By Lynne Strong

Kiama Council’s Community Engagement Strategy aims to create a movement to harness the collective wisdom of its residents. The expertise within our community could be the key to unlocking a prosperous and successful future. But there’s a challenge: the complexity of policy making and excessive bureaucratisation often leave citizens feeling out of the loop.

For truly inclusive community engagement in policy development and strategic planning the council must not only recognise but also proactively ensure clear, accessible communication, underpinning their genuine commitment to involving the community at every stage.

The world of policy development is riddled with technical terms and acronyms, making it daunting for the average person to have their say. This can create a divide, where decisions are made by a few who ‘speak the language’ -- sometimes referred to as bureaucratise – potentially leaving behind those affected..

To bridge this gap, we need to simplify the conversation. Community engagement experts must become translators of complex concepts, making them accessible to all. They should help demystify the process, turning industry speak into everyday language that resonates with the community.

By making the dialogue more accessible, we empower every resident to contribute to shaping the policies that will affect their lives. The true success of a policy isn’t just in its economic impact but also in how well it’s understood and embraced by the community.

The development of our community in Kiama should be a communal table, where everyone is invited to sit, understand, and shape the future of their home. It’s about creating a legacy of prosperity and well-being for future generations.

Let’s ensure that the wisdom within our community isn’t lost in translation but is instead used to fuel growth and innovation across all sectors.

Lynne Strong

Director of Ecosystem Development

Consultancy firm Moo Co.