community Engagement Strategy
Stakeholder Group Organisation Contact Email address Phone Postal Address
index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=19&Itemid=10
Meat and Livestock Australia
[email protected] 1800 023 100
Dairy Australia http://www.dairyaustralia.com.au/Standard
-Items/Contact-Us-Content.aspx
1800 655 441 Locked Bag 104, Flinders Lane Victoria 8009
Goat Industry Council of Australia Glenn Telford (President)
[email protected] (07) 4623 3791
NSW Wine Industry of Australia Stuart McGrath-Kerr
http://www.nswwine.com.au/pages/Contacts.html
02 6964 3526 PO Box 1638 Griffith NSW 2680
NSW Apiarists Association Kate McGilvray [email protected]
(02) 6373 1435 PO Box 833, Mudgee NSW 2850
Southern NSW Region of the Australia Alpaca Association
Jim Styles http://www.alpacasouthern.com.au/contact.php?recipient=Styles,%20Jim%20%26%20Connie
02 4829 2356
Clyde River Oyster Farmer’s Association http://clyderiveroysterfarmers.com.au/index.php
http://clyderiveroysterfarmers.com.au/contact-a-farmer.php
SCPA – South East Producers [email protected] 6492 0161 PO Box 1054 Bega NSW 2550
SAGE Project [email protected] PO Box 911 Moruya NSW 2537
Eurobodalla Alpacas Pam Harmory [email protected] (02) 4474 0800 PO Box 787, Moruya NSW 2537
NSW Aquaculture Association The secretary http://nswaqua.com.au/contact/
PO Box 3 Karuah NSW 2324
Grassland Society of NSW Mike Duncan (President)
http://grasslandnsw.com.au/news/society-contacts/
0427 713 433
Agribusiness Association of Australia [email protected] 0448 840 232 PO Box 504, Farrell Flat SA 5416
Eurobodalla Shire Council: Community Engagement Strategy 25
Stakeholder Group Organisation Contact Email address Phone Postal Address
NSW Farmers Association, Region 11 Dave Banham [email protected] 0428 411 221
Tourism Batemans Bay Visitors Information Centre www.naturecoast-tourism.com.au
The Manager [email protected] (02) 4472 6900 1800 802 528
PO Box 530, Batemans Bay NSW 2536
Narooma Visitors Information Centre www.naturecoast-tourism.com.au
Narelle Bate [email protected] (02) 4476 2881 1800 240 003
Princes Highway, Narooma NSW 2546
Tourism Industry Council NSW [email protected] 02 9267 6865 Level 3, 309 Pitt St
Sydney NSW 2000
Chambers of Commerce Batemans Bay Natasha Moyes [email protected] 0429 075 608
PO Box 575, Batemans Bay NSW 2536
Moruya Graham Scobie [email protected] 4474 3981 PO Box 415, Moruya NSW 2537
Narooma Mark Anderson [email protected] 4476 4180 PO Box 520, Narooma NSW 2546
Central Tilba Chamber of Commerce Peita Wall (Secretary)
[email protected] 4473 7290 Care of Post Office, Central Tilba 2546
Local Aboriginal Land Councils Batemans Bay Local Aboriginal Land Council Mal MacCallum [email protected] (02) 4472 7390
PO Box 542, Batemans Bay NSW 2536
Bodalla Local Aboriginal Land Council Tont Tarare [email protected] (02) 4473 5404 0427 735404
PO Box 50, Bodalla NSW 2545
Cobowra Local Aboriginal Lands Council www.alc.org.au
Danny Chapman [email protected] (02) 4474 4188 PO Box 204, Moruya NSW 2537
Merrimans Local Aboriginal Lands Council
CEO [email protected] (02) 4473 7288
13 Umbarra Rd Wallaga Lake NSW 2546
26 Eurobodalla Shire Council: Community Engagement Strategy
Stakeholder Group Organisation Contact Email address Phone Postal Address
Mogo Local Aboriginal Lands Council Laurel McKenzie [email protected] (02) 4474 5229 32 Sydney Street, Mogo NSW 2536
Wagonga Local Aboriginal Lands Council Vanessa Mason [email protected] (02) 4476 1144 PO Box 78, Narooma NSW 2546
NSW Government Agencies
NSW Department of Planning and Infrastructure (Wollongong Office)
Brett Whitworth [email protected] 02 4224 9450 PO Box 5475, Wollongong NSW 2520
NSW Department of Primary Industries - Fisheries [email protected]
Department of Primary Industries –Forestry [email protected]
NSW Department of Primary Industries - Agriculture
Wendy Goodburn
[email protected] 1300 880 548 PO Box 42 Batemans Bay NSW 2536
Office of Environment and Heritage (Queanbeyan Office)
Mark Sheahan [email protected]
NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service, Office of Environment and Heritage (Head Office)
[email protected] 131 555 PO Box A290 Sydney South NSW 1232
Southern Rivers catchment Management Authority (CMA) Batemans Bay Office
[email protected] 02 4475 1000 PO Box 1350 Batemans Bay NSW 2536
Eurobodalla Rural Fire Service www.rfs.nsw.gov.au
Administration Officer
[email protected] (02) 4474 2855 30 Campbell Street, Moruya NSW 2537
Environmental Groups Coastwatchers http://www.coastwatchers.org.au/
Sheila Monahan President
[email protected] (02) 4473 6204 PO Box 521 Batemans Bay NSW 2536
Eurobodalla Shire Council: Community Engagement Strategy 27
Stakeholder Group Organisation Contact Email address Phone Postal Address
Landcare Eurobodalla Community Support Peter Gow [email protected] (02) 4474 1329 PO Box 99, Moruya NSW 2537
Nature Conservation Council of NSW http://nccnsw.org.au/contact (02) 9516 1488 PO Box 137 Newtown NSW 2042
Other Moruya Markets http://www.moruyacountrymarkets.com.au
Dave Riches [email protected] 4474 1460
Southeast Harvest Festival Carole Carlson [email protected] 4474 4395
Narooma Oyster Festival Matt Devenson [email protected],au 4476 2411
Tilba Growers Market
Eurobodalla District Show 4474 3980 PO Box 1 Moruya
NSW 2537
Rural Womans Network (The Country West Publication)
Sonia Muir [email protected] 02 6391 3611 Locked Bag 21,
Orange NSW 2800
28 Eurobodalla Shire Council: Community Engagement Strategy
Appendix D: Project Fact Sheet and Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Rural Lands Strategy about?
