What makes a good local government engagement strategy?
A good engagement strategy is a decision-making tool. It explains what people can influence, who needs to participate, how the process will work and how the organisation will respond. A calendar of activities alone cannot provide that clarity.
Practical guidance for scoping work. Adapt it to the project and check current policy and applicable requirements. Numbered references identify sources supporting factual statements; the recommended workflow is Soft Infrastructure’s practice guidance.
1. Define the decision and scope for influence
Identify the decision-maker, key milestones and what is open to change. Explain fixed constraints in plain language and distinguish informing people from seeking input. Write a short public statement that participants can use to judge whether the invitation is meaningful.
Local Government Victoria describes the community engagement and strategic planning principles of the Local Government Act 2020, including the requirement for councils to adopt and maintain an engagement policy [1]. Check the council’s current policy and the requirements applying to the particular decision. This guide is a practice framework, not a substitute for that review.
2. Understand participation before selecting methods
Map affected communities, interested parties, delivery partners and decision-makers. Ask whose experience is absent from existing records. Consider language, disability access, caring responsibilities, transport, digital access and previous experiences with Council. The Victorian inclusive engagement guidance provides practical prompts for identifying organisational barriers [2].
Set participation objectives that fit the decision. An open survey, a targeted conversation and a deliberative process serve different purposes. Explain the selection or recruitment approach and what can be concluded from it. Do not describe voluntary respondents as representative of the whole municipality without supporting evidence.
3. Match methods and resources to the task
Choose a sequence that helps people understand the issue and contribute informed views. Combine methods where needed: interviews to understand context, workshops to explore trade-offs and written options for those unable to attend. Budget for access support, analysis and reporting as well as the event itself.
Prepare discussion materials that explain the choices and invite critique. Pilot key questions to check whether they are clear and leading. Allocate time for participants to consider information and for staff to analyse the findings before decisions are made. State how sensitive information will be handled.
4. Establish governance and analysis
Assign responsibility for delivery, approvals, record keeping, risk management and reporting. Agree how emerging issues will be escalated. Make the analysis approach explicit: how themes will be identified, differences explored and evidence gaps recorded.
Keep a decision trail showing how engagement findings relate to options and recommendations. Participation totals measure reach, while feedback quality, access and influence answer other questions. Use a mix of measures rather than equating a high response count with a successful process.
5. Close the loop and evaluate
Set the reporting commitment before invitations go out. Tell people when they can expect an update and publish an accessible explanation of what was heard, what changed and what did not change. The Victorian inclusive engagement guide recommends keeping communities informed and sharing how their insights were used [2].
Evaluate the process against its purpose. Review participation gaps, access arrangements, participant experience and whether the findings reached the decision at the right time. Record lessons for future projects and preserve relationships after the formal consultation period ends.
A practical scope checklist
- Decision and influence statement
- Participation and access plan
- Methods, timeline and resources
- Governance and analysis approach
- Feedback commitment and evaluation measures
Sources and further reading
Sources checked 7 October 2026. Follow the original guidance for its full context and updates.