Community engagement can be described as any process that involves the community in decision-making and uses that community input to make better, more informed decisions.

It is about providing genuine opportunities for diverse communities to meaningfully contribute to problems, opportunities and outcomes that affect or interest them.

Community engagement can include informing (communications), consultation and active community participation. Our engagement work is guided by the International Association for Public Participation (IAP2) Spectrum of Public Participation.

A community engagement framework is a guiding document that describes a consistent and coordinated engagement approach for community engagement activities undertake by Council.

It is a public facing document that explains our engagement purpose and principles (our commitments to our community) and how our community can contribute to Council decision-making processes.

The Community Engagement Framework sits above the Community Engagement Policy. It provides the overarching principles, approach and culture for how Council engages with our community, while the Policy will provide the formal governance and legislative foundation for engagement activities.

We are currently updating our Public Consultation Policy to align with the Minister for Local Government's Community Engagement Charter released in December 2025.

The Community Engagement Policy referred to in the draft Framework is referring to the draft Policy that will shortly be available for community engagement.

Whilst community engagement does not replace the final decision-making powers of Elected Members / Council, engagement findings form an important part of Council's decision-making process and help to ensure that the final decisions made by Council are equitable, sustainable and well-informed.

Other factors that make up the decision-making process include:

• Council's strategic planning goals
• Relevant legislation and policies
• Available resources and financial parameters
• Environmental, social and economic context
• Knowledge of staff and local decision makers
• Legal or expect advice

There are a variety of ways residents and stakeholders can share ideas and concerns with council including by submitting a Customer Request. Customer Requests are typically individual transactions, focusing on reporting an issue or seeking a service (e.g. reporting a pothole, requesting tree pruning) to ensure a prompt, direct response.

These requests may involve conversations with the effected resident/s however they are not considered to be a community engagement process.

You can request a service by visiting the Adelaide Hills Council Website.