The Rural Lands Strategy is a long term planning strategy for rural lands in the Eurobodalla Shire.
The Strategy will be based on key trends and issues affecting rural lands. It will consider the
management of high-value agricultural land, the contribution of rural activities to the Eurobodalla
economy, and recognise the landscape and environmental values of rural land within the Shire.
The purpose of the Rural Lands Strategy is to set a clear vision and policy framework for the Shire’s
rural areas. It will establish new planning guidelines for appropriately facilitating and regulating rural
land use and development.
The Rural Lands Strategy will balance the economic, social and environmental objectives and
outcomes of rural lands in the Shire. The Strategy aims to facilitate rural development and include
provisions that address the needs of both the primary production and service industries.
Importantly, the Strategy aims to recognise and support our resilient rural community that
contributes to the economic development of the Shire. It will recognise that rural land is privately
owned (legally under fee simple, common law) and managed by rural landholders who are obliged to
meet environmental standards imposed through State and Federal legislation.
The Strategy intends to provide certainty for landowners and the community about the future of rural
lands in the Shire. It will include the flexibility to allow changes to rural activities, encourage
innovation and forward thinking.
The Rural Lands Strategy will seek to ensure that environmental quality is maintained and enhanced
within the Shire. It will also provide clarity in regards to planning processes and certainty for
investors, businesses and the environment.
How can I get involved?
Council will be working with the community over the next 18 months to 24 months to develop the
Rural Lands Strategy.
To ensure all stakeholders and the wider community have an opportunity to have their say, Council
has adopted an Engagement Strategy (you can view a copy of the Engagement Strategy online).
As a first step, Council has established a Steering Committee independently chaired by the Hon. Ian
Armstrong AM OBE with representatives from the community, Council and the NSW Government.
For more information about the Rural Lands Strategy, please visit Council’s website.
You can also register your interest to keep up-to-date on the latest information and community
engagement activities.
http://www.esc.nsw.gov.au/services/planning-and-development/plans-policies-and-
strategies/rural-lands-strategy/
Eurobodalla Shire Council: Community Engagement Strategy 29
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is a Rural Lands Strategy?
A: It is a long term planning strategy for rural lands. The Eurobodalla Rural Lands
Strategy will be based on information about key trends and issues affecting rural
lands in the Shire.
Q: Why does the Eurobodalla Shire need a Rural Lands Strategy?
A: The findings of the Strategy will be used to inform the five year LEP review
including zone and land use application. The Rural Lands Strategy will guide the
future planning of all rural lands in the Shire.
Q: What area is affected by the Rural Lands Strategy?
A. The Rural Lands Strategy will guide the future planning of all rural lands in the
Shire.
Q: What is the timeframe for preparing the Rural Lands Strategy?
A. Council will be working with the community over the next 18 months to 2 years to
develop the Rural Lands Strategy.
Q: Who is responsible for developing the Strategy?
A. Council is responsible for developing the Strategy. The Steering Committee will
provide advice to Council during the development of the Strategy. Council and the
Steering Committee will consider all input received from the community and other
stakeholders in the development of the Strategy.
Q: How will the Strategy be implemented?
A. The Strategy will be implemented in a number of ways. Any recommendations of
the Strategy relating to zoning or planning controls will be implemented through a
Planning Proposal to amend Council’s Local Environmental Plans. Other
recommendations of the Strategy may be implemented by Council, State Agencies,
land owners, producers or others, as indicated in the Strategy.
Q: How will the Strategy deal with the lands deferred from LEP 2012?
A. The Strategy will identify appropriate zonings and other planning controls for the
deferred lands, to be implemented through a Planning Proposal process upon
completion of the Strategy.
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