Delivery Program 2009–2012 - Rockdale City Council - NSW ...

Communications Strategy and PolicyCommunication is an important part of Council’s corporate image and public relations. NSW Councils are requiredunder Section 8 of the Local Government Act 1993 to “facilitate the involvement of Councillors, members of thepublic, users of facilities and services and Council staff in the development, improvement and coordination of localgovernment”.To comply with this Act, Council has developed a Communications Strategy and Policy to ensure that different levelsof communications using different communication channels are implemented to inform and engage the communityand public in general.The Strategic objectives are: Create a positive and professional image for Council; Effectively reinforce Council’s Strategic Directions to all customers; Improve Council’s external and internal communications; Produce materials in Plain English and suitable for their target audiences; and Have all visual communications consistent with the Style Manual Version 2.1.The policy’s objectives include: Provide accurate, timely, relevant and understandable information to the community about programs, servicesand initiatives; Use a variety of communication channels to meet the needs of the diverse community; Engage with the community when establishing priorities, developing planning programs and services; and Involve staff when establishing priorities, developing planning programs and services.For effective and good communication Council will ensure the following requirements are implemented: Use of corporate identity; Use of various communication channels; Engaging the community; and Access and easy to understand information.Community PlanCommunity planning forms the platform for Council’s Community Services provision. The new Community Plan willbe an overarching framework to facilitate a coordinated approach for the planning and development of facilities andservices for the community.This broad document will include the following areas:◆ Library Services;◆ Human Services;◆ Recreation and Leisure;◆ Crime Prevention and Community Safety; and◆ Culture and Arts.Delivery Program 2009-2012 | 13