Project Overview
The introduction of the Local Government Community Engagement Charter (the Charter) requires Council to update our Community Engagement Policy to meet its new requirements.
The Charter introduces clearer engagement categories, stronger accessibility considerations, and improved requirements for reporting to the community on how feedback has been used.
We drafted a Community Engagement Policy to meet the requirements of the new Charter and set the standards and direction for how the community can expect to engage with Council on decision-making matters.
* Legislative requirements, or the Council’s obligations under the new Community Engagement Charter, cannot be influenced.
This consultation closed 5pm Thursday 2 July 2026Engagement Summary
What we asked
We invited you to review the draft Community Engagement Policy* and provide your feedback. We also wanted to find ways to improve how we engage with you.How we engaged with you
- Homepage of YourHoldfast.com
- Council website homepage campaign for the duration of the consultation
- Displays at Holdfast Bay Community Centre, Brighton and Glenelg Libraries and the Brighton Civic Centre
- Holdfast News articles on 11 June and 24 June 2026
- Three Facebook posts on 13 June, 29 June and 30 June 2026
What we heard
Overall, respondents highlighted fairness, transparency and accountability as critical factors in building community confidence in Council's engagement processes. There was a strong expectation that Council not only seeks community input, but also clearly communicates how that input has informed decision-making.
Read the Council report and engagement findings here
Next Steps
While no changes were made to the draft policy, we will review opportunities to strengthen our engagement with you, informed by feedback received through this consultation and recognised best practice methods. Council engages on a range of issues and projects throughout the year. To be involved or find out more, visit www.yourholdfast.com
The Community Engagement Policy was endorsed at the meeting of Council on 28 July 2026.
Read the final policy below:
We acknowledge the Kaurna people as the Traditional Custodians of the Adelaide region and respect their spiritual relationship and cultural beliefs that remain important to the Kaurna people today.
