Community engagement in Australian local governments: a closer look and strategic implications. Issue 4 (4th July 2019)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Christensen, Helen E.; McQuestin, Dana
• Is Part Of: Local government studies. Volume 45:Issue 4(2019)
• Page Start: 453
• Page End: 480
• Publication Date: 2019-07-04
• Subjects: Community engagement -- local government -- public administration -- public participation; Local government -- Great Britain -- Periodicals; Local government -- Periodicals; 352.042
• DOI: 10.1080/03003930.2018.1541794
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0300-3930

Abstract

ABSTRACT: Public input into decision-making through participatory and deliberative democratic practices has become a widely accepted and legislated responsibility of Australian local governments. At any one time, councils are leading submission processes, workshops and online surveys on a multitude of projects, ranging from long-term community strategic plans to public art projects. The increase in these practices has been exponential, leaving little time for critical reflection. The lack of empirical data to illustrate how community engagement is understood and practised in different councils has hindered sector-wide reflection. This paper presents the findings of the 'Local Government Community Engagement Census', a survey of 175 councils – approximately half – from 4 of Australia's eastern states. This sectoral snapshot provides a picture of how councils understand, prioritise and practise community engagement, allowing critical reflection, an interpretation of implications and suggesting areas for future research.