Draft Community Engagement Policy and Connecting with Our Community Framework

The District Council of Yankalilla is inviting community feedback on its Draft Community Engagement Policy and updated Connecting with Our Community Framework.

These documents set out how Council will engage with the community on projects, plans and decisions that affect our district, while meeting new legislative requirements introduced through South Australia's Community Engagement Charter.

Community members are encouraged to review the draft documents and provide feedback before they are considered for adoption.

Community engagement closes Thursday 23 July 2026.

What is being proposed?

Council has prepared a new Draft Community Engagement Policy and updated its Connecting with Our Community Framework.

The draft Policy will replace Council's former Public Consultation Policy and establishes how Council will meet its community engagement obligations under the Local Government Act 1999 and the Community Engagement Charter.

Together, the draft Policy and updated Framework provide guidance for planning and delivering community engagement activities. They explain:

• when Council will engage with the community
• how engagement activities will be designed and delivered
• Council's approach to accessibility and inclusion
• how community feedback will be considered in decision-making
• how Council will report back to the community on engagement outcomes.

The proposed changes introduce clearer engagement categories, strengthen accessibility considerations and improve transparency around how community feedback influences Council decisions.

Why are we consulting?

In late 2025, changes to the Local Government Act 1999 introduced the Community Engagement Charter, which establishes principles of engagement and minimum requirements for councils across South Australia.

As a result, Council has reviewed its existing approach to community engagement to ensure it aligns with these legislative requirements and reflects contemporary best practice.

Community engagement plays an important role in helping Council understand local perspectives and make informed decisions. Feedback received during this consultation will help ensure the final Policy and Framework meet the needs and expectations of our community.

Have your say

Council is inviting the community to review the Draft Community Engagement Policy and updated Connecting with Our Community Framework and provide feedback.

This is your opportunity to tell us:

• whether the proposed approach to community engagement is clear and easy to understand
• whether the proposed policy reflects community expectations
• how Council can improve accessibility and participation
• any other feedback on the draft documents.

Your feedback will help shape the final documents before they are presented to Council for consideration.

For more information and to participate, visit Your Say Yankalilla.

How to participate

You can share your feedback in several ways:

• Ask a question via the Your Say Yankalilla project page
• Complete the online submission form or collect a hard copy from the Council Office
• Provide feedback by email to participate@yankalilla.sa.gov.au
• Prefer a conversation? Contact Council staff on (08) 8558 0200 to arrange a time to discuss.

Copies of the draft documents are available to download online at Your Say Yankalilla or view at the Council Office during business hours.

What happens next?

All submissions received during the consultation period will be reviewed and considered before the Draft Community Engagement Policy and updated Connecting with Our Community Framework are finalised.

A report summarising community feedback will be prepared and presented to Council as part of its consideration of the final documents.

Community engagement closes Thursday 23 July 2026.