Council project to improve community contact

Baw Baw Shire Council has conceded it needs to better engage with its community.
Its answer, that will come online from next Monday, is Baw Baw Connect which mayor Annemarie McCabe claims will be "a step in the right direction towards creating more meaningful and transparent engagement with our residents".
It is clear that sticking with the same old engagement methods is not meeting the expectations of the community, she said.
Cr McCabe said residents told council they wanted greater engagement and more proactive information sharing from council.
"We've listened. Our new consultation platform, Baw Baw Connect, is one step we are taking to make it easier for you to have your say your way and make sure your views are heard.
"It is clear that sticking with the same old engagement methods is not meeting the expectations of our evolving community. We are committed to meeting those expectations and evolving along with our community to make sure they are able to engage with council in ways that work for them. That's what this initiative is all about," she said.
Features of the Baw Baw Connect platform include interactive maps, polls and discussion forums; analysis and cross-referencing of resident feedback, better efficiency in council officers accessing information, and an option for residents to receive direct email notification about council project milestones, updates and outcomes.
Baw Baw Connect's launch on Monday will invite residents to put their views on three upcoming projects - the open space review, significant tree register and the Yarragon and Trafalgar pedestrian and cycling study.
Residents can be involved by accessing online https://www.bawbawconnect.com.au