City online consultation tool helps residents have their say

Riding on the coat tails of three national awards for social engagement, the City of Greater Geraldton is now using an additional tool to better connect with Geraldton residents to gain input into decision making on a range of topics.
 
Your City Your Say is a new online engagement forum where citizens can easily engage, communicate and collaborate with the City and Council and other residents on the City’s future.
 
City of Greater Geraldton Mayor, Ian Carpenter, said the goal of the forum is to involve as many members of the community as possible in Council decision making processes.
 
“All you need to do is go to the City’s webpage and on the homepage you will find links to Your City Your Say. All that is required is for people to sign up, and then they can submit their thoughts, ideas and feedback on different topics in which the City seeks their input,” he said.
 
“It’s a great way for people to have their say on things that matter to them without having to leave their work place or the comfort of their own home.
 
“Once participants on the site submit their thoughts and ideas they will receive feedback from the City on their ideas. Their submission will then join other submissions to inform Council decision making,” said Mayor Carpenter.
 
The City has teamed up with online social media broadcaster, Everything Geraldton, to make sure everyone who is online sees the opportunity.
 
Implementing the online forum Your City Your Say is also in response to recent Community Panel recommendations.
 
Mayor Carpenter said the City’s recent work with Community Panels recommended that the City should make better use of social media.
 
“The launch of Your City Your Say was the direct response to that recommendation. The forum has just gone live and we encourage as many people possible to engage with it,” he said.
 
“You can access Your City Your Say from the City’s website where the forum’s featured topic or question can be seen on the homepage.
 
“Currently there’s a question about the Mullewa Muster and also a question about how best the City can communicate with you, what’s your preferred method,” said Mayor Carpenter.

“It’s now easier than ever before to be involved, support new ideas, provide the City with feedback, vote for what’s important to you and inform Council decision making.”