When it comes to the development and implementation of government infrastructure investments, listening to local residents and giving them the opportunity to contribute to solutions is really important. A thorough and authentic engagement approach helps to:
- Build trust and confidence with general public including demonstrating thorough process
- Raise awareness and provide education on related issues and options
- Garner local knowledge, ideas and input into solutions
- Work towards gaining community acceptance and support of final decision
It’s for this reason we’ve enjoyed providing communications and engagement support for a flood investigation led by the City of Greater Bendigo and Water Modelling Solutions (WMS) from September this year.
The first stage of the project involved leading the development of a comprehensive communications and engagement plan, working in partnership with Council and WMS.
We then went out and delivered a number of engagement activities including face to face conversations and ‘pop up’ information stands to get local input and garner interest from local residents and businesses.
Facilitation of a community information session followed, with 70 participants attending and lots of engaged discussion. We discovered that many people love maps!
Next year we’ll be heading out again to chat with locals about potential solutions and get their further thoughts on this.
Read further for more information and ways to get involved.
CITY TO UNDERTAKE FLOOD RESILIENCE STUDY FOR KANGAROO FLAT AND GOLDEN SQUARE
The City of Greater Bendigo is undertaking a Flood Resilience Study to determine the needs of infrastructure to reduce the potential impacts of flooding in Kangaroo Flat and Golden Square in the future.
City of Greater Bendigo Presentation and Assets Director Debbie Wood said parts of Kangaroo Flat and Golden Square could flood following major rainfall and all residents, property owners, businesses and organisations are invited to have their say and participate in discussions to help shape the outcomes of the study
“We know flooding from Bendigo Creek and other waterways in this area isn’t a topic people generally think about, but significant floods have occurred in the past, damaging property, roads and community assets,” Ms Wood said.
“The frequency and extent of flooding from creeks following major rainfall, is predicted to increase in the future. Therefore, it’s a topic we do need to be thinking about, particularly for those who have properties in the vicinity of local creeks.”
“The Flood Resilience Study and community discussion will take place from August 2019 to March 2020. Technical analysis will be undertaken by specialist engineers, Water Modelling Solutions while the community engagement will be undertaken by Bendigo based Make a Change Australia.
“The first step is to gather local information and ideas. We know there’s a wealth of wisdom, knowledge and skill in the community and we’re keen to hear from everyone on all angles, including interesting stories from past floods.”
Residents can have their say by completing a survey, attending community discussions; or having a chat at various listening posts in the area.
More information and other ways to get involved can be found at: www.bendigo.vic.gov.au/KFGS-flood and at the following links:
· Registration to attend workshop on 5th March 2020
· Online survey: bit.ly/KFGS-Flood-Survey
· Interactive map: bit.ly/KFGS-Flood-Maps
· Email: [email protected]
· Facebook: @CityofGreaterBendigo
Media Contact: Ros Manning 5434 6114 or 0408 654773
