recruitment process to identify potential independent committee members , with a report on the appointment of these members to return to council on 22 March .
Have your say and engage with Council
Central Coast Council has adopted a new Engagement Framework following its meeting on Tuesday 24 January 2017 .
As part of council ’ s commitment to strengthening the way it relates to its community , the new framework will feature a diverse range of avenues for the community to have their say on important local issues . Including the Your Voice – Our Coast online platform , social media , Community Think Tanks and the Out & About program .
Council Administrator , Mr Ian Reynolds , said that the adoption of a new Engagement Framework was a significant step forward for the organisation .
“ This will guide our approach , purpose and principles when engaging with residents ,” Mr Reynolds said .
“ Our community is a valued partner in our decision making across things like planning , major projects and service delivery .
“ This framework will allow everyone to have their say as we develop a shared vision for the Central Coast .”
The new Engagement Framework is based on internationally recognised principles from the International Association of Public Participation .
As part of this new approach , Council will also move toward a place-based engagement model , seeking to make families and communities more engaged and connected by fostering a greater sense of neighbourhood .
Council will shortly be calling for expressions of interest for residents to participate in an advisory group to support the development of the first ever Central Coast Community Strategic Plan – a first under the new framework .
Mr Reynolds added that the focus of new engagement activities will be around creating a greater understanding of the complex nature of Council ’ s work .
“ This new approach is about bringing consultation to the community and will see us become more open , accessible and transparent .
“ It will see more staff , including myself and the Executive out and about asking and answering questions and getting feedback to ensure our service delivery is meeting the community ’ s needs and expectations .
“ Multiple online platforms will also be available to give residents the opportunity to engage with Council 24 / 7 .
“ Ultimately , we want people to be able to communicate with Council as easily and effectively as possible , building trust in what we aim to be a collaborative and fruitful relationship ,” Mr Reynolds said .
Enterprise Resource Planning ( ERP ) System
Council has approved the consolidation of corporate systems by implementing an Enterprise Resource Planning ( ERP ) System , future-proofing service delivery and supporting a united , effective and efficient organisation .
Following a review of structures , processes , people , culture and customer focus ; the ERP aims to improve the way Council interacts with the community .
Council Administrator , Mr Ian Reynolds , said that the project was about Council serving the community to the best of its ability .
“ The implementation of this ERP will see an improvement to our systems and the overall customer experience , promoting selfservice and 24 / 7 access to Council ,” Mr Reynolds said .
“ A project of this nature had been planned and budgeted for by both former-organisations and we now have the opportunity to achieve better outcomes as a single entity .
“ The creation of the new organisation has seen a wonderful collaboration of ideas , experience and approaches to streamlining and updating our systems .
“ The project we will enable improved planning and management of Council assets , improved customer experience and more accurate and effective data collection .”
The project will be rolled out in stages and will in no way impact any of Council ’ s current service delivery .
Media Contact : Matthew Townsend 4325 8282 or 0409 444 100
February 2017 | Business 2 Business with a Twist
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