A NEW guide has been released which aims to strengthen NSW Government consultation practices with regional, rural and remote communities across the state.
The “Regional Communities Consultation Guide” outlines the Government’s approach to consulting with regional, rural and remote communities, including Aboriginal communities.
The release of the guide follows the introduction of the Regional Communities (Consultation Standards) Act 2024 by Independent Member for Barwon, Roy Butler.
“Regional communities know what they need but feel disadvantaged by current consultation processes, including a reliance on digital channels, or consultation conducted during harvest,” Mr Butler said.
“While not all projects will reflect every view, consultation should be done to give regional, rural and remote communities a fair chance to share their input, which is what this guide will now ensure.
“The guide will significantly reduce the risk of tick-the-box disingenuous consultation occurring or bad decisions being forced on vulnerable communities.”
The Member for Barwon worked with the Government to address the barriers which have historically faced regional engagement with Government consultations, including population sparsity, and digital disadvantages.
In a state first, this legislation enshrines that compliance with the guide is required for certain consultations, setting a clear standard that those affected by decisions should be involved in the decision-making process.
The guide is informed by in-depth stakeholder engagement across regional and rural communities, to ensure the priorities and expectations of regional, rural and remote communities are reflected.
This included direct engagement with peak organisations including the NSW Aboriginal Land Council, Local Government NSW, the Country Mayors Association, the Riverina and Murray Joint Organisation and the Central NSW Joint Organisation.
Around 200 stakeholders also participated in eight regional listening sessions held in Broken Hill, Wagga Wagga, Nowra, Lismore, Port Macquarie, Newcastle, Narrabri and Bourke.
The guide will now be rolled out across agencies for immediate use and can be downloaded along with a detailed engagement summary at www.haveyoursay.nsw.gov.au/consultation-regional-communities.
