Background Information

The Draft Communications and Engagement Strategy 2025 - 2029 is a key part of Council’s commitment to strengthening how we inform, involve and connect with our community. It brings together and replaces both the current Community Engagement Strategy and the Communications Strategy to provide a single, integrated framework covering both functions.

This strategy outlines how Council will keep our community informed, connected, and involved. We recognise that each community has unique needs and goals, which may sometimes differ, and that people prefer to engage in different ways and at various times.

Based on community feedback, this strategy establishes a strong foundation for Council's communication and engagement priorities for everyone who lives, works, and visits the Southern Highlands. It details the why, how, when, and what of our key activities.

Developed through internal consultation and community feedback, the Draft Strategy aligns with the Wingecarribee 2035 Community Strategic Plan and best practices for communication and engagement. To support this work, two supporting policies; the draft Social Media Policy and draft Media Policy, have also been updated and are presented alongside The Draft Strategy.

The Draft Strategy also meets the requirements of relevant legislation, including the Local Government Act 1993 and the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979.

Aims of the Draft Strategy

Focusing on transparency, inclusion, and responsiveness, The Draft Strategy aims to:

  • Inform

    Provide clear, timely, and relevant information about Council services, projects, policies, and decisions.

  • Enable

    Create opportunities for our diverse communities to actively contribute to and participate in shaping the future of the Shire.

  • Engage Meaningfully

    Foster two-way dialogue by actively listening to ideas and feedback, using what we hear to shape outcomes where possible. Where we can’t incorporate feedback, we’ll explain why, closing the loop and maintaining transparency.

  • Build Trust and Pride

    Celebrate community achievements and highlight the strengths, stories, and shared identity of the Southern Highlands.

  • Leverage Local Strengths

    Tap into the skills, knowledge, and passion of the community to help deliver on the aspirations of the Wingecarribee 2035 Community Strategic Plan.

Viewing the Strategy & Providing Feedback

The Draft Communications and Engagement Strategy 2025 - 2029 are on public exhibition from Monday 25 August until Tuesday 7 October 2025. The draft Strategy along with supporting documentation may be viewed:

  1. In the electronic Document Library on this page
  2. At Council’s Customer Service Counter, Civic Centre, 68 Elizabeth Street, Moss Vale NSW 2577, between 8.30am and 4.30pm Monday to Friday
  3. Councils Libraries

Feedback can be provided on the Draft Strategy through:

  1. Completing an Online Submission Form (below)
  2. Emailing it directly to mail@wsc.nsw.gov.au
  3. Hand writing your submission and delivering it to Council's Civic Centre located at 68 Elizabeth Street, Moss Vale NSW 2577
  4. Posting your submission to Wingecarribee Shire Council, PO Box 141, Moss Vale NSW 2577

Only written submissions will be considered and these must be received by Council before 4.30pm Tuesday 7 October 2025. Please note that any submissions received may be included in the final report to Council.

Your feedback is a way for you to share your thoughts and ideas on a particular issue or project. The goal is to make sure your voice and the community’s voices are heard and considered. It helps provide valuable insights, identify potential issues and suggest improvements. This way, decisions can be more inclusive, transparent and effective, reflecting what you and the community really needs and wants.

Responses to engagement projects are compiled and considered. When projects are reported to Council to make a decision a summary of community feedback will be included. Updates on projects will be included in these pages and elsewhere on Council's website.

Sometimes it takes some months to provide feedback to the community and to make a decision as further investigation is often needed. We are listening and we do take your suggestions on board!