Help shape how we engage: Have your say on our draft Community Engagement Policy

The City of Norwood Payneham & St Peters invites residents, ratepayers and business owners to help shape the future of local decision-making.

From Friday 12 June to Sunday 5 July 2026, the Council is seeking community feedback on its draft Community Engagement Policy.

Why is this happening?

This review is a response to the State Government’s new Community Engagement Charter, published in December 2025. Under the Local Government Act 1999, all South Australian councils are required to update their engagement policies to align with this mandatory legislative framework. The goal of the new Charter is to ensure councils across the state consult effectively, transparently and consistently when making decisions that impact their communities.

What this means for you

The draft Policy is more than just a legislative requirement; it is a commitment to open, accountable and responsive decision-making. By participating in this consultation, you are helping the Council set the standards for how you can expect to be involved in the future.

A key benefit of the updated policy includes clearer engagement categories that define when and how the Council will consult on different matters, from local issues to significant city-wide plans.

Through this consultation, the Council is also seeking insights on how the community prefer to hear about and participate in consultations to improve accessibility and better integrate local knowledge and community input.

How to have your say

We want your feedback on the draft Policy and to learn more about how you prefer to participate in local decision-making. There are several ways to get involved:

• Online: Complete the feedback form at www.npsp.sa.gov.au/haveyoursay.
• In person: Pick up a hardcopy survey and a copy of the draft policy at the Citizen Service Centre or any of the Council’s three libraries
• Written submissions: You can also provide feedback via email to communityengagement@npsp.sa.gov.au or by post to PO Box 204, Kent Town SA 5071.

Consultation closes Sunday 5 July 2026.

Following the consultation period, all feedback will be reviewed, and a summary will be provided to the Council.

The final policy is scheduled for adoption at the Council meeting on 7 August 2026, ahead of the legislative deadline in September.